Everything You Need To Know About Getting Braces After 50
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Braces after 50
by: Emily Taylor
Adults most commonly need braces later in life mostly because they didn’t get their orthodontic issues corrected as children. While these may seem like issues you’d think you can work around as you grow older, over time many orthodontic issues in fact become much worse and lead to bigger complications in both your oral health as well as your jaw functionality. And if they aren’t treated in time, it can become much worse. It is understandable that you will be concerned about getting braces when you’re closer to 50 than 15, but it is extremely necessary to fix any bite or dental imperfections while you can and avoid suffering from dental problems later.
How Do I Know If I Need Braces?
First let us start with helping you identify the signs that you should watch-out for to understand if you required orthodontic treatment:
- If you face difficulty in biting and chewing your food
- If you regularly get food stuck in between the gaps in your teeth
- If you have swollen gums
- If you have speech issues
But, don’t worry if you are able to identify to more than one of the above mentioned symptoms, it doesn’t always mean there is serious cause to worry, but it is simply best to visit your orthodontist and let him conduct an oral test to gauge your dental health and suggest orthodontic care accordingly. If braces are a part of the treatment plan, there is no reason to worry again.
What Are My Options?
With the advancements in the field of dental technology, braces aren’t as big and prominent as they used to be. In fact these days there are a number of options available. While the decision of which type of braces are best for you ultimately lies with your orthodontist and what he thinks will be the most effective way to correct your orthodontic issues, it is always better to be informed of the various adult orthodontic treatment options available. Take a look at them below:
- Metal Braces
These braces include brackets and wires made of high-grade stainless steel that are attached to the front of the teeth. These are usually required in very extreme cases of malocclusion.
- Clear Ceramic Braces
Unlike metal braces, the clear ceramic colored braces are made to match the color of the teeth and are much less noticeable as they easily blend in.
- Lingual Braces
Lingual braces or concealed braces work a little differently than the traditional braces as these are attached to the back of your teeth to keep them hidden.
- Invisalign Clear Braces
Invisalign are a set of clear braces that are customized to frame and align your teeth. Not only are they less visible, but are also completely removable, thus ensuring you never have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces. This is usually offered as a treatment option for adults with spacing problems between their teeth.
It’s Never Too Late to Get Orthodontic Help!
When the teeth are crooked, it is tougher to chew the food, this in turn disrupts your digestion and may lead to indigestion or an upset stomach. Correcting your bite will not only help you chew your food properly but also allow you to eat a wider variety of foods.
Also, as you age, along with your body, your mouth also changes, which may lead to difficulties in breathing when asleep. By ensuring that your bite and jaws are aligned, you can reduce the chances of sleep related breathing problems. Correcting a misaligned bite or jaw also reduces your chances of suffering from conditions like Temporomandibular joint disorder, which can lead to compromised jaw movement, thus creating difficulty in speaking and chewing as well.
Now that you have a better understanding of the various benefits of getting braces as an adult as well as the types of braces available, you should be better prepared for your next dental visit. Book an appointment with your dentist today and ensure you get the help you need well in advance!
Author Bio:
Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily and she loves researching and writing about it.
She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – whether is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!
