The earlier orthodontic treatment is performed, the faster the teeth will move. However, it is not too late to start orthodontic treatment in your 40s. In fact, more and more people in their 40s are wearing mouthpiece braces.

This article explains the advantages and disadvantages for those considering mouthpiece orthodontics in their 40s. Consider it a great way to regain your confidence and smile. 

Mouthpiece orthodontics for adults improves health

Mouthpiece orthodontics for people in their 40s can have a significant effect on improving health as well as aesthetics. With better aligned teeth, you will be able to chew food more firmly and digestion and absorption will be improved. 

In addition, alignment of the teeth prevents air from leaking between the teeth, which improves the smoothness of the tongue and confidence. Even those who have never been able to smile with a large mouth because they were concerned about the alignment of their teeth will be able to smile with confidence. 

Five reasons why mouthpiece orthodontics in your 40s is recommended

Many people may have given up on straightening their teeth, saying, "I'm too old." However, there are many advantages to orthodontic treatment. There are advantages unique to mouthpiece orthodontics, so please take a look at them.

Advantage 1: Long-standing complexes are eliminated.

Mouthpiece orthodontics, which is performed in the 40s, has the great advantage of eliminating long-held dental complexes. By improving the appearance of teeth that have been bothering you, you can smile without having to hide your mouth with your hands.

It will help to give a brighter, more positive image in interpersonal relationships and improve communication.

Advantage 2: Oral environment is improved.

Braces will reduce the amount of food debris that used to accumulate in the gaps. With better aligned teeth, brushing will be easier, which will also help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Regular maintenance at the dentist's office is also important, but if the teeth are still rattled, it will be difficult to brush all the corners and stains will accumulate.

Maintaining a healthy oral environment depends on mouthpiece orthodontics and cavity prevention; orthodontic treatment in your 40s will not only improve your appearance, but also help you maintain long-term oral health.

Advantage 3) Small face effect can be expected.

Mouthpiece orthodontics is believed to tighten facial contours and produce a small face effect by correcting the position of the jaw as well as improving the alignment of the teeth.

In addition, if you have a bad bite or bucktooth, your mouth will not close properly. This causes the facial muscles around the mouth to weaken and the face to sag. If the teeth are aligned through orthodontic treatment, the mouth can be closed tightly and the orbicularis oris muscle can be tightened more easily. Because of the alignment of the teeth and skeletal problems, the face will not change dramatically, but gradual changes may be felt.

Advantage 4: Less frequent hospital visits than other treatment methods.

The major advantage of mouthpiece orthodontics is that it requires much less frequent visits than other orthodontic treatment methods. While wire orthodontics often requires a visit every month, the frequency of visits for mouthpiece orthodontics is considered to be once every two to three months.

The reason is that the mouthpiece can be worn at home and gradually improve the position of the teeth. Thus, mouthpiece orthodontics can greatly reduce the burden on the patient, making it a very attractive treatment option for today's busy people.

Advantage 5: The device is hardly noticeable.

With orthodontic treatment using metal wires, it is obvious at a glance that the patient is wearing braces, which sometimes interferes with daily life. Mouthpiece orthodontic treatment, however, uses a transparent mouthpiece, making it difficult for people around you to notice even if you are wearing it.

The mouthpiece is also designed to be thin to the gums, making it less difficult to speak and less uncomfortable to wear. Compared to wire orthodontics, it is much less cumbersome and less visually changing, and thus greatly reduces patient stress.

Four things to keep in mind when getting braces in your 40s.

What are some things to keep in mind when getting braces in your 40s? Here are four points to keep in mind.

Disadvantages (1) Increased risk of periodontal disease

The reason why people with braces are more prone to periodontal disease is because the braces hide part of the tooth surface, making it difficult to reach with a toothbrush. As a result, plaque buildup increases, creating an environment in which periodontal disease bacteria can easily multiply.

In particular, people in their 40s and beyond are the age group most prone to periodontal disease in nature. As they age, the resistance of periodontal tissues decreases, which may worsen the oral environment during orthodontic treatment.

