Adult Braces

Have you ever considered straightening your teeth or taking steps to achieve a beautiful grin but felt you were too old? The truth is that there is no age limit to wearing braces, maintaining your oral health, and achieving your dream smile. When most people think of braces, they tend to associate them with children and teenagers.

But this perception is shifting as more and more adults seek orthodontic treatment to address lingering dental problems. This piece will debunk the myths surrounding dental braces for adults, list the advantages of wearing braces, as well as explain the different types of adult braces. By the conclusion of this article, you will also be able to shake off the belief that braces are only for younger people.

Are Braces Only for Children and Teenagers?

You might feel out of place wearing braces if you aren't a teenager anymore, but the good news is that people of any age can wear braces. In fact, more adults are contacting orthodontists to schedule appointments for orthodontics than ever before. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults today, a significant increase from earlier.

You can wear braces at any age depending on how much bone is still holding your teeth in place and whether or not you are in good health. There could be an exception for individuals with diabetes, osteoporosis, and other health conditions. But age is rarely a limiting factor for those seeking orthodontic help. Scheduling a consultation is the first stage in determining whether you are a good candidate for braces.

Why You Should Get Braces Regardless of Your Age

The best time to get braces is when you're young. The teeth are still developing, and achieving the changes desired is easier. But this doesn't mean that you can't get them later in life if you want. In addition to helping you straighten your teeth, the following are some of the reasons why you can get braces now, regardless of your age.

Better Technology

Braces from decades back are no longer relevant. Recent technology advancements have made the installation and maintenance of braces simpler than ever. There are also new types of braces that are remarkably different, more comfortable, and just as effective as traditional braces.

Varieties

Today, people who get braces have more choices than just wire-based braces. There are various brace types that will work for you as an adult and enable you to go about your everyday activities without restriction. Additionally, modern braces like Invisalign are less noticeable, so you won’t have to feel embarrassed about your treatment.

Improved Oral Health

Wearing braces for people over 50 will not only straighten your teeth but also help to maintain good dental hygiene. Natural wear and tear on the teeth will occur as you age, so it's important to protect your teeth. Getting braces can help with that. Your crooked and misaligned teeth will make it difficult for you to maintain good oral health. Getting braces as an adult will stop plaque and bacteria from accumulating in difficult-to-reach places.

Aesthetics

You can always take care of your appearance and achieve the grin of your dreams. Getting braces as an adult will boost your confidence, give you a smile you can be proud of, and align your teeth.

Reduce Future Spending

Future costs of orthodontic treatments will be lower because fewer oral procedures will be necessary if braces are worn now. Other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke, are also associated with poor dental health. Therefore, having braces as an adult will guarantee the maintenance of your general health.

What Types of Adult Braces Are There?

Metal Braces

You are presumably most familiar with metal or traditional braces because they have been in use for the longest. With traditional braces, the teeth are fitted with metal bands, usually made of stainless steel, that are connected to a wire. (often made of metal alloys). These dental braces and wires are affixed to the front of the teeth. If you have severe malocclusion, these are excellent options. Despite the fact that it has been around for a while, technology has helped to better it, and now there are metal braces that are smaller and have less obvious brackets.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces straighten your teeth by using thin wires to link the brackets. The brackets, however, are made of transparent ceramic, so they blend in with your teeth. Ceramic braces might be a good choice if you're looking for a covert method to straighten your teeth. Even though they are a little pricey, the brackets are constructed of a material that is durable, and many people believe the cosmetic advantages outweigh the cost.

Lingual Braces

The wires and brackets used in lingual braces are the same as those used in conventional braces, but because they rest on the inside of the teeth, they are the least noticeable of all bracket-and-wire systems. The only problem with this type of braces is cleaning them. Because the braces are behind the teeth, it can be challenging to keep them clean and may take longer to get used to.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Invisalign is arguably the most widely used and well-liked orthodontic procedure today. Clear aligners are made from clear, plastic materials that gradually straighten your teeth. The aligners are a popular option for people who want to avoid the appearance of traditional metal braces.

Invisalign resembles athletic mouthguards but is custom-made to fit your teeth. Your aligner arrives in one piece instead of individual components like traditional braces, which makes them easy to wear. But their biggest perk is that they’re nearly invisible when worn.

You'll wear a series of aligners, each slightly different from the last, gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position. Since clear Invisalign retainers are designed to be removed when you need to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, you can maintain regular oral hygiene and go about your day normally. You can check if you are a good candidate for Invisalign by consulting with our experts at OMG Smiles.

Conclusion

Now you know that age is not a barrier to getting braces. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it's to correct crooked teeth, fix a misaligned bite, or simply improve the appearance of your smile. Modern orthodontic techniques, such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces, offer discreet and comfortable options for adults who want to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious.

So, if you're considering braces, don't let your age hold you back. Schedule an appointment with our dental experts at OMG Smiles. They’ll examine your teeth and gums to see if braces are a good option for you. Take the first step towards achieving the smile you've always wanted. Call now or visit our dental clinic to get started.