Believe it or not, childhood and teenage years aren’t the only ideal times for braces. In fact, waiting until adulthood can sometimes be beneficial. Our Sturbridge Orthodontics team is here to share the best types of braces for adults with you!
Understanding Braces Better
Before exploring how braces work for adult patients, let’s discuss the different types available. Braces are used to correct alignment and bite issues in teeth, with three main approaches in most orthodontic practices:
- Traditional metal braces are a common and classic option, featuring brackets, wires, and bands that effectively shift teeth and correct bite issues
- Clear braces, meanwhile, use ceramic brackets for a more natural appearance while still delivering effective orthodontic treatment
- Invisalign offers a different approach, using clear plastic trays to transform your smile gradually. This discreet and removable option eliminates the need for traditional components.
Braces at Different Ages
While this type of treatment is accessible to everyone at Sturbridge Orthodontics, the patient’s age remains a crucial factor influencing the overall process. Let’s break it down by age group:
- Children (7-12 Years)
- Early intervention is generally beneficial when possible, as it can guide jaw growth and address bite issues as permanent teeth come in. This approach often involves two phases to align with the transition to permanent teeth.
- Adolescents (12-18 Years)
- Once most permanent teeth have emerged, a comprehensive plan is created to focus on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues. Clear aligners are often a viable option for teenagers but may not be suitable for younger children.
- Adults (18+)
- For adults, shifting teeth might take a bit longer, but braces remain highly effective! Senior patients may require additional consideration for age-related changes during orthodontic treatment.
Some Benefits of Adult Braces
Having covered the various stages of orthodontic treatment, it’s important to highlight that there are some benefits to delaying intervention until adulthood, even if this wasn’t part of your original plan!
- Versatile Treatment Options: Adults typically have access to various types of braces, allowing for a choice that best suits their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
- Functional Improvements: Properly aligned teeth enhance chewing efficiency and speech clarity, addressing long-term speech issues for improved functionality.
- Jaw Relief: Braces can help provide relief from discomfort associated with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders by improving jaw alignment, offering relief for those accustomed to frequent pain.
- Enhanced Appearance: Orthodontic treatment in adulthood can significantly improve the aesthetic aspect of one’s smile, boosting overall confidence and self-esteem.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Misalignment often leads to teeth grinding and subsequent wear. Correcting this alignment can reduce such damage.
- Improved Oral Health: Orthodontic treatment for adults often prioritizes oral health concerns, reducing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and jaw pain by correcting bite and alignment issues.
- Personalized Treatment: Adults actively collaborate with their orthodontists to create a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific goals and concerns.
- Increased Accessibility: Over the years, adult braces have become more mainstream and socially acceptable, making orthodontic care accessible to a broader audience.
Answering Further Questions
We anticipate that you might have questions—everyone does! Dr. Sabelis is here to provide answers. Here are a few common questions that might come up before your consultation:
- What about dental work, like crowns and bridges?
- Having existing dental work like crowns and bridges doesn’t necessarily prevent you from getting braces. The approach will depend on a specific assessment, and treatment will be customized to accommodate these factors.
- Can I still get braces with issues like cavities or gum disease?
- Addressing cavities and gum disease before starting orthodontic treatment is recommended. Collaboration with general dentists is common to integrate these treatments into the overall orthodontic plan.
- Will having braces cause me to miss any work or social events?
- Adjusting to braces is generally quick, unlike major dental procedures. While some minor discomfort may occur initially, it should not significantly disrupt your normal activities, including work and social events.
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies?
- In case of a serious emergency, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. For minor damage to your appliance, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief until you can visit Sturbridge Orthodontics in person. Our orthodontic team can offer further guidance on managing emergencies during your appointments.
No Time Like Today!
Regardless of your age, you’re likely a great candidate for braces. We work with patients one on one to determine the best treatment options for you and your lifestyle. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment with Dr. Sabelis, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation at our Sturbridge office!