However, unlike wire braces, mouthpiece braces can be removed, and the risk of gum disease can be avoided by carefully brushing every inch of the teeth after meals. It is essential to consult with your dentist about how to clean your orthodontic appliance to minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Disadvantage 2) Toothache.

Orthodontic appliances are responsible for moving teeth gradually, but they can cause pain as the teeth begin to move. Teeth are supported by the alveolar bone, and as the teeth are moved by orthodontics, the periodontal ligament stretches and contracts, causing the alveolar bone to be resorbed. This causes pain in the teeth.

Mouthpiece orthodontic treatment is less painful than wire orthodontic treatment, but the patient is more likely to feel pain when wearing or changing the mouthpiece.

However, in the case of mouthpiece orthodontics, the peak of the pain is usually two to three days after wearing the appliance, after which it gradually subsides. In other words, once the teeth have moved and stabilized their position, the pain will lessen, so there is no need to worry too much.

Disadvantage 3) Increased risk of root resorption

A tooth is composed of the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth, and the root, which is buried in the gums. In orthodontic treatment, there are cases where this root portion is absorbed. The reason is that the force of the mouthpiece causes the teeth to move significantly.

However, with proper treatment, this is not a problem. The risk of root resorption can be reduced if the dentist regularly checks the condition of the tooth and adjusts the treatment as needed.

Disadvantage 4: Free medical treatment tends to be expensive.

Mouthpiece orthodontic treatment is mainly intended to improve the appearance of the patient's teeth, so in most cases it is not covered by insurance and must be self-funded. Therefore, it is important to fully confirm the cost of treatment in advance and take treatment within a reasonable range.

In addition, shopping loans and dental loans are available for mouthpiece orthodontic treatment, allowing treatment to begin immediately without the need to come up with a large sum of money.

Zenyum offers a shopping loan, which allows you to take advantage of orthodontic treatment at no cost to you, with transparent mouthpiece orthodontics starting at 3,600 yen per month.

Characteristics of people in their 40s who regretted using mouthpiece orthodontics.

Mouthpiece orthodontics has many advantages, but some people have regretted it, and we hope you will find this information useful if you are in your 40s and are about to start mouthpiece orthodontics.

I can't get used to the bite.

With mouthpiece orthodontics, the bite may not feel natural because of the change in bite location. However, this is a temporary phenomenon and the bite will adjust over time.

If the bite discomfort persists for a long period of time, it is important to consult a specialist to determine the appropriate course of action.

A black triangle occurred.

Black triangle is a condition in which a triangular gap is created at the border between the teeth, teeth, and gums, causing the shadow behind to stand out as black. Mouthpiece orthodontic treatment gradually changes the position of the teeth, which can lead to gaps.

However, after the 40s, people are more likely to develop black triangles even without orthodontic treatment. This is because of the lack of bone to support the teeth, which causes the gums to deteriorate.

In particular, gaps are more likely to form on the jaw side of the anterior teeth, and the best way to deal with this is to fill the gaps with laminate veneers or resin.

Facial muscles lost.

In some cases, when people in their 40s or older undergo orthodontic treatment, the facial muscles change, resulting in darker lines and a different facial appearance.

Orthodontic treatment gradually changes the position of the teeth and therefore the use of facial muscles. To adapt to these changes, try to perform chewing and facial movement exercises as much as possible. Chewing exercises are effective in strengthening facial muscles and maintaining facial impressions.

Must-See in Your 40s! How to avoid mistakes with mouthpiece orthodontics

If you are in your 40s and want to use mouthpiece orthodontics to straighten your teeth, you need to know what to look for to avoid mistakes. Here is a detailed explanation of how to choose a dentist and what to look out for.

Know how to choose a dentist.

When undergoing mouthpiece orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose a dental clinic with an experienced orthodontist. In particular, it is advisable to choose a clinic with a doctor certified by the Japanese Association of Orthodontics.

We recommend that you visit a clinic for a free consultation or consultation to see firsthand the atmosphere of the clinic and how the doctors respond to your needs. It is important to find the clinic that best suits your needs in terms of the doctor's skill, experience, and careful explanation of treatment options.

