Blog Summary: Thinking about straightening your smile as an adult? You’re not alone! In this guide, we dive into the world of adult braces, including how they work, how long they take, and what kind of before and after results you can expect. We’ll also cover the most popular types of braces for adults, reasons to consider orthodontic treatment later in life, and answer common questions about dental braces for adults—like costs, insurance, and treatment comfort. Whether you’re 25 or 75, a healthier, straighter smile is absolutely possible!
Adult braces are becoming more common, accounting for 20 percent of braces patients yearly. Many adults choose to get braces because they did not have the opportunity to get them as a child, or maybe they even had braces as a child, and their teeth have shifted since then.
No matter the reason for getting braces, adult braces before and after offer excellent results. Braces not only help to straighten teeth and give you a more natural smile but also help you regain confidence when the braces come off.
Many adults feel more confident in their daily lives with a straighter smile. Braces offer many positive effects for adults and can be life-changing for some.
Braces for Adults: Do They Take Longer?
Braces for adults take slightly longer than they would for a child or teenager. One of the most significant differences between adult and pediatric orthodontics is that adults are not growing like children, so they have more mature bone density than children. This means that braces have to work harder to move teeth, and can also take longer to do so.
In addition, adults have some habits and medications that can affect the outcome of their treatment, such as teeth grinding, smoking, or tongue thrusting. Adults typically wear braces for two to three years, which can be the same time as a child.
It might seem like children wear braces for a longer time than adults, and this can sometimes be true because children often do not follow the dentist’s instructions as well as adults, which in effect means they wind up wearing braces longer than expected. But in most cases, assuming adults and kids follow all instructions from their orthodontist, adults do have to wear braces longer than kids.
Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, however, many discreet types of braces for adults are available, such as clear aligners. These can make the prospect of wearing braces for an extended period of time as an adult much more palatable for some patients.
At What Age Are You Too Old for Braces?
As long as you are healthy, braces have no age limit. Adults as mature as 70 and 80 years old wear braces. However, some conditions might prevent adults from getting braces as they get older, such as osteoporosis and diabetes.
The Super Dentists provides parent and adult dentistry. Parents can even make appointments at the same time as their children for convenience.
Reasons Adults Might Need Braces
Adult braces help correct oral health problems in an efficient and quick manner. Adults might need braces for many reasons. These reasons include:
- Gradual Teeth Movement: Adults may need braces because their teeth have shifted due to age, injury, or bone loss. When the teeth move gradually, this can cause them to become overly crowded and crooked.
- Previous Treatment Wore Off: If adults had braces as children, their teeth might have shifted over time, causing them to reconsider braces.
- Difficulty Cleaning Teeth: When teeth shift, it can be difficult to clean them efficiently. If teeth are not correctly cleaned, it can lead to oral health problems like tooth decay or cavities.
- Jaw Pain: If adults experience jaw pain, it could be due to crooked teeth. Braces can help straighten the teeth and alleviate jaw pain.
- Improved Smile: Braces can help adults show off a new and improved smile, creating a higher sense of confidence.
- Support for Cosmetic or Restorative Dental Work: Braces for adults are sometimes recommended before getting dental work done. Your orthodontist may advise you to wear braces before they provide dental implants, veneers, or bridges, for example.
Adult Braces Before and After: Results
Noticing the difference is clear for braces before and after in adults. Many adults start wearing braces with gaps, crooked teeth, or they have misaligned bites. Once the braces are put on, the doctor will check them about once every month.
The teeth will begin to move over time. Depending on the person, the results may take one to three years. Pictures of the teeth are typically taken before and after the braces come off. When comparing the pictures, you will notice a significant difference and a straight smile.
X-rays will also indicate the difference between when the braces were put on versus when they were taken off. Patients who’ve worn adult braces often report better bite alignment, improved facial symmetry, and greater self-confidence when looking at before and afters.
Types of Braces for Adults
Adults can get the following types of braces:
- Clear Aligners: You’ve probably heard these referred to as “Invisalign” braces before, but Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners, not a type of braces. The Super Dentists offer Ortho Plus clear aligners, which are just as effective as Invisalign.
- In-Ovation Braces: These are self-litigating braces, meaning they don’t use traditional wires or elastic ties. This also means they don’t require tightening. They’re usually available in clear or metal so that they are less visible than traditional braces.
- Incognito Braces: This type of lingual braces goes behind your teeth on the tongue side, so they are invisible from the front of the mouth. They’re usually a bit more expensive than traditional braces and can be harder to clean, but they’re a popular option with adults who don’t want their braces to be visible. At The Super Dentists, we offer Incognito™ braces, a type of lingual braces.
- AADvance Braces: Three of the biggest concerns of patients using traditional braces are discomfort, tooth discoloration, and long treatment times. Developed to alleviate the most common concerns with braces for adults, Aadvance braces by The Super Dentists are traditional braces with an edge. They utilize rhodium-coated brackets for enhanced comfort and the minimization of unsightly marks on the teeth after removal. They also commonly help adults straighten their teeth in months instead of years.
What Is the Downside of Wearing Braces As an Adult?
Overall, braces have a positive impact on your adult teeth. The only downside is that the process might take longer for a child to have braces due to more mature and developed teeth and bones.
There are some disadvantages of having braces in general, whether an adult or child, but they are minimal, and the pros outweigh the cons for most people. That said, you should be aware that when you wear braces, you may experience:
- Sore gums, lips, and inner cheeks
- Canker sores
- Mild mouth discomfort
- Temporary changes in speech (more common with lingual braces)
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding foods like popcorn and caramel, not to mention gum
Can Adults Get Braces? FAQs
How much are braces for adults?
Adult braces cost between $2,500 to $7,500 for the traditional variety of options. However, that cost can fluctuate based on the specific type of braces you choose and your insurance coverage.
How painful are braces for adults?
Braces are not any more uncomfortable for adults than they are for children. Braces are generally uncomfortable when they are first put on or when you have an adjustment. An excellent way to compare the discomfort is to think of how you feel when you get new shoes. The new shoes might initially feel uncomfortable, but the more you wear them, the more comfortable they get.
Does insurance cover braces for adults?
Some dental insurance policies cover braces for adults, and some do not. Many insurance policies have an age limit on coverage, typically around age 19. If you are interested in getting braces as an adult, it is essential to check with your dental insurance provider to see what kind of coverage you have for braces.
Will I notice a difference with adult braces before and after?
You will notice a difference in your smile after you have braces. You might even begin seeing changes in your smile after three to four months of wearing braces. The changes occur slowly, but all come together in the end.
Conclusion
While having braces as an adult might take longer than braces as a child, the before and after results are effective. Luckily, braces have no age limit as long as you are healthy. If you are considering adult braces, The Super Dentists offers many adult orthodontic options in and around San Diego.
We can work with you to straighten your smile and help you achieve the adult braces before and after results that you desire. Contact The Super Dentists today to schedule a consultation for your adult braces!
