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Orthodontist in Springfield, MO: Should I Get Braces as an Adult?

  • February 8, 2018
  • 8:47 pm
  • Braces, FAQ
  • Braces, Orthodontist

You may not know this, but adults have quite a few more responsibilities than children. Because of that, we often put off stuff that we wouldn’t have as kids. For instance, your appetite for pickup basketball slowly goes away as you get older. You also can’t just leave town on a weekday to go see a concert because you are gainfully employed. These are good things. Adults rightfully put away childish desires in exchange for responsibility. However, there are also things that adults put off that they should. One of those things is orthodontics. If you didn’t have braces as a kid and notice that your teeth aren’t aligned correctly, you are more likely to ignore it than your parents would have been. Our orthodontist in Springfield, MO wants to discuss when it is necessary for adults to get braces.

Why Do I Need Braces?

While there are different variables that factor into an adult getting braces, the reasons why they need them aren’t all that different. Research shows that teeth the frequency of teeth misalignment in adults is similar to that in children and teens. And on top of that, teeth can shift and realign at all ages, even if your teeth are healthy.

The question with adults, however, is whether or not it is worth it to get braces as an adult. Unless your teeth are severely misaligned, you may not see the benefit of fixing them. This line of thinking only takes into consideration the aesthetic aspect of orthodontics work. The more pressing issue is the question of dental and orthodontic health. When you have misaligned teeth, you are more likely have plaque and food buildup in your teeth. This, of course, can lead to any number of things, such as gum disease or periodontal disease. Braces will also help you take better care of your teeth in the day-to-day, with realignment lowering the risk of tooth decay and facial discomfort.

This isn’t to mention the other health issues that can come from misaligned teeth. If you think that you may need your teeth realigned, you should take that thought seriously. Orthodontics health is the ultimate goal of braces, not just a better smile.

Related Post: Orthodontics: Signs You May Need Braces

How Will Braces Affect My Life?

It is true that getting braces, while good for orthodontic health, will affect your daily life. For instance, your teeth will not like the braces immediately, which makes eating during the first few weeks of the braces life is a chore. You also have to be careful with how you maintain your teeth with braces. Our orthodontist in Springfield, MO suggests that you drink soda through a straw, as to avoid your teeth being exposed to the sugar. It is also suggested that you not use whitening toothpaste with braces, as to avoid tooth discoloration when your braces are removed.

However, these are all very easy things to navigate. On top of that, the price of braces is much cheaper than it was in the past, meaning that they won’t affect your finances nearly as much as they would have when you were a kid. Braces have also evolved over the years, with smaller and less noticeable brackets.You can even go the clear aligners route to avoid the brackets all together. Talk to our orthodontist in Springfield, MO for questions about our clear aligners.

Related Post: Dr. Steven Harrison: Simple Advice For Wearing Braces

Let Our Orthodontist in Springfield, MO Help With Your Orthodontic Health

As an adult, the decision to get orthodontics treatment is much more inconvenient than it would have been as a child. Parkcrest Dental understands that and we want to help walk you through the process. Contact our orthodontist in Springfield, MO, Dr. Steven Harrison, at 417-262-5515 or visit our website for more information.

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Meet Some of Our Doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group!

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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