Choosing to Get Braces as an Adult
Choosing to get braces as an adult continues to grow in popularity. There are several benefits for adults that undergo orthodontic treatment that may not have been a viable option when they were young.
It’s a great way to improve your health and your smile. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know regarding getting braces as an adult.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Braces as an Adult
Getting braces as an adult can improve the quality of your life in many ways. Studies have shown the correlation between a healthy mouth and the rest of the body.
Choosing to receive orthodontic treatment also opens up more options that you may not have had as an adolescent, like the following:
- Improves Oral Health: Straightening your teeth makes it easier for patients to brush and floss. Having aligned teeth helps the toothbrush reach more surfaces with each stroke, increasing efficiency.
- Decreases Risk of Gum Disease: Crowded teeth create more hard-to-reach areas for bacteria and plaque to hide. Tight, overlapping alignment of the teeth increases calculus/tartar buildup. To learn more about preventing gum disease, check out our Treating Gum Disease article.
- Decreases Risk of Cavities: Overlapping, crowded teeth prevent the floss and toothbrush from removing food debris surrounding the tooth, in the pocket, and under the gumline. Bacteria in your mouth will consume food particles and produce acid, which weakens tooth enamel and causes decay.
- Prevents and Corrects TMJ Disorders: Teeth that do not align correctly can cause the jaw to misalign and move improperly. Your muscles and teeth will compensate and this can cause pain, popping, headaches, and trigger migraines.
- Prevents Chipped, Flat, Worn Teeth: Teeth are like puzzle pieces and should fit together perfectly. When your top and bottom arches are edge-to-edge, this can create wear due to incorrect biting patterns. This continual trauma can cause destruction to the enamel and lead to cracked teeth and sensitivity.
Options for Braces as an Adult
Metal Braces
Traditional metal is still a great option for braces as an adult and continues to be the most popular choice. Metal braces can also provide faster and more affordable treatment than other options.
Some minor dental adjustments may only need brackets on certain teeth. Consult your dental professional today.
Lingual Brackets
Lingual orthodontic treatment uses traditional metal brackets but places them on the inside of the teeth. This provides the efficient movement of metal brackets without their aesthetic appearance.
This is a specialty skill and not all dental professionals offer this service.
Ceramic Brackets
Ceramic brackets are a popular choice for braces as an adult. It provides the trusted technology of metal brackets with a more discreet appearance.
The ceramic material isn’t as sturdy as metal and does have a small risk of chipping. A metal wire is still used but isn’t that noticeable. Your dental professional may opt to use metal brackets on certain teeth that aren’t visible when smiling.
Clear Aligner Thearpy
Clear aligner therapy uses 3D technology to create a computerized alignment system through plastic trays.
Due to their removable option, this system relies on the patient’s discipline to wear them for 22 hours per day. Every 1-2 weeks you change trays that shift the teeth slowly and precisely.
Final Considerations for Braces as an Adult
Orthodontic treatment can improve the quality of life through better oral health. A smile you’re proud to show also improves your mental health.
Research has shown that facial muscular activity in smiling stimulates the emotional center of the brain improving mental health. Before jumping into braces as an adult there are a few things to consider with your dental professional.
- Individual Needs: What orthodontic treatment is best for my dental needs? Not all treatment systems are a viable option for certain alignment issues.
- Lifestyle Needs: What orthodontic treatment fits my lifestyle? How much time can I set aside for dental adjustment appointments? Certain braces options require more discipline to be effective.
- Homecare Needs: All braces lead to trapped food and bacteria which will require more time dedicated to homecare. Increased brushing and flossing are needed to maintain tooth and gum health.
- Avoid Mail-Order Braces AT ALL COST: Mail-order braces are increasingly being marketed claiming to have the same benefits. Teeth need to fit together perfectly to perform properly. Your order is only checked once and heavily relies on the computer system to protect you. Moving the teeth too fast and with the wrong connections can lead to permanent damage to your teeth, bone destruction, and jaw. Also, not all orthodontic needs can be done through clear aligners. There’s a reason orthodontists go to school for around 10 years. To find a trusted orthodontist near you, click here.
Additional Resources
For additional information on braces and orthodontic treatment:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it weird for adults to have braces?
Absolutely not! Adults are opting to take part in orthodontic treatment more and more. This is because there are more studies showing how orthodontics can improve oral health. Braces during adolescents might have not been an option due to financial status or location.
Do braces take longer for adults?
Orthodontic treatment duration solely depends on the individual case and patient goals. Schedule a consultation with your dental professional to go over your individual treatment plan.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
