Braces are definitely not just for moody teenagers anymore. Many adults are finally taking the plunge and getting the straight teeth they've always wanted. While braces are not exactly fun at any age, adults with braces deal with some specific challenges that their adolescent counterparts do not. To help get over those challenges, three tips are listed below:
Problem #1: Self-Consciousness
While adolescents also tend to feel self-conscious about their braces, they can often rely on the fact that many of their classmates and friends are also wearing braces, or will be soon. Adults, on the other hand, wear braces far less often (even with numbers increasing), and don't have the same orthodontic camaraderie that teens do. When people first see your braces, they might be surprised or ask questions; plan ahead for these encounters and think about what you want to say about why you decided to get braces, when they should be coming off, etc. Remember, too, that many adults have had braces or have children who have them, so they will understand what you're experiencing and probably won't press too much.
Problem #2: Hurting Your Significant Other
Unless you're both wearing braces, you probably don't have to worry about locking braces with your partner. However, you do need to take care not to hurt your partner during intimate moments; nothing kills the mood faster than a cut lip or tongue. Take it slow at the beginning, and let your partner know that they should avoid moving their tongue near your teeth. This might seem tedious at the beginning, but practice makes perfect, and soon you won't even have to think about your braces.
Problem #3: Food Gets Stuck in Your Teeth Much More Easily
Nobody likes having food stuck in their teeth, but it can be a lot more detrimental for an adult to give an important presentation at work with broccoli stuck in their brackets. Keep your toothbrush and floss on hand always, or consider buying a couple extra toothbrushes so that you can keep one in your purse, one at home, and even one in the car. Make it easy to clean up your teeth after meals, and you'll never get caught with your teeth looking less than their best.
Some braces-related problems hit adults much harder than kids. But don't worry; you can get straight teeth without letting any of the problems listed above get in your way. Keep those tips in mind and enjoy your new smile!
Contact a dental office like Fayetteville Family Dentistry for more help.
Share7 October 2015
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.