[Health Column] Is it too late to start orthodontic treatment now? A prosthodontist answers!

 

 

Hello, this is Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic. Chief Director Jeong Jae-wook It is. ✨

 

 

🤔 "Will it be effective to start at this age?"

 

 

Have you ever worried about this at least once, when someone around you starts orthodontic treatment, or when you are bothered by crooked teeth in the mirror?

 

To start with the conclusion, regarding orthodontics There is absolutely no such thing as 'too late'! 

 

We will clearly highlight the key points regarding the distinct advantages and unique characteristics of adult correctional care, which are distinct from adolescent correctional care.

 

Shall we begin the journey to find a confident smile right now? 💕

 

 

1️⃣ What is the difference between adolescent correction and adult correction?

👋 The biggest difference is right Presence or absence of growth It is located at.

During adolescence, bones are soft and growth plates are open, making skeletal corrections such as prognathism or retrognathism possible.

 

On the other hand, since growth has ended in adults, it is difficult to change the position of the skeleton, but the teeth and angles within the hard bone It can be corrected very precisely and without error. . 🎯

 

Even though it may look like similarly crooked teeth on the outside, adults need a customized movement plan that is perfectly tailored to their current skeletal condition.

 

Just because your bones are strong doesn't mean correction isn't possible, so I recommend getting a precise diagnosis tailored to your skeletal structure first! ✔️

 

 

2️⃣ Is adult orthodontics more painful and much slower?

👋 Slow down a little, but Healthier and more stable Moving!

It is true that adults have higher bone density, so their cellular metabolism is slightly slower than that of adolescents.

 

commonly 24~30 months It takes about that long, so it can be several months longer than for adolescents.

 

⏳ You may experience a dull ache for the first 2 to 3 days, but this is as your teeth find their proper positions Healthy Signs So you can rest assured!

 

You may feel a heavy pain on the first night you wear the device, but you will surprisingly adapt within a few days.

 

If you are very worried about pain and the duration, 'self-ligating braces,' which reduce pain by minimizing friction, or 'clear braces,' which offer a clean appearance, can be good alternatives. 💡

 

3️⃣ Are there any advantages to being an adult?

👋 Overwhelming cooperation and Thorough self-management is the best weapon.

Adult orthodontics has 3 powerful advantages (TOP 3) unique to adults! 💎

 

🔸 1. Overwhelming cooperation with treatment 🤝

Unlike adolescents who are led by their parents, adults begin this process of their own strong will, so please strictly follow the doctor's instructions and precautions. This directly leads to the completeness of the treatment results.

 

🔸 2. Thorough Oral Hygiene Management 🪥

Because they meticulously use toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and dental floss on their own, the risk of cavities or gum disease that may occur during orthodontic treatment is significantly lower compared to adolescents.

 

🔸 3. Precise predictability without variables 📐

Since growth has already stopped, there is no unexpected variable called skeletal change.

 

You can establish an error-free treatment plan by predicting future changes in facial shape or dental alignment with greater precision.

 

The advantages of being an adult are maximized, especially in 'clear braces,' where self-care is essential. ✨

 

💬 Ask Me Anything! (FAQ)

Q1. Is it true that getting braces at an older age causes holes (black triangles) to form between the gums?

 

It’s not that a new gum disease is developing; it’s just a phenomenon where the overlapping teeth straighten out, revealing the previously empty spaces! 😮

 

This can be sufficiently aesthetically corrected with procedures such as 'interdental reduction' or 'resin treatment,' so you do not need to worry too much.

 

On the contrary, in the long run, it corrects the alignment of the teeth, which is of great help in preventing gum disease.

 

 

Q2. Is 'extraction orthodontics,' which involves pulling out healthy teeth, absolutely necessary for adult orthodontics?

 

Absolutely not! Whether or not to extract a tooth is determined not by the patient's age, but by the availability of space for the tooth to move and the degree of protrusion of the mouth.

 

Recently, with the advancement of digital equipment, there has been a significant increase in cases where the dental arch is expanded or the teeth are pushed back to proceed without extraction. 🦷

 

 

Q3. I had braces when I was young, but they have become misaligned again as I have gotten older. Is it possible to have them re-corrected?

 

Yes, of course it is possible! There are many adult patients who can restore their teeth to a straight alignment in a short period of time through partial orthodontics or clear aligners, especially in cases where crowded teeth have grown in again or teeth have gradually shifted due to neglecting retainer care. 😊

 

 

🎯 Conclusion: An investment in your youngest days for future oral health

If crooked teeth are left untreated, food gets trapped between them, causing cavities and periodontitis (gum disease).

 

Adult orthodontics goes beyond simple cosmetic purposes, The most reliable preventive treatment to protect your teeth and gums for a lifetime no see.

 

⚠️ Rather than wasting time hesitating thinking it's 'too late,' first have an experienced and trustworthy Prosthodontics specialist Find us and start with accurate digital precision diagnosis and consultation!

 

It is the greatest gift you can give your future self. ✨

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jae-wook Jeong, Chief Director of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist in Prosthodontics

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Master's degree from Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry

Internship at Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Sinchon; completed residency in Prosthodontics.

Certified Specialist and Regular Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Outstanding member of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

Former Adjunct Professor, Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Formerly served as Chief Director of Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic Yangjae Branch

Current) Board Member, Specialist Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Current Director of Academic Planning, Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

 

 

 

 

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