Perhaps you feel your teeth are not perfectly straight, or you think your bite could be adjusted. It’s quite possible that braces and orthodontic treatments might be the right choice for you.
You might need braces if …
The ideal age for a child to be seen by an orthodontist is age seven. However, there are many orthodontic treatment options available to adults. It is becoming increasingly common for adults to wear braces and other orthodontic devices.
In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bone changes shape as pressure is applied.
Some of the adjustments your orthodontist makes to your braces may make your mouth feel sore or uncomfortable. When needed, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. If you always experience a lot of pain after your braces are adjusted, talk to your orthodontist. He or she may be able to do adjustments a bit differently.
The mechanical process used to move teeth with braces is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main difference between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.