Once people reach adulthood, an attractive appearance is important since not only does it give an individual the right amount of confidence, it leaves a good first impression, as well. Hence, having crooked or misaligned teeth can be problematic. Some adults are willing to do something about their teeth’s condition, such as getting braces from a dentist in Wilkes Barre. An article posted on the Harvard Health Publications website illustrates the occurrence of getting braces among adults
Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that one in five orthodontic patients is over age 18.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to correct longstanding cosmetic or bite problems or to remedy the effects of tooth loss, keep a few things in mind:
- The bones of adults have stopped growing, so some structural changes cannot be accomplished without surgery.
- The entire process may take longer for you than for a child or adolescent. While the time it takes to straighten teeth varies from person to person, on average, treatment lasts about two years.
Aside from preparing themselves to wear the braces for as long as two years on average, adults who get braces will also have to be ready to make changes in their diet. This entails avoiding foods like nuts, pretzels, and hard candies that have a tendency to get stuck in between the brackets. They also have to be ready to make frequent trips to their orthodontist, as the metal braces will need periodic adjustments. In some cases, braces may make them feel self-conscious.
Fortunately, adults can now go to a reliable dentist in Wilkes-Barre, PA for Invisalign treatment, which is a good alternative to the traditional metal braces. This device is designed to straighten crooked teeth without adults having to look like they have a “metal mouth” since it’s made of clear plastic aligners. Moreover, patients can remove the Invisalign when necessary, and the span of the dental treatment can take as little as one year, and maybe even less for some people.
Uneven teeth can be hard to deal with for adults as it reduces self-confidence. Fortunately, adults still have a chance to have their teeth straightened with the help of qualified dental practitioners.
