The thought of braces might bring teen angst to mind, but, as the song says, the times they are a-changing. While braces have traditionally been associated with tweens and teens, more and more adults are now selecting the orthodontic route. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult.
For some, braces simply were not an option in their youth, either for financial reasons or other medical issues, but they now have the resources or health needed to successfully undergo treatment. Others find themselves contending with dental health issues that progress with age and require orthodontic treatment for correction.
The biggest difference in orthodontics for adults versus children and teens is that adults are no longer growing. Since an adult's jaw is fully developed, the use of certain devices such as headgear, space maintainers, and palatal expanders is not an option. Additionally, braces can be more challenging for adults because they are more likely to suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders (i.e., TMJ), worn teeth, receding gums, or bone loss. These conditions, combined with potential habits like smoking and clenching or grinding teeth, can affect the outcome and may require a longer duration of treatment.
That said, it's not all doom and gloom! There is a silver lining to having braces as an adult (aside from not needing a prom date). One obvious advantage is the number of orthodontic options available today. Gone are the "metal mouth" days of bulky, metal brackets and wires. Today's braces are more comfortable and less obtrusive than those of your youth.
To help breakdown the options, here's a brief overview of the most common types of braces for adults and their relative pros and cons.
Fixed Dental Braces
These are the traditional brackets and wires that most people picture when they think of braces. Fixed braces have two major components - brackets and an archwire. Brackets are glued to each tooth and linked with an archwire. During adjustment appointments, your orthodontist will tighten or replace wires to move your teeth into the desired position.Fortunately, today's fixed braces use smaller brackets and less noticeable, more effective wires than those used previously. Another bonus is that patients can now choose clear or enamel-colored ceramic brackets over standard stainless steel, which makes them far less noticeable than their predecessors.
Benefits of conventional fixed braces include:
Adaptability - Traditional braces are ideal for adults with more complex dental issues.
Treatment Time - Fixed braces have been around for over 100 years and have a track record of producing results more quickly than other methods.
Economical – Conventional braces tend to be the most affordable option in the market today.
Traditional braces also have a downside, which include:
Visibility - Even with clear or ceramic brackets, traditional braces are more noticeable than other methods.
Lack of Flexibility - Once traditional braces have been fixed to your teeth, you can't remove them. This means adjustments to your diet (no more popcorn or sticky sweets) and oral hygiene routine (you'll need to learn how to floss with brackets and wires).
Frequent Visits – Patients will need to schedule visits with their orthodontist at least once a month, which may be difficult to fit into a busy schedule.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces in that they also use brackets and wires to fix misalignments. However, lingual braces are mounted behind the teeth facing the tongue, rather than on the front of the teeth, which makes them almost entirely invisible. Advantages of lingual braces:
Discrete – Due to their location, the only people who will know you're wearing lingual braces are those you tell.
Customizable– If needed, lingual braces can be placed on a few or single affected tooth. Not only does this help to keep costs down, but it also makes treatment more manageable.
Hidden Decalcification – Any discoloration or white spots you might experience from wearing braces will be behind your teeth rather than on the outside, which occurs with traditional metal or ceramic braces.
Potential challenges of lingual braces:
Not for All Conditions - Lingual braces are not the best option for patients who have a deep bite. Deep bites may exert more pressure on the lingual brackets, causing them to lose position.
Speech Issues – Because your tongue comes into contact with the brackets as you talk, lingual braces may lead to difficulties in speech that result in a temporary lisp as you get used to them.
Difficult to Clean – Since lingual braces are not easily accessible, they can be challenging to keep clean.
Invisalign®
The most popular brand of clear aligner, Invisalign, is actually a system of removable aligners. A series of 18-30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic trays are used to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Patients wear each set of aligners for 1-3 weeks for at least 22 hours a day, before moving on to the next set. Each set of trays is engineered to move the teeth incrementally until the desired alignment is reached.
Invisalign is an extremely popular option for adults, mainly due to:
Appearance – Clear aligners are practically invisible, which makes them a great choice for adults.
Impermanence – Patients can easily take their aligners out at any time. Since the trays are taken out before eating and brushing or flossing, changes to diet and oral hygiene routines are not necessary.
Comfort – There are no brackets or wires to potentially irritate a patient's mouth. Aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic, which makes them an extremely comfortable option.
While there are a number of pros to using Invisalign, this method is not without its cons, including:
Cost - They are an expensive mode of dental braces option for adults. Their effectiveness relies on replacing trays every few weeks, which comes at a price.
Not for Everyone – Aligner systems are best for people with mild and moderate bite issues. For those with more severe problems, traditional braces may be a better option.
Requires Self-Discipline – To be effective, aligners must be worn as prescribed (i.e., 22 hours a day). It can be tempting to forgo wearing your aligners for a few hours here and there, but that will only impede your progress and create the need for additional aligners.
In the end, choosing braces as an adult is not a decision to be made lightly. Multiple factors should be considered, and your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment for your individual needs. Additionally, it's worthwhile to note that straightening your teeth is a medical procedure and should be overseen by a licensed medical professional for the duration of treatment to ensure the most efficient and effective outcome.
The good news is that braces have come a long way (and facial coverings are now in vogue), and our team is dedicated to making your orthodontic experience as successful as possible. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation!