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As one of the most common dental procedures all over the world, dentistry is an experience that millions of people all over the world have to undergo. For some people, braces are a right of passage that every teenager goes through, while for others it is a representation of embarrassment and painful chewing. The intended outcome, however, is the same in every case.
Braces are recognized by many for their miraculous effects on even the most dire of tooth-related cases, whether they range from extreme misalignment to impacted teeth. When the word comes to mind, chances are that you either think of Invisalign— but did you know that braces actually come in two main types that have nothing to do with the material used? Keep reading to find out more!
The classification of braces
Unbeknownst to most, there are actually two different types of braces: adolescent and adult. Although it might seem like braces may be all the same from person to person because of their common goal to improve dental health and conditions while aligning teeth, the truth is that there are a few different factors that affect the type of braces that will be applied. While dental structure, presence of milk teeth, and overall tooth health are definitely important aspects to consider, the main divider between the cases wherein adolescent and adult braces is the age of the person getting the treatment.
In order to understand the difference between these two revolutionary treatments, let’s look at the facts from a more detailed standpoint:
What are adolescent braces?
Adolescent braces are a type of dental treatment for those who fall under the adolescent age range and are in need of teeth alignment or bite correction. One of the main factors why adolescent braces are different from their adult counterparts is the fact that adolescents are still growing, which means that they’re still cutting permanent teeth and going through jaw formation. During the planning stage for adolescent braces and their application, attention to a lot of details, such as the projected growth behavior of their adolescent’s jaw and teeth and the rate at which bones grow, is definitely required to get the desired outcome.
What are adult braces?
Adult braces, unlike adolescent braces, are a type of dental treatment that is specifically applied towards adults seeking dental corrections. If you ask any dentist, they’ll most definitely tell you that running an adult braces treatment is much harder compared to carrying out adolescent braces. Several factors, such as bone loss, full formation and growth, mild gingivitis, and root resorption can prolong and delay the treatment process, which means that more time and preparation will be needed to correct your teeth compared to if you were to get braces during your younger years.
Why should you get adult braces?
One of the most common misconceptions that adults with tooth problems tend to have is that it is, more often than not, too late to get corrective dental treatment. Thankfully, with modern treatments and greater general expertise among dentists, getting braces as an adult can be a smooth and easy process with long-term benefits that can pay off in the long run. Here are a few more reasons why you should seek dental treatment as an adult:
- Braces can help improve the condition of periodontal problems.
- Braces can prevent or reduce bone loss around teeth.
- With braces, restoring missing teeth is much easier than without them.
- Braces can improve the function and strength of your teeth for better overall oral health while reversing the effects of bad tooth care.
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental health, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
