Tips for Navigating Adult Braces

More and more people are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment in adulthood. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that 33% of current orthodontic patients are adults. 

So, whether you need to undergo orthodontic treatment for a second time due to shifting teeth or this is your first time, it can be comforting to know that adult orthodontic treatment is very common. 

The benefits of orthodontic treatments don’t change with age, but how you navigate undergoing that treatment can look different when you’re an adult compared to a kid or teen. 

Because of that, Nodesh Shyamsunder, BDS, Jasleen Raina, DDS, and the rest of our Beaches Dentistry team in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, want to explain why straightening your teeth is so essential for your oral health and how to care for your braces while they align your smile. 

How braces benefit your oral health

Metal braces consist of three parts: brackets, wires, and bands. Brackets are adhered to the front of each tooth, and a wire slides through to attach them all. Bands are placed over the front of the brackets and wires to keep them in place. The brackets and wires encourage your teeth to move as the wire slowly gets tightened. 

Braces can address several issues, such as:

• Overcrowded teeth
• Crooked or gapped teeth
• Overbite: your top teeth cover too much of your bottom teeth
• Underbite: your bottom teeth stick out further than your top teeth
• Open bite: your front teeth don’t touch while your mouth is closed

Though these can mainly seem like cosmetic issues, correcting how your teeth and jaw fit offers so much more than aesthetic benefits. 

When your jaw and teeth are aligned, it becomes much more difficult for food and plaque to become trapped and much easier for you to floss and brush efficiently, which lowers your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. You also reduce your risk for jaw issues, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which often causes head and jaw pain.

How to care for your braces

Braces require an investment of your money and time. To get the most out of your treatment, caring for your braces properly needs to be a top priority. 

Here are some guidelines for proper brace care:

• Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush 
• Clean hard-to-reach areas with a water flosser or proxy brush
• Avoid eating foods that are especially sticky or hard 
• Never skip your scheduled braces maintenance appointments 
• Call our team immediately if a bracket or wire breaks

Not cleaning your braces properly can put you at risk for tooth decay and gum disease since it’s easy for food particles to build up in the metal hardware’s nooks and crannies. In addition, skipping appointments or not addressing broken braces pieces could put you at risk for mouth injury or delayed treatment time.  

To learn more about adult orthodontic treatments, contact our team by calling our office or booking a consultation online today.