Can Adults Wear Braces? Orthodontic Treatments for All

There are a variety of reasons why, as an adult, you may be considering having braces. With advancements in orthodontic technology, there are now more adults getting braces than ever before. Figures from the British Orthodontic Society indicate that 75% of UK orthodontists reported an increase in the number of private adult patients seeking braces.  

A question that our orthodontists hear all too often from their patients is “Am I too old to have braces?” There’s a simple answer: Most certainly not!

Though traditional and non-traditional metal braces are still frequently used, for obvious reasons, clear braces have become an increasingly popular choice. In this article, we talk through the various types of discreet braces that we have available, as well as the benefits they can offer you. 

Orthodontics for Adults

When there are issues with respect to the alignment of your teeth, it can have a major impact on your self-confidence. But there are other problems that can arise as well. Overlapping or crowded teeth can be tricky to clean, and this can lead to tooth decay in addition to gum disease. 

If your teeth do not come together correctly when your jaws close – an issue that is called ‘bad bite’ or malocclusion – this can cause problems with chewing and swallowing. 

When your teeth are improperly aligned, there may be difficulty in pronouncing some words, while it can also place a disproportionate amount of stress on your chewing muscles, and that can cause facial pain. 

You might require braces if: 

• Your confidence is low due to crooked teeth
• The position of your jaws is misaligned, and this misalignment makes it difficult to chew and/or creates irritating sounds
• There is a misalignment of your teeth, and this is causing you to bite your tongue and/or your cheeks
• Your baby teeth were lost too soon therefore your adult teeth have failed to develop properly
• Your jaw is protruding or recessed

Types of Discreet Braces

Invisalign Braces

The treatment involved with Invisalign braces consists of a series of opaque plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth. Invisalign braces are almost invisible, and they are removable, making them an ideal choice if you are looking for something far more discreet than traditional metal braces. 

3-D computer imaging technology is used to make Invisalign allowing you to view on a virtual basis how your teeth will appear after the conclusion of your treatment. 

While Invisalign is not a suitable option for everyone, this will be established during the consultation with your orthodontist. If it is found not to be suitable for you, your orthodontist will discuss alternative options so you can still, in time, enjoy a perfect smile. 

Typically, individual aligners are worn for around two weeks. If, after this time, your teeth have relocated to the correct position, it’s time for the next aligner to be fitted. 

Invisalign braces should only be removed before you drink and eat and prior to brushing and flossing your teeth. You’ll be asked to make regular visits to your orthodontist – approximately one time every six weeks – to make sure that your treatment is progressing smoothly. 

Normally, for an entire Invisalign treatment, it takes between nine and fifteen months. On average, during a single course of treatment, the number of aligners that are worn is anything between 18 and 30. This does vary from one person to another. 

Ceramic / Clear Braces

Ceramic braces, also referred to as clear braces, are used for the same purpose as traditional braces – to straighten your teeth and fix any bite-related problems. These braces consist of tooth-coloured or clear ceramic brackets that are attached using similarly coloured wiring and rubber bands to the surface of your teeth. They are particularly discreet. 

The amount of time that’s needed to straighten your teeth is exactly the same when ceramic or clear braces are used as it is for metal braces. So there’s really only one difference between the two options – one is ceramic, and the other is metal. 

Smilelign

Treatment involving Smilelign is undertaken using a series of removable, virtually invisible aligners. To progress to the next stage, every two to four weeks, the aligners are changed. 

Each individual aligner is very carefully designed to fit your teeth, and they work by moving the teeth little by little, from day to day and week to week. 

Smilelign aligners are worn until your teeth have reached the position prescribed by your orthodontist. 

The movement of your teeth is planned meticulously by the orthodontist. Cutting-edge technology is used to scan your teeth, after which 3D computer models are created by our technician. These 3D computer models show the movement of your teeth throughout the treatment process so you can see what your teeth will look like when the treatment concludes. 

When viewing the 3D animations, you can also discuss specific requirements that you might have with your orthodontist with respect to the final appearance of your teeth. 

Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Essex

At Perfect Smile Spa, we offer a large variety of orthodontic treatments for adults, including a diverse array of braces.

When you first visit us at Perfect Smile Spa, our expert orthodontist will provide you with an initial consultation whereby you will be advised about the right braces for you.

Our dental practice is located in Essex and is easily accessible from most areas around the UK. For more information on our orthodontic treatments, please get in touch with us.