Today, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult because untreated misaligned teeth leads to dental problems later on in life.

Dental issues as a result of leaving misaligned teeth untreated include tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty chewing. However, orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better and decreasing the risk of future dental problems regardless of age.

Advances in orthodontics have also made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever for individuals of all ages. Many of today’s treatment options are designed to minimise the appearance of the appliance to better fit any lifestyle.

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there’s no such thing as being too old for braces. However, orthodontic treatment for adults is different in two important respects. For one thing, the growth and development of the jaws is complete in adults, so changes in actual jaw structure can’t be accomplished with orthodontic appliances in the way they can with a growing child.

Secondly, periodontal (gum) disease is more prevalent in adults than in children. While you are wearing the orthodontic appliances, gentle forces will be applied to your teeth so they can move through their surrounding bone. Periodontal health plays a key role in all of this; if the gum tissues are not healthy during orthodontics, bone loss can result and weaken the long-term prognosis of your teeth. So, any gum disease must be brought under control before orthodontic treatment begins. And to maintain your periodontal health, you will need to make sure to have regular professional cleanings during the orthodontics while maintaining good oral hygiene at home.

Reasons to get braces

Adults decide to get braces for several reasons, which include:

• Crooked or misaligned teeth. Misaligned and uneven teeth can interfere with a healthy bite. Misalignment can lead to excessive tooth wear, gum disease, tooth decay, jaw problems, and chipped teeth.

• Mouth size. A small mouth can cause tooth crowding, while a large mouth can cause larger spaces between teeth.

• Aesthetics. Many people do not like the look of their smiles and would prefer teeth that look straighter or more even.

Types of adult braces

Today, there are several inconspicuous options for adult braces:

• Removable aligners. These are also referred to as clear aligners, which you wear throughout the day and night. You can remove them when needed, such as when you eat or attend events like business meetings or special occasions. For treatment with aligners, the orthodontist takes an impression of your teeth and makes multiple sets of computer-generated custom-fitted aligners for you to wear. You change to a new set of aligners every few weeks as the teeth move – then put in a new set of aligners. The aligners are clear, so they are barely noticeable.

• Ceramic or clear braces. The installation of ceramic or clear braces is directly on your teeth, just like traditional braces. They are less noticeable because the brackets and pieces attached to the teeth are tooth-coloured ceramic material.

• Lingual braces. A dentist will attach lingual braces behind your teeth, so they’re not noticeable!

Managing your treatment

A typical course of orthodontic care takes about 18 to 22 months, depending on the severity of the problem and the type of appliance chosen. Though the length of treatment with aligners depends on wearing the device faithfully, adults usually are very motivated to do so.

It’s possible to use more than one device during a course of treatment. For example, a person might want to start with an aligner for several months before switching over to conventional braces.

Your orthodontist will take a complete medical history before starting orthodontia care. Because teeth move through living bone during orthodontic care, it’s important for an orthodontist to know if you have low bone density or are taking drugs for the condition. The issue predominantly concerns women, as they are more likely than men to seek orthodontic care as adults and more likely to be affected by low bone density.

The takeaway

The popularity of braces among adults is growing and showing no signs of slowing down. Technology offers choices for a variety of lifestyles and strategies for completing treatment quickly and effectively.

Dr Sharon Robinson’s office, The Dental Place Cosmestix Spa is located at Winchester Business Centre, Shop #5. You can contact us at 876 630 4710 or WhatsApp 876 441 4872. You can also get social with us on Instagram: @Dentalcosmetixspa and Facebook: DentalCosmetixspa