As a Sunshine Coast Dentist, one of the questions we get asked frequently is ‘can you get braces as an adult?’ The answer is YES. Dental braces are generally used to straighten crowded or misaligned teeth and line up the jaw for an even bite. They have a high success rate and provide many oral health benefits that go beyond having a perfect smile.
There are many adult braces options available today other than traditional metal braces. The modern designed braces for adults also don’t cause any physical and social inconvenience. Thus, if you are planning to correct your dental misalignments with braces, then here is everything you need to know about braces for adults.
A] Signs You Need Braces
Today, it is an increasingly common sight to see many adults with braces. It could be either for cosmetic or health reasons. However, if you are confused about whether you need braces or not, then here are a few signs that can help you determine.
- Crooked or crowded teeth: The issue of visibly crooked or crowded teeth can be corrected with adult braces. For many adults, a perfect smile helps boost confidence. Likewise, it also helps them to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Gap and space: Adult Orthodontics are also used to treat tooth gap or space between your teeth. The issue of space is caused by missing teeth while some adults with a large jaw can have a tooth gap.
- Jaw Pain: Crowded or misalignment of teeth can cause jaw pain. So, if this is the reason, then your dentist might suggest braces for correcting the problem.
- Difficulty in Eating or Speaking: Another sign that you need braces is if you are facing difficulty in eating or speaking. It can be due to misalignment of teeth and cause issues such as openbite, overbite, crossbite or underbite.
B] Things Adults Should Know Before Getting Braces
- Strong Teeth and Jaws: Getting braces as an adult require you to have a set of strong teeth and healthy jaw bone, which helps prevent issues like tooth decay, gum disease, among others.
- Oral Hygiene: With braces, you need to be much more attentive of your oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums free from plaque.
- Severe misalignment of teeth: Compared to a child or an adolescent, correcting severe misalignment of teeth using adult braces can be complicated and may require oral surgery. This, however, depends on the person’s age and overall dental health.
- Other dental treatments: If you are not practising good oral hygiene, you might need other dental treatments before you could get braces. It could be as simple as a tooth filling, or it could be a root canal.
- Be mindful of the foods you eat: To prevent braces from breaking or coming loose, avoid food items such as hard/sticky candy, chewy foods, ice-cubes, popcorn, soft drinks, etc.
Further reading: Best and worst foods for your teeth
C] Adult Orthodontics: Types of Braces For Adults
Whether you’re looking for a subtle treatment or something more traditional, there are various adult orthodontic options, each designed to fit different needs. With technological advancements and options like Invisalign for adults, there’s never been a better time to explore the possibilities.
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Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the classic, time-tested option for adult orthodontics. They consist of metal brackets fixed onto the teeth and then attached together by wires, slowly shifting the teeth into alignment. While there are many new and even more discreet braces, conventional braces are still popular. They work great for individuals with severe alignment issues requiring consistent and reliable tooth movement.
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Lingual Braces
For adults who want the benefits of braces without a visible appearance, lingual braces provide a great solution. These braces work like traditional braces, except for the position where they are put. Lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them almost invisible from the outside. This makes them ideal for image-conscious individuals, including professionals who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces.
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Self-Ligated Braces
Self-ligating braces are newer adult orthodontic options that offer several advantages over traditional braces. Unlike the traditional ones, which are elastic bands that hold an archwire, self-ligating braces have fixed clips that hold the wire in place. This mechanism causes less friction, which means less pain during treatment. They would require only a few adjustments, simplifying the whole experience.
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Clear Braces
Clear or ceramic braces are an excellent alternative for adults searching for an effective, less visible option. These braces are similar to traditional metal braces in terms of structure, but they are made of clear or tooth-coloured materials that match your natural tooth colour. So, it’s a very good option for adults wishing to alter their smiles without the look of metal brackets.
