Questions You Might Have About Getting Braces as an Adult

Dentist Blog

Braces are not just for kids any longer; many adults today decide to get braces on their teeth, usually to correct problems that were not addressed when they were kids. This can mean an overbite, crooked teeth, and the like. If you're thinking of getting braces as an adult, note a few questions you might have and then discuss these with a dentist or orthodontist if you're still unsure of the procedure.

How long do braces need to stay on?

While it may not be unusual for braces to need to stay on for years, note that there is no standard answer to this question. It depends on the extent of the problem you're addressing and how easily teeth can be manipulated into place. Some adults may need to have braces for several years in order to correct a severe overbite, whereas others may need to wear them for much less time if they're just gently nudging a few teeth into place. If you're concerned about wearing braces for the next three, four, or five years, talk to your dentist about this concern and he or she can tell you how long you could expect to be wearing braces; you may be surprised to find out that it will be much less time for you.

Do braces give you bad breath?

Braces need some extra care and attention for cleaning, as food particles may get stuck between the wires and your teeth. Your dentist will usually provide you with a special little brush for this job and give you instructions on how to keep braces clean. However, if you neglect this chore, you may get bad breath just like anyone who neglects their overall oral hygiene. In those cases, it's not the braces that are the problem, but neglecting them. If you take care of your braces properly and clean them as instructed, you shouldn't get any more cases of bad breath than you did before you had them installed.

Is headgear needed with braces?

Adults especially may be concerned about headgear, or a special bracket that fits over the head and which attaches to braces; these can be very unsightly and may make you uncomfortable if you should need to wear this apparatus during work hours. However, note that headgear is often needed in only the most extreme cases when there is extra pressure required to pull teeth into position. If you're concerned about wearing headgear or any appliance along with your braces, talk to your dentist; he or she may have alternatives that aren't as unsightly but which can help to make your teeth straight and healthy again.

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20 July 2016

Unraveling Dental Myths about Children: A Blog for Parents

When I had my first child, I was a nervous wreck. Every book I read gave different advice, and I just wanted to be right! By the time I had my third child, some of the stress had abated. I now realised, there were tons of different perspectives on everything related to raising children including dentistry. To help parents, I have created this blog dedicated to unraveling dental myths about children. I am including posts that weigh both sides of issues such as thumb sucking, dental caries, breastfeeding, flossing and any other topic I can think of. I hope you find the information you need to unravel dental myths, but most importantly, I hope you find some peace of mind. With kids and dentistry, there can be more than one right answer, and I want you to be able to relax and go with the answer that's right for you.