If you’re an adult who never had the chance to get braces as a kid, you may wonder if you’re too old to straighten your teeth now. Many adults feel self-conscious about having a less-than-perfect smile. Fortunately, you can get braces at any age! While there are some considerations when it comes to adult braces, rest assured that it is never too late to transform your smile.
How Do Braces for Adults Work?
Braces utilize gentle pressure over time to move teeth into better alignment. By attaching brackets to each tooth and running a wire through them, orthodontists can shift your teeth into optimal positioning for a properly aligned bite and straighter smile. This same technique works on patients of all ages. With braces for adults, the orthodontist will consider factors like the health of the teeth and gums along with the structure of the jaw prior to starting treatment. Occasionally, small adjustments may be made to the braces process for adult patients, but the basic mechanics remain the same.
What are the Benefits of Braces for Adults?
Straighter Teeth
Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can all be straightened with braces as an adult. Moving your teeth into proper alignment not only gives you a beautiful smile but also improves dental hygiene and reduces strain on the jaw.
Improved Oral Health
Correcting bite issues can help reduce abnormal wear and tear on the teeth. Closing gaps decreases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in those spaces. Good alignment allows you to keep your teeth cleaner as well.
Increased Confidence
When you look good, you feel good. Many adults find that fixing long-standing dental issues gives them greater confidence in social settings, professional situations, and day-to-day life. Improving your smile can have a profoundly positive impact on self-esteem.
Is There an Age Limit for Braces?
There is no absolute cut-off age for getting braces as an adult. However, age does affect the biological response to orthodontic treatment. Adults who get braces later in life may require a longer treatment period as teeth, bones, and gums become less elastic over time. Results may also be limited by the structure of the jaw, which becomes more set in adulthood. Despite these limitations, in most cases, braces can produce noticeable improvements at any age!
What Types of Adult Braces are Available?
At Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser, we may recommend one of the following types of braces for adults who are interested in transforming their smile:
- Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces have brackets that are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic. This allows them to blend in with natural teeth much better than the traditional metal brackets. Though less visible, they cost more than metal braces.
- Lingual Braces – Lingual braces are attached to the backside of your teeth, making them invisible from the front. A custom fit is made to adhere closely to the contours of your specific teeth. While very discreet, they can impact speech and comfort.
- Metal Braces – Traditional metal braces remain a top choice for adults. They are the most economical option and work more quickly than less noticeable choices. Stainless steel allows for smaller brackets. Modern metal braces can actually be appealing with different colored ties and bands.
- Invisalign® – This popular clear aligner system is removable, comfortable, and versatile. A series of smooth plastic trays are worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into alignment. For adults with mild to moderate issues, Invisalign provides an inconspicuous approach.
- Six-Month Braces – Through advanced techniques, some orthodontists can straighten teeth in just 4-9 months with short-term braces. This accelerated option utilizes more frequent adjustments and specialized wires to achieve results more quickly. It provides a faster yet effective alternative for working adults.
If you’re interested in determining the best type of braces for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser.
