Are Braces Right for Adult Patients?

We all know that having crooked teeth is a major issue that can affect how we eat and talk, and left untreated, it can have detrimental health effects. In some cases, a severe spacing or crowding issue with teeth has been known to cause severe jaw issues and discomfort. While it is well known that children and teens can get corrective dental braces, there is still some confusion as to whether or not braces are an option for adult patients.

In fact, by some estimates, nearly a quarter of all dental patients with corrective braces are over 18. However, unlike children and teens, there are a few more concerns about getting braces. In this post, we’ll look at what it takes to get braces as an adult and how they can still help fix dental issues.

Getting Braces as an Adult

While children and teens typically face few concerns when getting braces installed, as adult patients, there are three main criteria that a dentist will use to evaluate if braces are a viable solution to your teeth spacing issues.

First of all, the dentist will see that the patient has a healthy set of teeth. This examination is because the braces must be affixed to the teeth, and missing teeth, teeth in poor shape, or teeth with root damage may be at risk when the braces are attached.

Secondly, the dentist will usually check to see the shape and condition of the jawbone. This check is so that the braces can be supported properly and ensure no permanent damage to the jaw due to dental issues that dentists did not previously correct.

Lastly, the dentist will make sure that the mouth and gums are free of disease and infection that may impact the patient’s health when they receive braces. Because most braces require a long-term commitment, the patient’s oral health must be in optimal shape before the braces are installed to prevent complications.

Once all the criteria have been met, patients of all ages can be given braces to correct dental issues.