Types of Adult braces

It’s a common misconception that dental braces are only for kids.  Although it's true that dental treatment is mostly recommended during childhood, those people who could not have dental treatment before, or have had their wisdom teeth erupt late, can have braces fitted as adults.  Earlier, the number of adults who chose to go in for dental braces wasn’t high, but now more people have realized that it's never too late to perfect that smile!

Formerly, adults who chose to have orthodontic treatment faced some amount of ridicule, but now with celebrities like Tom Cruise fixing their smile with braces, the stigma has all, but disappeared. In fact, it's not uncommon to find parents getting fitted with dental braces at the same time that their children are.

Although dental braces for adults are becoming more popular, the treatment procedure varies significantly than the one for children.  In children, the treatment is easier and less time consuming, because the permanent teeth have just emerged, and the jaw is still in the process of development.  However, in an adult, who has a fully developed mouth and a full set of teeth, orthodontic treatment may present significant challenges. Plus, adults are more likely to suffer from years of plaque accumulation, gum disease and other oral health problems that have to be addressed before any braces can be fitted.

Types of Adult braces

The traditionally popular choice for braces in adults is fixed braces. These are fixed to the front teeth, and move the teeth along to their desired position through the use of wires.  These braces are fixed, and left on the teeth for a period ranging from a year up to three years.  The orthodontist will keep adjusting the pressure on the braces, tightening them on a monthly basis.  

If you would rather not be seen with tons of glinting steel on your teeth, there are several other more cosmetic options available to you.  Ceramic fixed braces for instance, are made of a material that resembles the natural color of the teeth. Lingual braces are another option if you would rather not announce your braces to the world from one mile away.  Lingual braces are attached not to the front of the teeth, but to the back, and are therefore invisible.   However, you may find lingual braces uncomfortable to wear.

The best adult braces that are not painful or visible, are the new generation clear braces. These are not fitted on your teeth and left for a period of a year or more.  Instead, your dentist will get a set of teeth aligners made for you. These aligners are made of medical grade plastic, and are absolutely clear. The aligners have to be worn for a minimum of eighteen hours a day.  While these clear braces are not 100 percent invincible, they are definitely less noticeable, and more hygienic than their metal counterparts.

Getting braces during your adulthood doesn't have to be the stuff of humiliating nightmares. Simply choose a more appearance friendly braces option, and you're all set to flash a brilliant smile!