In recent years, more and more adults have chosen to improve tooth alignment through orthodontic treatment in order to enhance facial beauty and oral function. However, for some patients who receive orthodontic treatment after the age of 30, the treatment process is not always as expected , and they even feel strong regret after the treatment is completed. This article will explore the common problems, psychological gaps and clinical suggestions for 36-year-old adults after orthodontic treatment through case analysis and medical research, to help more people make rational decisions.
1. Analysis of the phenomenon and motivation of orthodontics in adults
The main reasons why adults choose orthodontic treatment include aesthetic needs, self-confidence improvement and oral health maintenance . Especially after entering middle age, work and social pressures increase. Some people are troubled by uneven teeth, abnormal bites or unnatural smiles, and then seek orthodontic surgery. However, compared with adolescents, adults have poorer bone remodeling ability, decreased alveolar bone elasticity, longer treatment cycles, and increased difficulty of correction.
In addition, adult orthodontics is often accompanied by periodontal disease, tooth wear and other problems , and the risks and discomfort during the correction process also increase accordingly.
2. Typical problems of 36-year-old orthodontic patients
In clinical follow-up, some orthodontic patients over 36 years old had a psychological reaction of "regret" after the treatment was completed. The main reasons include the following aspects:
1. Long treatment period, affecting the quality of life
Compared with teenagers, the average orthodontic treatment period for adults is longer, usually ranging from 18 to 30 months. Wearing braces for a long time not only affects diet and language expression, but also brings obvious discomfort and social pressure . Some patients do not fully assess their own tolerance in the early stages of treatment, which leads to anxiety, irritability and other emotions in the later stages.
2. The correction effect does not meet expectations
Adult patients have high expectations for orthodontic results. Once the results fail to fully meet their psychological expectations, they are prone to negative cognition and frustration . For example, some patients believe that straightening of teeth should bring about changes in appearance such as "youthfulness" or "improved facial three-dimensionality", but the actual improvement is limited, resulting in a strong psychological gap.
3. Tooth sensitivity and bite discomfort
During the treatment, some patients reported symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, difficulty chewing, and bite deviation . Some even needed a second bite adjustment. In addition, the original periodontal problems may be aggravated by the mechanical stimulation of the braces, and the treatment may induce periodontal disease or gum atrophy.
4. Inability to adapt to changes in facial contours
The facial bones and soft tissue structures of middle-aged people are stable, and the fine-tuning brought by orthodontics can easily disrupt the original coordination. Some patients experience slight changes in facial contours after correction, such as deepening of nasolabial folds, sunken lips, and stiff smiles . Although this is not a treatment failure, it has an impact on self-cognition and appearance assessment.
3. Case Analysis
A female patient started orthodontics at the age of 36. The original intention was to improve her buck teeth and gummy smile. The orthodontic plan used traditional metal brackets. It took two years to complete. After the operation, her teeth were neat, but the patient reported:
①. Increased tooth sensitivity and strong reactions to hot and cold stimuli;
②. Decreased chewing power, feeling sore and swollen when biting nuts;
③. The facial appearance becomes "collapsed" and the smile loses its naturalness;
④. The thought of "regret for the treatment" arises in the mind and the anxiety increases.
Through imaging analysis, it was found that the patient's maxillary protrusion was excessively retracted, resulting in weakened soft tissue support and sunken lips . In addition, the gingival height was locally retracted due to pressure changes during the correction process, further affecting the aesthetics.
IV. Medical advice and coping strategies
1. Correctly assess individual adaptability
Before orthodontic treatment for adults, a comprehensive oral examination and facial assessment should be conducted, an individualized treatment plan should be developed , and possible risks and limitations should be fully communicated to ensure that the patient is prepared both psychologically and physically.
2. Psychological intervention and expectation management
Doctors should assist patients in establishing reasonable aesthetic goals and process tolerance . If necessary, they can introduce psychological counseling or conduct multidisciplinary joint clinics to enhance confidence in treatment and avoid regret due to cognitive bias.
3. Pay attention to periodontal and occlusal balance
During the treatment process, periodontal maintenance and functional occlusal adjustment need to be strengthened to prevent functional disorders caused by changes in tooth position. At the same time, attention should be paid to the treatment rhythm to avoid biological damage caused by "fast-paced" correction.
4. Post-treatment care and support
After the treatment is completed, it is necessary to wear retainers, have regular check-ups, and perform aesthetic restorations (such as veneers) to help the patient adapt to the new dentition. Micro-facial changes caused by correction can be adjusted with mild medical aesthetic methods to improve satisfaction within a safe range.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Orthodontics is not unsuitable for adults, but it requires more careful evaluation and scientific intervention strategies. You will not regret receiving orthodontic treatment at the age of 36, but you must fully understand the complexity of the treatment process and the problems that individuals may face before making a decision. Rational expectations, good doctor-patient communication and systematic treatment coordination are the key to reducing treatment risks and psychological gaps . If you have already started to feel regretful, you should actively seek professional support to avoid negative emotions affecting subsequent oral health management.