5 FAQs On Orthodontic Treatment For Adults

While braces and retainers are often associated with teens and adolescents, there are orthodontic treatment adults can take advantage of as well. While there are some concerns about getting braces as an adult, there are several benefits to this dental treatment as well.

Just as teenagers and pre-teens get braces to have more confidence in their smile, adults get braces for the same reason. Here are some of the questions you may have about adult braces options and how braces work, so you can decide if these treatments are right for you. The professional dental team at Orthodontics Limited is here to address your concerns and get you on the path to a winning smile.

What Is the Shortest Time Periods for Braces?

Orthodontic treatment adults prefer are usually the ones that take as little time as possible. Most adults lead busy lives, and some professionals have to make presentations and speeches often. So, adults want their teeth straightened in a matter of months instead of waiting a year or a year and a half to get the smile they want.

Adults often consider the option of six-month braces. Patients have to find out if they are candidates for the treatment. Orthodontists will consult with patients and assess their teeth and gums to determine if six-month braces are an option. While the results are impressive, six-month braces are not designed to fix major orthodontic issues. This treatment is mainly cosmetic, so while it may work for some patients, other individuals may have to receive more extensive orthodontic services. These types of braces can only be installed in a healthy mouth. Sometimes, the orthodontist will suggest that patients improve the health of their gums and teeth before getting these braces. Getting a root canal, thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums and treatment for gums disease may be necessary before getting six-month braces.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Braces As an Adult?

Traditional metal braces are often the go-to treatment, but there are other ways to straighten your teeth.

Depending on your budget and how severely your teeth are misaligned or crooked, your dentist may suggestion dental aligners. You can also get lingual braces, which are positioned behind the teeth, or braces that are made from porcelain. Braces made of porcelain are fitted onto the teeth like metal braces, but the brackets are sheerer.

When you get braces as an adult, you’ll get more than just straight teeth. Your jaw and mouth changes shape as you age. When you get older, your jawbone will lose its density, and this can make your teeth shift. Your teeth could become crowded and you may have discomfort or pain when you swallow or chew. If your teeth are overlapped, they can be hard to clean, which makes adults more likely to develop tooth decay.

Braces will straighten your teeth and give you a naturally attractive smile. Braces can also improve your oral health. Some patients choose to get braces at age 50 or over due to oral discomfort. Once you get braces, you’ll gain more confident in your smile. Research shows that people who have straighter teeth are seen as more successful. Straight teeth is associated with attractiveness and health, so if colleagues, friends or potential employers see flaws in an adult’s smile, it could make a bad impression.

When adults get braces, they are less self-conscious about the way their teeth look. It’s best to discuss all braces and teeth straightening options with an orthodontist to come up with a customized treatment plan.

What Are the Side Effects of Adult Braces?

There are some side effect to be aware of if you’re considering braces as an adult. Teeth and gum pain are common, especially when your mouth is getting used to the braces. Temporomandibular dysfunction or TMD is also a common side effect of having braces. Root resorption can occur as a result of wearing braces. Risk resorption risk factors include the length of time you wear the braces, the shape of the root, hygiene habits and even genetic predisposition. Your orthodontist will explain these side effects to you in detail so you’ll know the risks, but the benefits usually outweigh the side effects.

There are some oral rinses and orthodontic waxes you can use to minimize discomfort until your teeth and gums are accustomed to the braces.

What Is the Cost of Braces?

Braces are also a viable option as an adult because you’ll actually be able to afford treatment. Braces don’t cost as much as possible think. If you need braces for reasons other than aesthetics, such as lowering your chances of tooth decay or improving the way you talk or eat, dental insurance could help cover the cost of braces. The cost of your braces differs depending on the kind of braces you need. Lingual braces are usually more expensive than conventional braces. Your orthodontist will show you several options for braces that would best fit your budget and oral needs.

Depending on the type of braces you need, you could pay about five thousand dollars in total. In most cases, you’ll wear your braces for about a year and a half, but your orthodontist could recommend that you wear braces for up to three years. You can make a down payment on the braces and make monthly payments or pay in full and receive a discount.

When Is It Too Late to Get Braces?

Most orthodontists agree that it’s never really too late to get braces. While it’s ideal to get braces when you’re younger and your jaws and gums are in good condition, you can get braces at any age. You can get conventional bracket braces and change the colors of your rubber bands each time you visit the orthodontist. Or, you can opt for an aligner system like Invisalign that is more discreet. Unlike bracket-braces that are installed in your mouth and stay there until the orthodontist removes them, you can remove aligners for about two hours a day, during mealtimes. No matter what type of braces you choose, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is vital. You should also visit your orthodontist often to check your progress and receive cleanings so your teeth won’t accumulate plaque and tartar.

For more information on getting braces as an adult, visit www.orthodonticslimited.com.