Many adults feel uncomfortable with their smiles and want to ask about orthodontic treatment. However, they may have reached an age where they doubt adult braces would help them.
Adults with orthodontic issues are pleased to know that braces are equally effective for their age group as they are for children and teens. Adults often have different treatment requirements, meaning they should see a highly qualified orthodontist.
Reasons Why Adults Need Braces
Childhood Orthodontic Treatment Has Reversed
Many adults find that the orthodontic treatment they received in earlier years reverses if they do not wear their retainer as prescribed.
Tooth Extraction
Some patients have orthodontic issues after wisdom tooth extraction, leading to gapped or crowded teeth.
Patients Lacked the Opportunity in Childhood
Patients' families may have previously lacked dental insurance or found the out-of-pocket cost of braces prohibitive. Adults in this situation want to receive braces for the first time and finally feel confident about their smiles.
How Adult Braces Work
Adult braces work precisely like children's braces. The dentist cements metal or tooth-colored ceramic brackets to the front surfaces of each tooth. Metal bands go around the molars. An archwire connects the bands and the brackets, tied in place by tiny elastic bands. When your orthodontist tightens the archwire, the teeth move along, aligning your smile.
Options for Adult Braces
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are durable, versatile, and cost-effective. They are excellent choices for more complex orthodontic issues.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored material for the brackets, making them significantly less noticeable. Otherwise, they work like traditional braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating or Damon braces are unique because they need no elastics. The archwire connects directly with the brackets, creating smoother tooth movements and faster treatment.
Same-Day Braces
Our doctor can often create digital scans of your teeth and produce braces on the same day, eliminating the average waiting period.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is an excellent braces alternative for adult patients with less complex orthodontic issues. This system uses clear plastic aligners to move teeth to ideal positions gently.
Benefits of Adult Braces
Improve Appearance
Most adults who want braces want to improve their smiles. Orthodontic treatment can make your smile symmetrical without disruptive gaps or crooked teeth.
Boost Oral Health
Adult braces are more than cosmetic. Crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth are more complicated to clean, making patients vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping your teeth sparkling clean is one of the best ways to avoid these serious complications that can lead to tooth loss.
Improve Dental Bite
If you have an uneven dental bite, you may experience premature tooth wear and extra strain on your dental restorations. You may be more likely to break costly crowns, bridges, and implants. Straightening your teeth and regulating your dental bite will protect your teeth and restorations.
Improve Diet
Some adults have trouble chewing due to misaligned teeth. Braces help these patients eat a healthy diet with confidence.
Feel More Confident
If you have spent your entire life hiding your smile, you may look forward to showing it off. Patients who could not receive orthodontic treatment early on may feel shy or self-conscious. Your newly aligned smile will make you feel confident and ready to take on challenges in your personal and professional life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
How old is too old for adult braces?
If you have healthy teeth and gums, there are no upper limits on the age at which you can receive braces. Even patients in their 70s and 80s can receive braces. However, if you have certain medical conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes, you may not be a good candidate. Tell them about your medical history when you visit your orthodontist for a consultation.
How long do adult braces take?
In uncomplicated cases, adult braces may take as little as six to 12 months. However, if you have more severe issues like underbite, overbite, and crossbite, your braces may take up to three years.