Can I Get Braces As An Adult?
Nowadays, braces aren’t just limited to teenagers. With the evolution in dental artistry and innovative techniques, adults can also embrace orthodontia. Even though there are multiple options for adult braces, many candidates find it daunting.
This blog clarifies everything one needs to know about braces for adults and their various types. Keep reading to make an informed decision.
Need for braces in adults
Nearly 50% of the adult population are consulting with dentists about adult braces. A misaligned jaw can affect oral hygiene and reduce your confidence.
Listed below are five reasons why braces are beneficial for adults:
- Multiple options: Gone are the days when metal braces were the only options. Now, you can opt for braces as per your preference, comfort, and budget.
- Overall oral wellness: As you tend to ignore the misalignment in your jaws, the teeth overlap and become vulnerable to decay. Braces help with teeth straightening, jaw alignment, and balancing the spaces between the teeth.
- Self-confidence: Braces give you the confidence to not feel conscious about your smile. A confident smile helps create a good impression at job interviews, dates, and parties.
- Affordable: Braces are not expensive, considering the many benefits they bring to the table beyond cosmetic wellness. Moreover, it is also possible to claim insurance support for the same.
- Temporary solution for permanent effects: The best part about wearing braces as an adult is they are temporary additions with permanent results. It may take several weeks for the jaw to align, but it improves the alignment of the oral cavity.
With so many benefits, the following section discusses how adults must prepare themselves for braces.
Adapting to braces as an adult
Many people feel it is easier to adjust to the treatment for orthodontia as a preteenager because of lesser developed food habits. However, tooth correction during the adulthood period also requires some habitual commitments. These commitments may include:
- Showing up for regular checkups
- Openly discussing the concerns with the dentist
- Looking after eating habits
- Frequent brushing and flossing to maintain oral hygiene
While the basics are straightforward, it is essential to shed some light on the types of teeth braces available for adults. The following section lists options to streamline your oral cavity and smile.
Types of braces
Unlike today, metal braces were popular two decades ago because of their flexibility. As much as the regular braces stand firm, many other practical options are available for adults.
Below are the braces suitable for every adult, depending on their case.
Invisible Aligners
These are becoming popular because of their invisible property, allowing an individual to wear braces for a longer time. These are not only invisible but also easily removable. Unlike traditional braces, this makes it easier to brush, chew, clean, and floss. Considering the convenience, these braces also take longer to deliver the desired outcome. It takes multiple dentist’s appointments and several changes in adjustment to reach the milestone of oral alignment.
Lingual braces
These are commonly known as traditional braces but for the inner teeth lining. Adults prefer to have these because they are rarely visible and do not affect your natural look. However, these braces are not only time-consuming but also uncomfortable in terms of eating habits.
Even after removing lingual braces, one must wear retainers for at least six months to make the changes permanent. Due to the attachment of the braces to the inner lining of the teeth, it demands frequent cleaning and dentist appointments.
Self-ligating braces
Since many adults are uncomfortable with the elastic band, they opt for self-ligating braces. These braces have a wire attached to the tooth bracket, and you can place it in the desired position for teeth alignment.
Traditional braces
Last but not least, traditional braces have seen many advancements like removing elastic bands and introducing clear ceramic braces. These changes make them better than the conventional braces and deliver desired results within a short period.
Traditional braces are preferable for adults because they are easier to align rigid jaws. In addition, they can also add extra pressure to ensure alignment when needed.
Myths about getting braces as an adult
Many people need braces during adulthood because they either did not get the treatment as a teenager or did not take proper care. Some exceptional cases include accidents, injuries, and accidental tooth fall that might misalign the jaw structure.
In such a situation, some common myths about braces for adults doing the rounds in the community are as follows:
- Ineffective: Many believe braces are ineffective for adults due to their rigid jaws. But, people as old as 78 years can opt for braces and get the desired outcome.
- Time-consuming: Braces may take several weeks to show good results, but it is worth the wait. It hardly takes a few extra months compared to teenagers or pre-teenagers.
- Metal braces are the only option: If metal braces are suitable for one’s condition, it might be suggested by the dentist. However, it would be wrong to mention that these are the only options left.
- Convenience issues: Adjusting to braces is difficult at all ages, irrespective of when you opt for it. Moreover, it also depends on the condition and the pressure it needs to align the jaws.
Wrapping Up
Therefore, it is safe to conclude beyond the shadow of a doubt that adult braces are 100% effective. The best protocol would be first to analyze your dental requirements and consult your dentist about suitable options.
While there are so many cosmetic options available for jaw re-aligning, it would be fair to try braces first. If you are already planning the orthodontic treatment, this should be your sign to go for it.