[Orthodontics Q&A] Is there a golden period for orthodontics? Can the elderly and pregnant women get braces? (Part 1)
Orthodontic treatment, also known as braces, involves using braces to straighten teeth to an ideal position.
Many people may choose braces for aesthetic reasons, but more importantly, braces help improve the health of teeth, gums, and temporomandibular joints, preventing impairment of chewing ability. So, who needs braces, and what precautions should be taken? Let a dentist answer your common questions about braces.
In what situations would braces be recommended?
If conditions such as underbite, overbite, crowding, missing teeth, or protruding teeth are not treated promptly and lead to improper cleaning, it can cause problems ranging from mild cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease to more serious issues like tooth wear and loss, or excessive pressure on the teeth and jawbone, affecting chewing ability. In such cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
What is the ideal age to get braces?
Many people believe that children are too young to get braces before their permanent teeth have fully developed, and that braces should be done in adolescence or adulthood. However, this is not the case. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that children have a dental evaluation at age 7 to determine if future orthodontic treatment is necessary. At this stage, during the child's tooth replacement and development phase, the baby teeth have generally fallen out, and the permanent teeth are growing in. Early orthodontic treatment at this age helps correct malocclusion problems that arise during development, and is more effective than waiting until all the baby teeth have fallen out or development has reached its final stage.
Of course, many people may miss the golden period for braces due to their studies or financial situation, only starting to pay attention to dental problems as adults. Even if they miss it, adults can still undergo orthodontic treatment and achieve good results, although it takes about six months to a year longer than in childhood, and the cost will also be higher. For some dental problems, such as backward tilting teeth, it is generally recommended that adults over 20 years of age undergo orthodontic treatment.
Therefore, the best time for braces varies from person to person. Doctors need to assess the patient's occlusion, jawbone relationship, and developmental stage before giving a suitable braces plan.
Can pregnant women get braces?
Generally, doctors do not recommend orthodontic treatment for pregnant women. This is because the adaptation period for orthodontic treatment is relatively long, and it may affect nutritional intake and oral hygiene maintenance during the orthodontic process.
What if I get pregnant while undergoing orthodontic treatment? If this happens, pregnant women can still continue their orthodontic treatment. Generally, the dentist will conduct a series of examinations, including X-rays. However, since there is currently no literature confirming that X-rays have absolutely no effect on pregnant women, they are avoided. During pregnancy, due to hormonal fluctuations, gums become weaker, making pregnant women more susceptible to gingivitis. Therefore, they need to pay extra attention to oral hygiene to prevent gingivitis. Additionally, some pregnant women experience morning sickness or acid reflux. In these cases, they should rinse their mouths promptly to avoid an overly acidic oral environment that lowers the oral pH, causing demineralization of the teeth and even cavities. If the dental problems are severe, it is recommended to stop orthodontic treatment, remove the braces, and wear a retainer instead. It is also advisable to maintain close communication with your dentist during this period.
Can middle-aged and elderly people get braces?
Orthodontic treatment is also suitable for middle-aged and elderly people. It can improve malocclusion, aid in dental implantation and dentures after tooth loss, and improve bite and treat periodontal disease.
If teeth are misaligned, dental implants or dentures become very difficult to perform, requiring sufficient space and a stable foundation for successful treatment. Orthodontic treatment straightens and aligns misaligned teeth, moving them to the appropriate position and establishing a proper bite height. This prevents gum and gingival recession, ensuring stability during implant surgery and denture reconstruction. It also helps maintain cleanliness, allowing dentures to last longer.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
