Why Braces are Worth It for Adults

When it comes to braces for adults, straightening your teeth gives you an amazing smile, increased self-esteem and so much more: There are many reasons that deciding to straighten your teeth now is beneficial.

Correcting a Malocclusion (Bad Bite) Can Prevent a Variety of Problems

Malocclusion refers to a problem with the way the teeth fit together while biting and/or chewing. Although initially, this may not seem like a big deal, when your bite is off, it can lead to a variety of other health issues that negatively affect your quality of life.

Potential health issues include:

• Chronic jaw pain.
• Temporomandibular Jaw Dysfunction (TMJ, TMD).
• Headaches.
• Earaches.
• Problems chewing.
• Facial pain.
• Bone erosion.
• And more.

Braces can be used to correct a bad bite and prevent these health problems from developing. If you are already experiencing these health issues, correcting your bite may help relieve some of the symptoms, or eliminate them altogether.

Types of Braces for Adults

The Damon System

The Damon System is an innovative teeth-straightening technique that is being used to address the same dental issues as traditional metal braces; however, with the Damon System, patients’ teeth are straightened using light, tieless brackets, and high-technology, shape-memory archwires. This system is clinically-proven to align a patient’s teeth easier and more comfortable than traditional teeth-straightening treatments. One of the reasons that Damon Braces are more comfortable than traditional braces is simply their design: Traditional braces use elastics, which create friction and restrict movement; while, the Damon Braces’ self-ligating brackets do not require elastics, allowing for freer tooth movement.

Convenient and More Efficient Than Traditional Braces

With the traditional braces, patients must visit the orthodontist every 4 weeks for adjustments; however, since Damon Braces do not have any elastics, patients who choose the Damon System will not need adjustments; therefore, they do not need to return to the orthodontist’s office as frequently.

Damon Clear

Just like the Original Damon Braces, Damon Clear offers patients a more comfortable treatment option than traditional braces. In addition, Damon Clear is comparable to clear aligners in that the brackets are clear, making them virtually ‘invisible.’ One of the benefits of choosing Damon Clear Braces over clear aligners is that you do not have to worry about misplacing your aligner or forgetting it at your favorite restaurant.

The Timeframe for Adult Braces

The length of time an adult needs to wear Damon Braces depends on the specific dental issues that are being addressed. The only way to determine treatment time is to perform an examination; therefore, if you have bite issues and you are interested in straightening your teeth, contact DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics to schedule a free initial consultation. After your examination, our orthodontist will have an idea about how long you will need to wear Damon Braces.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

Practicing good oral hygiene with braces is vital to maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. With braces, the brackets and wires can easily become a trap for food particles. These food particles feed the bacteria in your mouth, as they thrive, the bacteria release an acid that creates a sticky biofilm that attaches to the teeth and gums. This biofilm is called dental plaque. As this plaque builds up, it damages the tooth enamel and the gums. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens into tartar (calculus).

Once plaque becomes tartar, it can only be removed by a dental professional. If oral hygiene practices are disregarded, as the tartar and plaque accumulate on your teeth and gums, you may develop gum disease. However, using effective brushing and flossing techniques greatly reduces your likelihood of developing gum disease. The brushing and flossing techniques you will use depends on which braces you choose.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

There are certain foods that can cause damage to, or even dislodge your archwires and brackets. For example, you need to avoid hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, LifeSavers and Tic Tacs, etc.) as well as very crunchy foods (e.g., popcorn and nuts, etc.). Any hard food that is usually bitten into, must be cut up (e.g., apples and pears, etc.). Chewy foods like caramel and taffy could pull your archwires loose, so these must also be removed from your diet until your treatment is complete.

If you are considering straightening your teeth, contact our office today. We offer the most innovative orthodontic treatments available and are dedicated to providing our patients with the personalized care they deserve. Call DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics today and make an appointment for your free consultation.