Most people think only kids and teenagers get braces. But braces are available for patients of any age. In fact, more than a quarter of today’s braces patients are adults!
Do braces work for adults as they do for teenagers? Teen braces treatment is slightly different from adult braces, but the results are the same — a straight, healthy, gorgeous smile! Smith & Davis Orthodontics treats patients of all ages, so we know how amazing your smile can look, whether you’re 12 or 62.
Can Adults Get Braces?
Of course, adults can get braces! Adult braces aren’t as common as teenage braces, but they’re more common than you may realize! Today’s technology makes adult braces options less visible than those of the past.
Many adults prefer clear braces or, if they’re good candidates, clear aligners. Clear braces may not be invisible braces, but they’re a lot harder to see on the teeth than traditional metal braces. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are nearly invisible.
Is it too late to get braces if you’re an adult? Definitely not! Are braces worth it for adults? Definitely! A straight smile does far more than just look good. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straight teeth can improve digestion, breathing, and overall health.
How Are Braces Different for Adults?
Braces treatment for adults can differ from what you see for teenagers. The biggest difference is between adult and teenage jaws. Our jaws grow and develop as we grow from children to teenagers. The bones are breaking down and rebuilding themselves, which makes them easier to alter.
Once you hit about 20-21 years of age, your jaw begins to harden and “set.” Jaw development slows to a crawl. Sometime after age 30, though, our bones slowly start to lose density. This will eventually cause the jaw to shrink.
Does this mean you can’t get braces? No, it doesn’t. It just means the braces timeline for adults may differ from that of teenagers.
Even “set” jaws can be made to break down and reconstruct themselves using gentle pressure. That is what we do with braces or clear aligners. It often takes a bit longer for the process to get started than with teenagers, but if it does, the adult braces timeline usually runs about 6-12 months longer than with teenagers.
Not every adult patient will have longer treatment than teenagers. It depends more on the complexity of the adult’s orthodontic issues. Many patients will take about the same amount of time as the average braces patient — 12-18 months.
Other Factors for Adults
Adults may have other factors that make adult braces different from braces for kids. Adults tend to have more dental work, including fillings, crowns, dental implants, and even partials. These must be factored into your treatment plan, but they won’t keep you from getting treatment.
Adults may also have a slower tissue response compared to children. In other words, our tissues take longer to change and heal than they did when we were children. This can make treatment a bit slower than with teenagers.
Why Should Adults Get Braces?
Why would you want to get braces as an adult? You’re entitled to be proud of your smile at any age! But braces do much more than make your smile pretty. They can help with a variety of health issues.
What can adult braces do for you?
- Decrease tooth wear: Crooked teeth can cause excessive wear, leading to chips, cracks, and breaks.
- Improve digestion: Straight teeth can bite and chew food better, which means less work for the rest of your digestive system and fewer digestive issues, including gas, acid reflux, and nausea.
- Reduce jaw pain and neck aches: Misaligned teeth can cause jaw fatigue and pain, which can lead to neck pain.
- Reduce headaches: Jaw and neck pain, as well as stress, can cause headaches. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can reduce this.
- Improve oral hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss.
- Improve speech and breathing: Straight teeth also improve tongue placement during speech and while sleeping.
- Improved self-confidence: A straight smile makes a great first impression and can improve your self-esteem.
FAQs About Adult Braces
Here are a few frequently asked questions about adult braces.
Can adults get braces at any age?
As long as your teeth, gums, and jaws are healthy, you can get braces. We will work with your dentist to make sure your mouth is healthy and ready for orthodontic treatment.
What do braces for adults cost?
The cost of adult braces may be about the same as braces for teenagers or may cost more. It depends on the complexity of your treatment and other factors. We will let you know the cost up front.
Are adult braces more uncomfortable?
Comfort level depends on the individual, not age. Discomfort usually occurs only when braces are first placed or adjusted. Most of the time, you will barely notice they are there.
Can I wear clear aligners as an adult?
Clear aligners can be worn in many cases, but adults with complex or multiple orthodontic issues may not be good candidates. We will evaluate your smile and let you know if clear aligners like Invisalign are right for you.
Can I wear clear braces as an adult?
Yes. Smith and Davis Orthodontics offers clear braces because many patients prefer their low profile appearance. You get clear braces that look great and move your teeth efficiently.
Adult Braces in Rogers, AR
At Smith & Davis Orthodontics, we believe you’re never too old for a beautiful, healthy smile! Braces or clear aligners can improve your oral health and overall health at any age. We’d love to show you what braces can do for you!
Schedule an appointment with Smith & Davis Orthodontics for clear braces for adults in Rogers, AR. You’ll be amazed at how great you can look and feel with a new smile!
Leave a Comment