Adult Orthodontics vs. Child Orthodontics
As orthodontics and dental treatments become more available to people of all ages around the world, more and more adults are choosing to get braces to help get their teeth on track. However, there are significant differences between adult orthodontics and child orthodontics. Keep yourself informed by learning about the major differences below.
Age-Related Factors
Most children have not had the time to develop conditions that are more common in adult patients. According to experts, the adult jaw is harder than it is in children since their bones are still growing, which makes adjusting adult teeth more difficult. Unhealthy gums from mild gingivitis and loss of adequate blood supply from loss of tissue at the roots of teeth can make pain more intense and healing slower for adults as well.
Adults are at a higher risk for a condition called root resorption and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Resorption occurs when your gums and bone reabsorb the roots of your teeth. If left untreated the tooth may become so insecure that it might fall out, so it is important that you and your orthodontist keep an eye out for any symptoms of resorption. TMD and its symptoms of joint pain in the jaw can result from treatment. Have your orthodontist assess your susceptibility to TMD.
Resorption, TMD and other conditions are potential problems that can make the adult experience more lengthy and complex than a child’s.
Fixing the Bite
One of the biggest reasons adults seek out corrective work for their teeth is to fix an improper bite, or malocclusion. By adulthood, teeth are ground down from eating and talking, which can worsen an overbite or underbite. The usual treatment also can become complicated by there being less space to move the teeth back to correct the bite, resulting in the need to take some teeth out. In children, fixing an improper bite is simpler due to the softness of the jawbone.
Expectations
Your treatment experience as an adult is vastly different than when you were a child. No matter the kind of treatment, most adults are highly concerned about appearance, discomfort and fulfilling expectations. As a result, adult patients perform the proper oral and braces care with more attention than children. Adult patients are motivated to get the best results as quickly as possible. This willingness to cooperate with orthodontic instructions leads to a less troublesome and satisfying treatment experience.
Looking to begin your journey towards orthodontic health and a brighter smile? Contact us at Sequence Orthodontics to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best orthodontic treatment plan for you. Our offices are conveniently located at Wadolrf and Leonardtown, MA.
Are Braces Painful?
Going to the dentist or orthodontist can be a daunting task, so having anxiety about having your teeth worked on is completely natural, especially when you are expecting some pain or discomfort. Thankfully, our experience and dedicated orthodontists at Sequence Orthodontics will work with you to ensure that you have the most pain-free and comfortable experience possible, no matter the
treatment. Here are some ways to avoid the pain and manage it when you cannot avoid it.
How to Prevent Pain
New pain from your braces can come from a variety of places. There is usually an adjustment period of getting used to your new metal gear immediately after you get your braces put on. Depending on your treatment plan, your orthodontist will tighten the wires on your braces from time to time, to keep them working efficiently. The key to reducing your pain or unease associated with your braces or retainer is to know how to take care of them. Having good eating habits is important as there are certain foods you should avoid when you have braces. Most issues that arise can be prevented with proper braces care.
How to Reduce Pain
There are quite a few quick fixes when your pain gets out of control:
- Oral anesthetics, like Arajel and Anbesol, can relieve pain quickly. They may not taste particularly good, but they help numb your mouth and mitigate pain. For less immediate pain or discomfort, over-the-counter medications will help reduce inflammation and kill pain. You might try taking the medication before your appointment to reduce the discomfort of your tightening or adjustment appointment.
- Icepacks relieve pain and swelling from your braces. The cold ice targets inflammation, as swelling just adds to the discomfort and pain. Along the same lines, drinking cold water throughout the day can help dull the sensations in your mouth and decrease swelling in sore gums.
- Eating soft foods is very important to the health of your braces. Hard foods like pretzels and hard candy can crack brackets and wires and cause painful cuts on the inside of the mouth and cheek. Soft foods do not pose a direct threat to your braces and are much easier on the teeth.
- Patience is key. Tightening your braces is always uncomfortable, but the pain will usually fade in a couple days. It will be worth it when the process is over and you’ll get to see the fantastic results of your treatment.
However, if you are experience long-term, persistent or serious pain, it may be wise to contact your dentist or orthodontist for a short-notice appointment to see what may be the issue and to correct it as quickly as possible.
Drs. Omid and Arash Rajaei at Sequence Orthodontics are determined to make your braces process the best it can possibly be. Come see us at our offices in Waldorf and Leonardtown, MA, and schedule a consultation to see what you can do about your smile!