Braces for Adults

Have you been thinking about getting braces as an adult, but thought they were just for kids? Think again, because adults make great candidates for orthodontic treatment with braces. 

As an adult, you understand how important a great smile is at work or home, and with family and friends. Braces can be a worthwhile investment in yourself.

How to Know If You Need Adult Braces

Braces can correct bite issues, crooked teeth, gaps, crowded teeth, or overlapping teeth. Poorly aligned teeth can also make it difficult to speak, bite and chew.

Whether you wore braces in the past or are looking into your first treatment with braces, at your FREE consultation your local orthodontist can help you decide whether braces are the right solution to restore your straight, confident smile.

Types of Braces for Adults

Dental braces for adults are temporary devices orthodontists use to realign and straighten your teeth. Braces position your teeth, adjust your bite, fix gaps, and improve dental health.

The main types of adult braces local orthodontists use to provide improved smiles are:

• Metal Braces: Also known as conventional braces, these are the most common orthodontic treatment. In this process, your local orthodontist uses a combination of stainless steel brackets, arch wires, and elastic ties or bands to gently move your teeth.
• Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that are made of ceramic, porcelain, or, in some cases, plastic, and blend in with teeth. Each bracket is the same size as traditional metal braces but much less noticeable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces

How long will I need to wear adult braces?

Depending on the adjustments that need to be made in your mouth, the average orthodontic treatment for adult braces usually lasts anywhere from 1½-2 years. Adults are typically more consistent in their oral health routine, so positive results can be efficiently achieved.

How much do braces for adults cost?

The cost of braces depends on the amount of adjustment needed to create your ideal smile. Taking care of your teeth between adjustments helps to reduce orthodontist visits. Insurance may cover a portion of your costs, and affordable payment plans are also available through your local orthodontist office.

What orthodontic options do adults have?

Adults have many options to adjust their smile. Both braces and clear aligners can be effective ways to realign your teeth, and each option comes with its own benefits.

Braces are typically the most effective treatment for complex cases because they are constantly working to align your teeth. Braces are an affordable option often covered by insurance. Metal braces work well, but some adults have aesthetic concerns. For them, aligners or ceramic braces might be the preferred option.

Invisalign® aligners are a removable, discreet orthodontic treatment that is another great option for adults. It consists of a series of aligner trays that you wear for several weeks at a time. As your teeth gently move into position, you move on to the next set of trays.

Other adults like the fact that Invisalign® aligners are custom-designed, removable, and fit more closely into their active lifestyle. However, Invisalign® aligners require self-discipline from the patient to consistently wear their aligners 20-22 hours per day for maximum effectiveness.

Both types of treatment work well, and there are pros to both braces and Invisalign® aligners. Talk to your local orthodontist about the different types of orthodontic treatment available today to find the best choice based on your specific needs and goals.

How to Get Started with Braces as an Adult

It’s never too late to transform your smile! No matter your age, a beautiful smile and increased self-confidence are priceless.

Let our team perform a full dental examination and take X-rays to determine the current position of your teeth. We will then discuss your options for adult braces and map out a plan to move your teeth into a more desirable alignment. With a little help from braces and your local orthodontist, you can achieve a healthy and confident smile.

Smile Doctors is the fastest-growing network of trusted orthodontists in the country. We customize treatment plans for kids, teens, and adults. Talk to one of the skilled orthodontists near you today and find out whether braces are right for you!