There is no “right” age to get braces. It is recommended orthodontic treatment starts in early teens and late childhood when most of the adult teeth are in, but the jaw is still growing. However, more and more adults, even those over 50, are enjoying the benefits of dental braces.
A daily oral cleaning routine becomes even more essential during treatment with dental braces. Flossing can be challenging, and dentists recommend you use an interdental brush or a floss threader to clean between teeth. A water flosser may also be useful in cleaning around the brackets and wires and other hard-to-reach places.
There may be some initial discomfort when braces are first put on and after they are adjusted. Most people find the discomfort to be minimal. Some find the wire and brackets irritate or scratch against the inside of the mouth. This issue usually goes away and can be easily remedied with orthodontic wax.
The average treatment time with traditional braces ranges between 18 to 24 months. Problems that are more difficult to correct may take up to three years. Less severe issues can take as little as six months to correct. The length of time someone needs to wear braces depends on their unique situation.
Braces do not cause stains on teeth but plaque that builds up in hard-to-reach areas can cause discoloration. For this reason, a strict brushing and flossing routine is essential. You may want to avoid drinking staining beverages such as soda or coffee while wearing braces. The good news is, if discoloration occurs, there are cosmetic procedures available to remedy it.




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