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Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign for adults has revolutionised the way orthodontic treatments are viewed. Clear aligners are made of smooth, plastic material and fit over the teeth like a mouthguard. Once fitted, they would gradually shift teeth into place, like traditional braces, but they would not use visible metal brackets and wires. You can take the aligners out when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, making them incredibly convenient for adults with busy lifestyles.
Type of Braces Pros Cons Traditional Braces – Effective for severe alignment issues – Continuous tooth movement
– Cemented brackets
– Visible – Can be uncomfortable
– Hard to clean
Lingual Braces – Nearly invisible – Effective for most alignment issues
– Difficult to clean – May affect speech and comfort
Self-Ligating Braces – Shorter treatment time – Fewer adjustments
– Less discomfort
– Visible – More expensive than traditional braces
Clear Braces – Aesthetic appeal – Less noticeable
– Effective for most issues
– May stain – Fragile compared to metal braces
Invisalign (Clear Aligners) – Nearly invisible – Removable for eating and cleaning
– Comfortable
– Not suitable for severe misalignment – Requires discipline to wear as prescribed
Do you need adult orthodontic treatment? Click here to learn more or schedule an appointment.
D] Adult Orthodontics: Short-term and Long-term Risks
- Short-term Risks
- Braces can interfere with the way you masticate food.
- It can promote the growth of bacteria and plaque as the small spaces created by braces around the teeth can trap food particles. This can cause tooth decay, gum disease and damage your enamel.
- It can lead to discolouration, leaving white marks on your teeth known as de-calcification.
- There might be some soft tissue injuries and you may feel some sensitivity when the braces (metal or wire) come in close contact with your inner gums, cheeks, and lips.
- In rare cases, due to the materials used in dental braces, some patients may experience an allergic reaction.
- Long-term Risks
- Shorter root lengths: During the dental braces treatment procedure as the teeth move, some of the bone in the path may dissolve and be replaces with new bone. It can cause permanent loss of root lengths, leading to less stable teeth. This, however, doesn’t cause any issues.
- Loss of correction: After the braces are removed, your dentist will give you a retainer device which will help maintain the position of the teeth. If you don’t wear this or follow any of the other instructions give by the dentist, chances are you might lose some of the correction.
Retainers After Braces
After your braces are removed, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer device to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position. Retainers after braces are typically required for at least a year, with some individuals needing to wear them longer, depending on their specific case. There are two main types of retainers: fixed retainers and removable retainers. Fixed retainers are permanently bonded to the back of your teeth, while removable retainers are customised to fit your mouth and can be taken out when eating or brushing
How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?
The cost of braces for adults can vary based on factors like treatment type and complexity. Regular metal braces cost less than options such as clear braces or Invisalign, whose custom-fit makes them more expensive. The adult braces treatment timeline also influences the overall pricing, with longer treatments typically being more expensive. If you are looking for affordable adult braces in the Sunshine Coast, Oris Dental offers competitive pricing that fits your budget. Are you ready to start your orthodontic journey? Schedule a consultation with our experts and explore the best options for your smile!
Have a query? Get in touch with us!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can you expect after getting braces as an adult?
After you get braces, you can experience some pain and discomfort for a few days or a week. This is due to the gentle pressure that the braces put on your teeth to put into alignment. However, the pain subsides after some time, and if it persists, you can contact your orthodontist for further treatment
2. How can I sleep comfortably with braces?
To sleep comfortably with braces, you can sleep on your back, apply dental wax to any brackets or wire ends that irritate your mouth, and wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night.
3. What are myths about adult braces?
The common myths about adult braces are that they are only for teenagers, whereas it can be used by individuals of all ages. Another common myth is that braces will interfere with professional or social life. With so many discreet alternatives available in the market, adults can opt for braces without compromising their social lives.
4. How long will I need to wear braces as an adult?
The average timeline for adult braces treatment is 18 to 24 months, but it depends on several factors, such as the type of braces, the severity of the dental issue and the patient’s specific needs.
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
