According to the American Association, today, about 4 million Americans wear braces. You may think that the number only constitutes children, but the truth is that a significant number of adults also seek orthodontic services. Actually, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. But, of course, their braces are quite different from children’s braces.
This article explores some differences between adult and children’s braces. This way, you will know what to expect when going for orthodontic treatment.
Fitting Adult Braces May Require Further Procedures
Many adults have undergone likely to have undergone past dental procedures. Therefore. It’s relatively challenging for the attending orthodontist to fit adult braces. As a result, the orthodontist may have to do further procedures like adding a prosthetic bone to the mouth.
On the other hand, working on children’s orthodontics is easier because they are younger and are less likely to have a history of dental treatment.
Children’s Braces Appear Way Cooler Than Adult Braces
Admittedly, adults tend to eschew braces because they have a peculiar appearance. They are afraid that the business world will perceive them differently, and are more likely to feel embarrassed when wearing traditional braces. That’s why most adults opt to use the more modern types (like ceramic braces) to repel attention from their teeth.
On the other hand, children’s braces come in lots of shapes and sizes, and they are highly customizable. For example, children can get exciting colored bands on their braces. Besides, braces are more popular with children and teenagers, which makes them easily acceptable within this age bracket.
Children’s Braces are Relatively Small
There is no one fit size for braces. Orthodontists measure the mouth size of each patient and customize fitting braces. However, adults tend to have bigger jaws, which means their braces are comparatively bigger.
Although children and adults may receive orthodontic treatment for similar issues like misalignment and overcrowding, there is still a big substantial between the two groups. Adult braces may require more dental procedures than children’s braces. Additionally, children’s braces appear more attractive and acceptable. However, that shouldn’t stop an adult from getting braces. Although the treatment has different dynamics, braces help align crowded, misaligned, and crooked teeth in children and adults..
Book an appointment with our experienced orthodontist today to discuss how braces can help you.