Your smile is one of the first things people see. Having crooked teeth can have a notable impact on your self-confidence when you’re in social settings. Finding an orthodontist can help you correct your dental issues. Adult Braces are a common and longstanding way to correct crooked teeth Recent developments such as Invisalign mean that braces are less obvious and less invasive. Plus you don’t need to be a child to get braces and many people with braces are adults.

Five Common Questions About Adult Braces

1. Is There an Age Limit?

Braces in general are associated with children and teenagers. Braces are seen as a way to correct a child’s teeth as they develop, so they will be straight and properly aligned. However, adults can have a need for braces as well and there is no age limit on corrective treatment such as invisible braces. 40 percent of people getting braces are adults. As long as your teeth and gums are reasonably healthy you can get corrective treatment to straighten your teeth.

2. Why Do Adults Need Braces?

Dental issues affect all age groups and even adults can require corrective care. With regular orthodontist care, you can keep your teeth healthy for your entire life. Dental issues and crooked teeth can lead to other health concerns such as headaches, increased tooth decay, wearing away of the enamel, and jaw pain. This has led to an increase in the use of braces in adults. In addition, modern braces are less noticeable and easier to care for. This makes them less of a burden to live with and increases the overall use among adults who need dental straightening.

3. Types of Braces

If you need braces there are several options available from your orthodontist to fit your preferences and needs. Traditional metal braces are still amiable and depending on the nature of your alignment needs could be a suitable option. If you need the precise correction metal braces provide ceramic braces are another consideration. Ceramic braces are useful because they are clear or colored to blend in with your teeth. This makes them far less noticeable than metal braces.

There are also lingual braces that are designed to go behind your teeth. These are very hard to notice unless looked at very closely. Finally, transparent aligners are a popular choice for adults who need braces. These braces are completely clear; any alignment components are designed to blend in with your natural tooth color making them nearly unnoticeable. Transparent aligners are also notable for not irritating your mouth or creating difficulties with speaking or eating.

4. Do Braces For Adults Differ From Those Used For Children or Teenagers?

Braces in general do not differ between young and adult patients. However, adults often have different health concerns. Issues adults encounter such as existing tooth damage, bone loss, root issues, and others are typically not found in children and teenagers.

5. How Long Do Adults Have To Wear Braces?

The length of time you have to wear braces depends on the nature of your condition and how much treatment is required. As your teeth are done growing when you reach adulthood braces can take a few years to achieve desired results. In general, adults wear braces somewhere between 18 months and 3 year. 1 to 2 years being the most common timeframe. Also, once you get your braces removed, follow-up care and tools such as retainers may be needed to ensure your teeth stay straight.

Final Thoughts

If your teeth are crooked or misaligned you don’t have to live with that and there are ways to fix these issues. Getting braces makes your teeth look better but can also reduce the chance of different dental issues later in life. Be sure to ask your orthodontist for options, what they offer, and what treatments are best for you. Contact our Melbourne, FL office to schedule an appointment.