Adult Orthodontics, Braces & Aligners

Getting Braces as an Adult: What You Need to Know...

Many people think braces are just for teenagers, but that's far from the truth. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. If you're considering adult braces, you're not alone in wondering whether it's worth the investment of time, money, and temporary discomfort.

Why Adults Choose Braces

Adults seek orthodontic treatment for various reasons. Some never had the chance to get braces during childhood due to financial constraints or lack of awareness about dental health. Others had them as teens but didn't wear their retainers consistently, causing their teeth to shift back over time.

Beyond appearance, crooked or misaligned teeth can create real health problems. Overlapping teeth are harder to clean properly, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. When your bite isn't aligned correctly, it can cause jaw pain, headaches, and even wear down your teeth unevenly over time.

Professional appearance matters in many careers, and a confident smile can boost your self-esteem in both work and social situations. Many adults report feeling more confident in photos and face-to-face interactions after completing their orthodontic treatment.

Types of Braces Available for Adults

• Traditional metal braces: remain the most common and cost-effective option. Today's metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than previous versions. The brackets are bonded to your teeth, and wires are adjusted periodically to gradually move your teeth into proper position.
• Clear aligners: like 3M™ Clarity have become increasingly popular among adults. These removable plastic trays gradually shift your teeth without visible brackets or wires. You'll receive a series of aligners, changing to a new set every one to two weeks. While convenient and nearly invisible, they work best for mild to moderate alignment issues.
• Damon self-ligating braces: represent a newer approach to traditional metal braces that eliminates the need for elastic bands or metal ties. Instead of using rubber bands to hold the wire in place, Damon features a specialized clip mechanism built into each bracket that securely holds the archwire. This design allows the wire to move more freely within the bracket, which proponents claim leads to faster tooth movement and fewer adjustment appointments.

What to Expect During Treatment

The orthodontic process begins with a thorough examination, including X-rays and impressions of your teeth. Your orthodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and discuss timeline expectations.

Adult treatment typically takes longer than treatment for children and teens. While teenagers might complete treatment in 18 to 24 months, adults often need 24 to 36 months. Adult bones are no longer growing, so teeth move more slowly and sometimes require more force to achieve desired results.

Regular appointments every 4 to 8 weeks are necessary for adjustments and progress monitoring. During these visits, your orthodontist will tighten wires, change rubber bands, or provide new aligners depending on your treatment type.

Discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments. Your teeth and gums may feel sore for a few days following appointments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods can help manage this discomfort.

Managing Daily Life with Braces

Eating requires some adjustments regardless of which type you choose. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage traditional braces or get stuck in brackets and wires. Foods to avoid include popcorn, hard candies, nuts, ice, and sticky sweets.

Click here to download our Free Braces Food Guide

With clear aligners, you can eat normally since you remove them during meals. However, you must brush your teeth before putting aligners back in to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria.

Oral hygiene becomes more challenging but increasingly important. Plaque buildup around brackets can cause permanent white spots or decay on your teeth. Electric toothbrushes often work better than manual ones. Special floss threaders or water flossers can help clean between teeth and under wires as well.

Cost Considerations and Insurance

Adult braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the type of treatment and length of time needed. Clear aligners often fall on the higher end of this range, while traditional metal aligners are usually the most affordable option.

Many dental insurance plans provide some orthodontic coverage for adults, though it's often less comprehensive than coverage for children. Some plans have lifetime maximums for orthodontic benefits, so check whether you used benefits as a child.

Many orthodontic offices offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable. Some employers offer flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts that can be used for orthodontic expenses, providing tax advantages.

Special Considerations for Adult Orthodontic Patients

Adults are more likely to have existing dental work like crowns, bridges, or implants that can complicate orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will need to work around these restorations and may need to coordinate with your general dentist.

Gum disease is more common in adults and must be treated before beginning orthodontic treatment. Moving teeth when gums are unhealthy can worsen periodontal problems and lead to tooth loss.

Some adults may need additional procedures like tooth extraction or jaw surgery to achieve optimal results. Your orthodontist will discuss these possibilities during your initial consultation.

Making the Decision

Consider your lifestyle, budget, and commitment level before choosing. Clear aligners require discipline to wear them 20-22 hours daily, while traditional aligners demand careful attention to diet and oral hygiene.

Think about your long-term goals. If you want minor improvements, clear aligners might suffice. For significant bite corrections or complex movements, traditional braces might be necessary.

Schedule consultations with multiple orthodontists to compare treatment plans and costs. Ask about their experience treating adult patients and request to see before-and-after photos of similar cases.

Getting braces as an adult is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. With proper planning and realistic expectations, adult orthodontic treatment can provide lasting benefits for both your oral health and confidence. The investment in your smile today can pay dividends in improved self-esteem and better dental health for years to come.