When you think about wearing braces, usually what comes to mind is someone young, often a teenager. They aren't limited to youth, however. Plenty of people end up needing braces as adults too. If that's you, if you're an adult who needs braces, there are some things you should know.
Reasons for Adult Braces
There are multiple reasons for adults to get braces. The most obvious reasons are to straighten teeth and correct a bite. Crooked teeth are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to damage and decay. Similarly, a misaligned bite can cause excessive wear and tear to teeth. The quality of your smile impacts how people think of you. Whether it's fair or not is up for debate, but the fact is that how your teeth look can impact your social and professional interactions. It can also impact how you think of yourself. People tend to think more positively of themselves when they perceive their teeth and smile to be pleasant and attractive.
Look for Options
If having a mouth full of metal isn't something that appeals to you, you're in luck. There are lots of options beyond the traditional metal braces, many of which are less intrusive or at least more subtle. Braces can be placed on the backs of teeth to hide brackets completely. If the corrections you need are minor, clear aligners are another option. And then there are damon braces. Damon braces have many advantages over traditional braces. They don't require elastic ties and instead use a special slide mechanism to connect the brackets to the archwire. This reduces friction and the potential for bacteria and plaque that are sometimes retained by the elastic ties.
Dental Hygiene with Braces
If you get braces, you can expect dental hygiene to become more of an involved process than it was before. You should brush your teeth after every meal, and floss at least once per day. It's important to brush the whole tooth, including the hard-to-reach areas behind the archwire. This may seem pretty tough, but fortunately, there are tools you can use that make brushing and flossing while wearing braces a little easier. Of course, it's important to make sure you keep up with your regular orthodontist and dentist appointments while you wear braces. This helps ensure that the braces are working as they should and in good condition and that your teeth are too.
If you need braces, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the process. You should know why you are getting them, what your options are, and how to take care of them. Braces can do good things for your smile and your oral health. Are they right for you?
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