More and more adults are choosing to have their teeth straightened. Braces for adults are becoming a popular option for several reasons.
If you're an adult thinking about braces, you're not alone. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, around 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. This article will review why adults want braces and what the best braces for adults are.
Why Get Braces for Adults?
Before discussing the different types of braces for adults, it's helpful to talk about why adults opt for teeth straightening. An adult's teeth continue to move and change position, even if the person had braces as a teen or child.
Some people choose braces for adults for cosmetic reasons — they want a nice, straight smile for all the world to see. But others decide on adult braces because they're concerned about their oral health.
Straight teeth are simpler to care for than crooked teeth. Flossing and brushing are easier with straightened teeth, helping reduce the chances of gum diseases and tooth decay.
Fixing a person's bite can also help reduce the stress on teeth when they bite or chew, increasing the odds the person will be able to keep their teeth throughout their lifetime. Straightening teeth can also help alleviate jaw pain for some adults.
What Are the Different Types of Braces for Adults?
The types of braces for adults are the same as for children. The conventional orthodontic treatment methods work well, regardless of a person's age. Let's look further at the various options for braces for adults.
Metal Braces for Adults
Adult braces options include metal braces, the kind that most people think of when you say "braces." These traditional braces for adults consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth and joined together by wires. The orthodontist tightens the wires to make the teeth shift. Traditional metal braces for adults have come a long way over the years with smaller and less visible brackets.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are also among the popular braces options for adults. They use tooth-colored ceramics to attach the wires to the teeth, and the wires are often colored white to make them less noticeable. As with traditional metal braces, the wires are tightened to shift the teeth into their proper place.
Lingual Braces
Like traditional braces for adults, lingual braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are tightened to move teeth. The basic difference is that lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, facing the tongue. As a result, they are barely noticeable and are often considered invisible braces for adults.
Invisalign
Invisalign is another type of invisible braces for adults. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to move teeth into place. Unlike traditional, ceramic and lingual braces, which remain in place for several years, Invisalign braces for adults can be removed when the person eats or brushes their teeth. The clear aligners must be replaced every two weeks or so with a differently shaped set of aligners to continue to move teeth into position.
What to Expect During Treatment With Adult Braces
Once your braces are in place, you'll want to follow your orthodontist's instructions carefully. Regular brushing and flossing are essential, as is a good fluoride rinse. Your treatment time will depend on your specific orthodontic plan.
If you have metal braces of any kind, you'll also need to avoid certain sticky and crunchy foods that could damage your braces, like:
- Hard candy
- Caramels
- Sour candy
- Popcorn
- Nuts
What to Expect After Treatment
Once your adult braces are removed, you'll need to continue brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly. Your orthodontist will likely give you a retainer, which you'll want to wear at the specified times. Otherwise, your teeth may begin to move out of place.
So, What Are the Best Adult Braces?
The best braces for adults are the ones that you and your orthodontist decide on. Be clear about your concerns and goals, and your orthodontist will help you select the right approach for your teeth. If cost is an issue, make sure to discuss that as well, since there are different prices associated with the various types of braces for adults.
Choose Dr. Beth for Your Adult Braces
Wearing braces can help straighten your smile and improve your oral health. Whether you need metal or clear braces, an experienced professional like Dr. Beth can chart your path to orthodontic success. She'll discuss the different types of braces for adults with you and ensure your treatment plan meets your goals. Schedule your consultation today.
