Braces for Adults

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If you’re considering braces
as an adult, you’re not alone.

Many adults report that their less-than-ideal smile holds them back from feeling their most confident selves, whether in the workplace, in relationships, or just throughout their daily lives. It’s never too late to take control of your smile with braces options that fit your life, and shape your smile goals.

1. Crowded Teeth mean that there are teeth that are overlapping one another, and this isn’t just about aesthetics. Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing challenging, leaving food and plaque in the crowded areas. This can cause long-term problems like tooth decay. Crowded teeth often don’t get better all on their own, and braces can help straighten this problem out.

2. Tooth Gaps are when there is too much space between the teeth. This is sometimes caused by missing teeth, or delayed baby tooth loss, or any number of reasons. In order to provide a foundation for a great, lifelong smile, braces can neaten up those gaps.

3. Bite Issues such as Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, or Open Bite can all be indicators that you might need braces. Again, this isn’t just about aesthetics, but about the mechanics of the mouth. Bite alignment problems can sometimes lead to jaw pain, speech issues, uneven tooth wear, and even chipped teeth. Braces can fix these issues.

Am I a Good Candidate for Adult Braces?

The best way to find out whether you’re a good candidate for adult braces is to get evaluated by an orthodontist. There are many reasons that adults seek out orthodontic treatment, from simple cosmetic changes that require a short course of treatment, to more in-depth treatments that can truly reshape a smile. Thankfully, advancements in the field of orthodontics mean thatmany of these problems can be effectively treated. The most common reasons why adults seek braces include:

Crowded Teeth

When teeth are too close together, food and plaque can get trapped, causing decay. Braces can help correct this crowding, and return teeth to proper, functional, aesthetically pleasing alignment.

Tooth Gaps

Irregular spacing between teeth can make anyone feel shy and self-conscious. Thankfully, braces can help correct these gaps.

Malocclusions

A malocclusion simply refers to a misalignment of the teeth in some way, and the majority of them can be corrected with some form of orthodontic treatment. Left untreated, however, malocclusions can cause all kinds of problems that go beyond just aesthetics: jaw pain, headaches, uneven tooth wear, and more. Some commonly seen types of malocclusions that braces can effectively treat include:

Overbite: An overbite is when the upper front teeth protrude over the bottom teeth. While sometimes this is a result of thumb-sucking in children, it can continue to affect people all throughout their lives. Adult braces — whether traditional metal, more subtle ceramic, or lingual braces that are placed behind the teeth — can effectively address an overbite and correct the position of those protruding teeth.

Underbite: The opposite of an overbite, an underbite is when the bottom front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed in a natural position. An underbite can be caused by a number of factors, and can even run in families! Choosing the right type of braces treatment for your specific alignment issues — with the help and guidance of an orthodontist — can get you on the road to the smile you’ve always wanted.

Crossbite: Crossbites can appear in many different forms, but all of them deal in some way with a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. These irregularities can often be coupled with crowded teeth. Because of the misalignment of the teeth due to a crossbite, there can be tooth pain, chipping, irregular wear, sensitivity, and many other issues. Adult braces can be an excellent choice to correct a crossbite and reshape the smile to a healthy and functional one.

Open bite: An open bite is when the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when closed. This gap can be small, or it can be quite wide. Either way, this misalignment is usually treatable with braces, even into adulthood.

Missing Teeth

Teeth can be missing for a variety of reasons; maybe the adult teeth never grew in to begin with, or a tooth was lost due to injury. Whatever the reason, missing adult teeth lead to gaps that other teeth naturally want to move towards and fill. This, in turn, can lead to misalignments, crowding, and other issues. Braces for adults are a great option to correct this spacing issue, and even prepare the mouth for placement of an eventual bridge or other implant in the future.

What is the Adult Braces Process Like?

The process of getting adult braces involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment:

Initial Consultation: Your orthodontist will discuss your concerns and conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. This may include taking X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions to assess your dental structure.
Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This plan outlines the type of braces suitable for you, the expected duration of treatment, and the specific movements required to align your teeth properly.
Placement of Braces: In a subsequent appointment, the braces are applied to your teeth. The process involves cleaning and conditioning the tooth surfaces, applying a special adhesive, and attaching the brackets. Once the brackets are in place, an archwire is threaded through them to initiate the alignment process.
Regular Adjustments: Throughout the treatment, you’ll have periodic appointments for adjustments. During these visits, the orthodontist will tighten or replace the archwire and may change the elastic bands to continue guiding your teeth into the desired positions.
Retention Phase: After achieving the desired alignment, the braces are removed, and you’ll be provided with a retainer. Wearing a retainer helps maintain the new position of your teeth and prevents them from shifting back.

The entire process requires active participation and adherence to the orthodontist’s instructions to ensure optimal results.

How Quickly Can I See Results?

The timeline for noticing results from orthodontic treatment varies based on individual factors such as the complexity of the case, the type of appliance used, and patient compliance. Here’s a general overview:

Initial Changes (First 6 Weeks):

Some patients may observe minor improvements within the first six weeks of treatment.

Early Progress (2 to 3 Months):

Many patients begin to see noticeable changes as teeth start to align.

Mid-Treatment Progress (3 to 6 Months):

More significant changes typically occur during this period, with teeth progressively moving into better alignment.

Comprehensive Results (12 to 36 Months):

The total duration of orthodontic treatment generally ranges from 12 to 36 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment and the specific treatment plan.

It’s important to note that these timelines can vary based on individual circumstances. Regular consultations with your orthodontist will provide a more personalized estimate of your treatment progress.