What you need to know before getting braces as an adult

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Transparent dental braces, metal braces, aligners… long reserved for children, these orthodontic appliances are increasingly found in the mouths of adults. A phenomenon fueled by the Covid pandemic, when incarcerated employees were confronted with their reflections during video conference meetings, while wearing masks made it possible to take the plunge with complete discretion. “Above all, these are people who have not been able to travel and who have turned their travel budget into a dental budget”cites Doctor David Couchet, orthodontist and president of communications for the French Federation of Orthodontics (FFO).

According to him, the number of adult patients has increased by 20% in some regions after the epidemic. The profiles seem diverse, from young adults in their thirties to adults and seniors in their late fifties: “We have all ages, all profiles”, underscores the doctor, who also mentions numerous requests for reoperation after treatment failure in youth. With age, the soft and bony tissues of the face can change and affect the teeth.

Charlotte, 33, took the plunge a few months ago. She, who had already worn dental braces when she was young, began the adventure again, not without trepidation. “I hesitated because I was afraid of how others would look, but in reality, I think that braces are no longer considered ugly or old-fashioned at all, they have become very common, This notes the academic coordinator. And then, in recent years perhaps there is a fashion effect.

Between aesthetic motivation and medical intent

Similar to Spanish-speaking countries and especially Latin America, where the wearing of orthodontic appliances has become more widespread among the adult population, dental appliances in France are experiencing a resurgence. Improperly aligned teeth, significant gaps between teeth or even overlapping jaws… Complications are common and the motivations are mainly aesthetic, as demonstrated by treated patients. “I developed a real complex, to the point that I no longer dare to smile in photos”

, Zoé, 31, says in an article in Femme Actuelle. She is joined by Charlotte: “It was important to me, I wanted to do it to feel good afterwards, with well-aligned teeth.”

The French Federation of Orthodontics nevertheless recalls that although 77% of French people believe that orthodontics is for aesthetic purposes, it is a medical treatment. “Our goal is to make it functional. Aesthetics are only the result of a well-functioning mouth, Dr. Couchat points out. However, we have noticed in patients that many of them see their teeth moving or loosening over time and they do not want to lose them. So they come for treatment and practice prevention.”

Keeping your teeth healthy is an essential objective of the approach. “If we install a device and pay this price, it means there is a medical need”, confirms Sarah, 32, director of a youth center, whose jaw is too small to accommodate all her permanent teeth. Ali, 25, also took the plunge for functional reasons: “I had to get braces fitted because my dentist told me my teeth would eventually fall out.”says the young man.

As time passes, the aging of the body can affect the teeth and prompt the elderly to seek advice. Pain in the joint between the skull and the lower jaw, for example, can appear, as can chewing problems if the teeth are out of balance. So the device needs to be installed to correct these defects.

Less effective treatment in adults?

Although there is no age limit for getting teeth fixed, adults still face difficulties that younger people do not. First, the fact that the growth is complete hinders orthodontic treatment. When children’s jaws are still dysfunctional, a surgical option is sometimes necessary for adults.

A jaw that is too small can be enlarged through surgery. “In orthodontics, we act on swallowing, chewing, breathing, etc. By changing the shape of the jaws and accelerating or slowing down their growth, David deciphers the couchette. Corrections in children are easier and more effective because we have more room for maneuver.”

Moreover, one of the most frequent obstacles is physical. Cells renew less quickly in adults, making it more difficult to move teeth. “For them, it will take a little longer and add complications: the bone base, teeth and gums age over time in the same way as skin and hair”, orthodontist details. However, experts point out that good oral care can limit this deterioration.

Pain and discomfort

People who take a dip should also prepare themselves for the inherent obstacles in orthodontic treatment and, first and foremost, in daily activities. Because eating food, chewing gum or playing contact sports becomes more complicated with braces. “On a daily basis, I manage to think about it, even though food is painful, especially when I have to eat out. Food gets stuck in brackets and you really have to think about what you’re eating.”, Zoe accepts. On the other hand, transparent aligners are better suited to everyday life, as they can be removed occasionally.

Another disadvantage of orthodontic treatment, and not the least: pain. “The obstacle for me is mainly pain and discomfort: when I speak, my pronunciation is complicated because sometimes the inside of my cheek is hurt by the device, Knows Sarah, who has been wearing the ring for a year. I admit that I did not expect this. I can’t wait to take it off, we’re better off without scraps in our mouths!” For Charlotte, the risk was calculated as: “The fear of pain did not deter me at all, Supports a thirty year old. It’s a choice so I knew the odds and I was ready to take them.”

“I paid 3,000 euros for the installation of my rings and I am still paying the fees today.”

Although the installation and tightening of dental appliances can hurt, new technologies make it possible to limit patient pain. “We see that children suffer more than adults. Some older patients will call directly to complain while younger patients adapt better.Dr. observes Couchette, who in this case advises aligners, painless and more comfortable than braces.

As for the duration of treatment, this is also an element to consider. The FFO communications manager cites a range of six months to three years for adult treatment, but points out that this is on a case-by-case basis. And when the device is removed, the patient is not done yet. “The result must be fixed by placing a retainer: either a wire stuck to the inner surface of the tooth, or a splint to wear at night”

Underlines Doctor Emmanuel Frerejaund, interviewed by 20 Minutes.

Inadequate support

Finally, an essential question to ask remains cost. Because if orthodontic appliances are reimbursed up to the age of 16, adults must invest heavily in treatment for their part. “I paid 3,000 euros to install my rings and I’m still paying the fees today”reveals Charlotte, who makes it clear that she received no compensation. “The device will cost me 3,300 euros, not counting small extras like wax, a suitable toothbrush, etc.”suggests Sarah, who took out a loan to cover these expenses.

In fact, treatment can cost up to 5,000 euros even though social security does not reimburse patients. Some mutual insurance companies cover a portion of orthodontic care but disparities remain, as Dr. Coucht laments: “It is enormous. Some patients have very significant co-payments of up to 2,000 euros per year, so they are almost fully reimbursed, while others receive only 200 euros per year, so almost nothing.

FFO advocates for better care, so that as many people as possible benefit from this access to care. While sleep apnea, for example, can be the result of poor jaw position and cause strokes or cardiovascular accidents, orthodontics remains a public health question more than ever.