Braces were once seen as a young person’s dental intervention – a burden to be borne by awkward teens or a not-so-fond teenage memory, like yesteryear’s laughable fashion choices.
But crooked teeth can cause dental complications that straightening can fix or avoid, and many adults are opting to straighten them today. They want a smile they can flash proudly and a mouthful of healthy teeth that aren’t overcrowded.
If you’re curious about getting adult braces, we’ll tell you more about the types of braces adults use and help you decide if they’re right for you.
Reasons adults seek orthodontic treatment
When adults come to us for braces treatment, they’ve usually wanted straighter teeth their entire life. Crooked teeth in whatever form – from misalignment to protruding teeth – have made them self-conscious about their smile, and they’ve spent a lifetime covering their mouth when laughing or grinning instead of beaming at their happiest moments.
An upcoming special occasion
People want to look their best during special moments like a child’s wedding or an anniversary party. They want to spend the day laughing, talking, and smiling with confidence – not hiding their teeth.
Aging has shifted the mouth
Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, aging can cause your mouth shape to change. That can make once-perfectly-aligned teeth crooked and cause unpleasant changes in your smile.
If you’re getting older, or you’ve stopped wearing your retainer, you might need orthodontic treatment to realign your teeth and restore your smile.
Dental damage
Adults choose braces for more than aesthetics. Misaligned teeth can damage your oral health by creating hard-to-clean crevices that trap food and bacteria, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
In severe cases, misaligned teeth can make it hard for adults to speak, breathe, and chew correctly. When every bite or breath is hard work, it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
Types of adult braces treatments
For some patients, traditional metal braces are still the best route. But dental technology has made adult braces practically invisible for many. Here’s how we guide patients towards the right type of braces:
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most common type. They’re made of metal brackets affixed to each tooth, connected by a wire which is tightened to bring teeth into alignment. They’re effective for many orthodontic issues, and they remain the most cost-effective option, too. As fixed braces options go, traditional braces are a solid choice.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are another type of fixed braces made from tooth-coloured ceramic rather than metal. They’re less noticeable than metal braces, but just as effective for teeth straightening, making them an excellent choice for older teens or adults.
Invisible braces
Invisible aligners are popular among adults for good reason – they’re almost completely invisible, and they realign teeth quickly with little disruption to your everyday life. You can remove clear aligners to eat, brush, and floss, so they’re never a nuisance, and most adults see results within a few months.
Self-litigating braces
With this type of braces, your orthodontist will use a special clip instead of elastics to hold the brace’s wire in place. You’ll need fewer dental visits, and you’ll enjoy greater comfort – two advantages that make them a popular choice for adults whose teeth require braces.
Costs of teeth straightening for adults
Before you head to the chair, you’ll naturally want to know what braces cost. In the past, braces were prohibitively expensive for many families. The National Health System (NHS) offers free orthodontic treatment for children under 18, but most adults can’t avail of the free NHS treatment. Luckily, today’s options are far more affordable, and your health insurance may cover part of the cost.
The exact cost is hard to estimate without knowing the severity of your misalignment or the type of braces that will work best for you. But no matter what the cost, we offer payment plans to ease the financial burden. So, if cost is keeping you from a confident smile, talk to our team about a payment plan.
How to know if adult braces are right for you
When we’re guiding patients towards the right decision for their oral care, we help them explore their options and evaluate their priorities by asking them to think about these questions:
Do you have the time?
Straightening your teeth could take 6 months, so if you’ve got a big event in 6 weeks, you won’t have time to achieve your ideal smile before the big day.
Treatment takes time, but planning will help the process go more smoothly. If you’re thinking about teeth straightening, talk to your dentist today to start making an action plan.
Are you okay with a little discomfort?
Straightening your teeth has never been more comfortable, but you will experience a little oral discomfort at the beginning of the treatment. Don’t let it deter you – the long-term gain is far higher than the short-term pain, and you’ll be glad you grinned and bore it.
Do you value your smile as an investment?
Adult braces aren’t free, and they’re not even cheap. But if a straight smile is a priority to you, they are affordable. It’s easy to dismiss your misaligned teeth as an investment for another year, but in the meantime, you’ll still be self-conscious about your smile. When you choose braces, you choose to make your self confidence a priority.
Are you tired of worrying about your dental health?
No electric toothbrush or dedicated flossing routine is rigorous enough to really clean misaligned teeth – your current dental issues will continue to plague you until alignment is resolved.
Ready to get braces fitted?
Let’s create a smile you’re proud of – for that special occasion or just for the everyday joy of a witty joke or a conversation with a friend. Book an appointment and start planning your winning smile with your dentist.
