As an adult considering whether or not you should get braces, you probably have some questions and concerns. The common misconception that braces are solely for teenagers and children is gradually fading away as more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment, so adult braces are definitely nothing to be embarrassed or hesitant about! In fact, adult braces could potentially change your smile (and your life) for the better.
The field of adult orthodontics has evolved significantly in modern dentistry, so there’s honestly never been a better time to get braces as an adult. Given that you didn’t undergo orthodontic treatment as a teenager, you may have unique questions and uncertainties about this process, but there’s no need to worry — here at Orthodontics Limited, we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of. Let’s take a closer look at the best adult treatment options in terms of both affordability and style below.
Types of Adult Orthodontic Treatments: Braces
The truth is, people of any age may find themselves in need of teeth straightening. It’s not just something that young folks deal with. As we go through life, our teeth can shift and change, which means misalignment can crop up even in our thirties or forties, even if we didn’t have it as teenagers. There are plenty of reasons why adults may choose to get braces. Perhaps you went through an accident that affected your smile, or are dealing with an unforeseen medical issue.
The important thing to remember is that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with adults needing braces. It’s a normal part of orthodontic treatment, and there’s no shame in it. No matter your reason for getting braces as an adult, we’re here to help! Let’s dive into what your options are, shall we?
Traditional Braces
When it comes to adult orthodontic treatment options, it’s fairly common for people to opt for traditional metal braces to fix their overbite or underbite. These braces involve the placement of metal brackets — which are typically made from stainless steel — onto your teeth. These brackets are then connected by wires and secured in place using rubber bands. Traditional braces are a tried-and-true method that has been used for decades, so you certainly can’t go wrong with choosing this option.
That said, as an adult who’s thinking about getting braces, you may want to consider other options as traditional braces are typically used to treat misalignment issues in kids and teenagers. Traditional metal braces are a perfectly reliable option, but you might prefer to go with something that’s a bit less conspicuous. If you like cool colors, though, traditional braces might be the right option for you! You’re never too old to match your braces to your hot pink hair or neon-green leggings.
Lingual Braces
If you feel self-conscious about the appearance of rubber bands, and prefer a more discreet option, you may want to look into lingual braces. Lingual braces function similarly to traditional braces, but with a significant difference — the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of the teeth, hidden from view. A lot of adults prefer this option because lingual braces are virtually invisible to others, and are custom-designed to fit the contours of your teeth (i.e. they tend to be a bit more comfortable than traditional braces).
Of course, lingual braces don’t come without their own set of specific challenges. Cleaning lingual braces can be a bit more difficult since the brackets are on the inside of your teeth. You may need to use special tools, like interdental brushes or floss threaders, to effectively clean between the brackets and wires. As long as you’re thorough while practicing oral hygiene, you should be a-okay, but nevertheless, it’s important to take this factor into consideration.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a super popular choice for adults who are in need of orthodontic care. This is mainly because they’re aesthetically appealing and comfortable in comparison to traditional braces. The color-matching feature allows them to blend discreetly into your smile (though, it’s worth noting that they’ll still be visible to anyone who’s standing exceptionally close to you for whatever reason). This can be particularly appealing for adults who want to maintain a more natural and subtle appearance while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
As an adult, you may be more willing to invest a little extra money in exchange for a higher level of comfort during your orthodontic treatment, especially considering the fact that you’ll be wearing your braces throughout the day, every day. The brackets of ceramic braces are generally designed to be smoother and more comfortable, which reduces the likelihood of irritation or discomfort in your mouth. Although the cost tends to be higher, you’ll likely find that the investment is well worth it!
Invisalign (Aligners)
Aligners (like Invisalign, for example) are relatively new in comparison to the other adult orthodontic treatment options on this list. They’re gained a lot of popularity in recent years though, and we can see why! Aligners provide a unique approach to adult orthodontic treatment. They’re specifically engineered to gradually and progressively shift your teeth into their desired positions, similar to the movement achieved with other types of adult braces.
After wearing an aligner, you’ll usually be prescribed a retainer — which is worn for just a short amount of time to keep your teeth from shifting back into their previous positions. Aligners and retainers are generally worn for most of the day, however, you can easily take them out to brush, floss, and eat, which is another reason they’ve become such a popular option for adults who need braces. Aligners are also the most discreet option on this list, so if you really don’t want to worry about feeling self-conscious about your braces, an aligner might be the best option for you!
Final Thoughts
No matter which adult treatment option you decide to go with, just know that Orthodontics Limited has your back. You can schedule a consultation with one of our adult orthodontics specialists today, and talk about which option would best fit your specific needs and budget.