Another option is to use an online service that offers a free diagnosis of mouthpiece orthodontics.

Zenyum, a mouthpiece brand, offers "Free Online Diagnosis" using the latest technology. This is a service that allows you to easily diagnose the condition of your teeth at home without the need for an appointment and get advice from a specialist. Since you can check the condition of your teeth in advance for free, feel free to give it a try.

We also provide referrals to Zenyum and its affiliated dental clinics so that you can receive treatment smoothly as it is.

Observe proper wearing time.

When undergoing mouthpiece orthodontics, it is important to follow the wearing time as directed by your doctor. It is recommended that mouthpiece orthodontic appliances be worn for at least 20 hours per day.

If the wearing time is not long enough, the teeth cannot be moved as planned, making it difficult to achieve the treatment effect. Furthermore, if the wearing time is insufficient, the teeth may return to their original position after treatment, so be sure to follow the doctor's instructions properly.

Always take care of your teeth after eating.

During mouthpiece orthodontic treatment, it is important to take care of your teeth after meals. When eating, remove the mouthpiece and brush your teeth thoroughly before reinserting it.

It is important to avoid hard foods as much as possible during orthodontic treatment with a mouthpiece because of the moving teeth. You should also be careful about consuming foods high in sugar, as this increases the risk of tooth decay.

Attend regularly

Regular visits to the dentist's office and adjustments are essential for mouthpiece orthodontics, while changing the mouthpiece yourself. Typically, a new mouthpiece is changed every 10 days to gradually adjust the position of the teeth.

On the other hand, regular visits to the dentist's office are also necessary. The dentist will check the progress of tooth movement and adjust the mouthpiece if necessary. Since two to four visits are required in total, make sure that the dentist's office is located in an easily accessible area.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Age of Mouthpiece Orthodontics

Is there a relationship between mouthpiece orthodontics and age? Here are some concerns related to mouthpiece orthodontics and age.

Is it too late for mouthpiece orthodontics in your 50s?

Mouthpiece orthodontics is possible for people in their 50s. However, the older you get, the slower your teeth tend to move, so the treatment period may be longer. However, it is important to proceed with treatment slowly and without haste.

Mouthpiece braces are less painful and more aesthetic than traditional wire braces, and even people in their 50s can undergo orthodontic treatment at their own pace and without strain.

How many teeth do you have in your 40s?

Originally, there were eight teeth from the front teeth to the wisdom teeth, which grew up, down, left, and right for a total of 32 teeth. However, as many people experience wisdom tooth extraction in adulthood, the average person typically has 28 teeth.

Furthermore, it is known that people in their 40s lose an average of 1.5 teeth. In most cases, tooth loss is due to reasons such as tooth decay, etc. By the time people reach their 50s, data shows that they often lose an additional 2.5 teeth.

Thus, the number of teeth seems to gradually decrease after the 40s. Therefore, before undergoing mouthpiece orthodontics, it is actually necessary to first perform basic dental treatment such as cavity treatment.

How old can I get mouthpiece braces?

There are no age restrictions for mouthpiece orthodontics. People of all ages can receive it, from around 12-13 years old when permanent teeth have come in, to older adults.

Compared to wire orthodontics in particular, mouthpiece orthodontics is less stressful on periodontal tissues, making it possible for people in their 60s and beyond to undergo treatment. In fact, there have been cases of elderly people in their 80s who have received mouthpiece orthodontics.

Mouthpiece orthodontics is possible in one's 40s! Conclusion.

Mouthpiece braces are highly favored by women and men alike because, unlike wire braces, they do not cause pain or affect the appearance of the teeth. By aligning your teeth with a mouthpiece brace, you will be able to eliminate your long-standing complex and smile with your mouth open to the fullest.

Zenyum partners with trusted dentists to provide confident service, and Zenyum mouthpiece orthodontic clinics are scattered across the country, making it easy for you to get to one no matter where you live.

We can help you with cases such as a passive mouth, open bite, and crossbite, and we invite you to take advantage of our free online assessment. If you are considering mouthpiece orthodontics, please feel free to contact Zenyum.