Everyone deserves to love their appearance, and with orthodontic work for adults, achieving the perfect smile is possible at any age.
The word “braces” often conjures up images of children and teenagers; their smiles adorned with an assortment of colorful wires and rubber bands.
However, dental braces for adults have become increasingly more popular over the past few years. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), approximately one in four orthodontic patients are adults.
If you’re weighing the orthodontic benefits for adults, you’re going to want to keep reading. In this article, we’ll address key questions, such as:
- Is orthodontic work for adults effective?
- What are the best braces to get for adults?
- Are there side effects of braces for adults?
- What is the shortest time period for braces?
- How can I start my adult orthodontics journey?
Ready to learn more about the benefits of dental braces for adults? We can already see you smiling!
The Importance of Orthodontic Work for Adults
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws. We’re professional smile stylists!
Despite any preconceived notions you have about orthodontists, both children and adults benefit from orthodontic treatments. Braces apply pressure to the teeth in strategic directions, which causes them to move into their desired place over time.
With proper care, a full orthodontic treatment for adults will help:
- Correct crooked teeth
- Enhance your bite
- Close gaps or resolve overcrowding
- Improve your oral hygiene
- Give you a straighter, more confident smile
But before we share more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, let’s review the different options for orthodontic treatment for adults.
What Are The Different Types of Dental Braces for Adults?
The type of braces you’ll need depends on the severity of your dental problems. Each has its pros and cons, and your orthodontist will recommend the best braces to get for adults.
Two of the most common orthodontic options for adults include:
1. Traditional Metal Braces
Metal brackets and wires are the most common type of braces. They’re very effective in fixing a wide variety of dental problems and have a decades-long history of correcting smiles.
Many adults don’t like the idea of metal braces because they’re easily visible and the metal brackets can irritate your mouth.
However, traditional metal braces are much more versatile than other options, like Invisalign. With metal braces, orthodontists can more effectively fix severe orthodontic issues.
2. Invisalign
Invisalign is another straightening method that uses clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. It’s a popular choice for adults because it’s nearly invisible and non-permanent. Adults also appreciate the ability to remove the trays for short times or special occasions when necessary.
But unlike metal braces, there are some orthodontic issues that Invisalign can’t fix. In these cases, your orthodontist may start you with metal braces and then transition you to Invisalign.
If you’re unsure which adult orthodontics’ method is best for you, scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist is a great first step.
Are There Side Effects of Braces for Adults?
As with any orthodontic work for adults, some side effects can occur. However, most will go away in a matter of days or weeks.
The most common side effect of teeth straightening is pain and discomfort from the pressure on your teeth. You may also experience:
- Increased saliva: You may notice more saliva in your mouth after treatment begins.
- Soreness: It can take time for your muscles to become used to the movement of your teeth. Jaw soreness after the initial application or during tightening/new tray placement is common while your mouth adjusts.
- Difficulty speaking: Whether your orthodontist opts for traditional braces or an Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to get used to the new fixtures. Though you may sound a bit funny initially, you’ll adjust quite quickly to your new mouth!
- Swollen gums: It’s extra important to brush and floss carefully when you have braces. There are more opportunities for plaque and bacteria to build up close to your gum line with braces. Good oral hygiene will help prevent gum disease or inflamed gums.
But ultimately, teeth straightening involves very little pain but great advantages.
What Is The Shortest Time Period For Braces As An Adult?
Many adults want to base their dental choice on the shortest time period for braces. The length of each orthodontic treatment for adults will depend on the severity of their dental problems.
Most adult orthodontics treatments last between 12 and 18 months, with visits every few weeks to analyze the progress. However, the timeline can vary depending on your specific case. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take.
What Are The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults?
There are many orthodontic benefits for adults from an appearance, self-esteem, and oral health perspective. Some of the most convincing benefits of adult orthodontics include:
A Straighter, More Confident Smile
No more closed-lip, serious faces for you!
Orthodontics can correct crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, gaps between teeth, or problems with your bite and jaw position. Even with the shortest time period for braces, you’ll be on your way to that dazzling grin you’ve always wanted.
Better Oral Hygiene
With age comes wisdom and more years of poor oral hygiene habits, so often an orthodontic treatment for adults is essential to prevent further dental issues. That newly straightened smile also makes it easier to floss and brush your teeth properly.
Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
Improved Jaw Functionality
Adults who experience jaw pain find enormous relief after undergoing a full orthodontic treatment. Braces straighten teeth and help with correcting jaw alignment, which can cause issues like TMD or TMJ.
Greater Self-Esteem
With your dream smile comes better self-esteem. (No more closed mouth or half-smiles for you!) Orthodontics can help you feel better about yourself and boost your self-confidence.
What Are The Best Braces To Get For Adults?
The best braces to get for adults vary depending on the type of dental problems you have. However, many people prefer Invisalign because they offer orthodontic benefits for adults in a comfortable yet discreet way, with little disruption to their lives.
Before you decide on any type of braces, be sure to consult with a reputable orthodontist with a proven track record in adult orthodontics.
Are You a Good Candidate for Adult Orthodontics?
If you’re considering orthodontic work for adults, be sure to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a smile that needs some correcting?
- Can I commit to wearing braces no matter the longest or shortest time period for braces?
- Am I willing to maintain a healthy, proper oral hygiene routine?
- Can I make the financial investment in orthodontic treatment for adults?
If you can confidently answer “yes” to these questions, then you may be a good candidate for adult orthodontics.
At Bates Orthodontics, our team treats adults of all ages. We understand that every adult has a unique desired outcome for adult orthodontics. That’s why we offer full orthodontic treatments for adults, including Invisalign and traditional metal braces.
Contact Bates Orthodontics today to learn more about our orthodontic services. We offer free consultations for prospective patients in the Richmond, VA, area.
