Adulthood Is the Perfect Time to Fix Your Smile
Fixing your smile with braces isn’t just for teens. Braces are more popular than ever for adult patients. One of the reasons so many older patients are choosing braces is because there are now more types of braces available.
Today’s braces work faster, look better, and they’re more comfortable than they used to be. And many types of braces such as ClearCorrect® are barely even noticeable. With all the exciting new advances in braces, it’s never too late to have a beautiful smile for our patients in Swansea, IL
Types of Braces for Adults
- Metal braces — Traditional metal braces are an option that can correct most orthodontic issues. Metal braces are strong and reliable. Today’s metal braces are also a lot less conspicuous than they used to be.
- Ceramic braces — These braces are very similar to metal braces, but they’re designed to blend in better with your teeth. The brackets are tooth-colored and the wires can also be made to match your teeth.
- ClearCorrect® — Clear aligners are a very popular option for correcting orthodontic irregularities, especially among adults. They’re practically invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning, so they’re convenient. ClearCorrect can be used to treat most of the same issues as regular metal braces.
Braces Will Save Your Smile
Braces don’t just make your smile look better — they also enhance your oral health in the following ways:
Reduced Tooth Decay
Cleaning your teeth can be more difficult when they’re misaligned. Areas that are difficult to clean become more vulnerable to oral bacteria, leading to cavities.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Your ability to chew is impacted by poorly aligned teeth. If the force on your teeth from chewing is unevenly distributed, it results in flattened or misshapen teeth.
Jaw Pain Relief
A malocclusion occurs if your teeth aren’t properly aligned when you bite down. It can also result in jaw pain known as TMJ Disorder, which causes jaw popping, headaches, and discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, braces can take longer for adults. That’s because your teeth have become stable in their places and they take more motivation to move. Teenagers are still growing and changing, so their teeth can be moved easier. However, braces as an adult don’t take that much longer on average, but it does depend on how far your teeth need to move.
No, it isn’t weird at all. In fact, braces have become more common among adults. Tooth misalignment can pose serious problems for the health of your teeth and jaw, as well as for the appearance of your smile. If you didn’t get the chance to have braces as a teenager, it isn’t too late as an adult. There are also many options available for you that make braces more discreet, including invisible aligners such as Invisalign®.
The best type of braces for you depends on your unique needs. Many adults love to use Invisalign® because it’s hardly noticeable and doesn’t require metal brackets. But there are limitations to the effectiveness of aligners, so you may need traditional braces if your teeth require a lot of movement.
Yes, you can. There’s no upper age limit for braces, as long as your orthodontist approves you for them. They’ll also be able to determine which type of braces will work best to straighten your smile. It may take longer to correct your smile because your teeth are firmly set in place, but they can be moved.