If you thought braces were strictly for teenagers, think again. With over a million adults wearing braces, more and more individuals are feeling comfortable with adult orthodontics. Aside from straight teeth, getting braces as an adult sets your overall dental health up for success. As we age, our jaw structure changes and teeth shift around. This can make crowded teeth more difficult to clean properly and ultimately put us at a higher risk of tooth decay and infection.
Just like any trip to the dentist, visiting the orthodontist as an adult can cause anxiety and stress. This article breaks down what to expect at your adult orthodontics consultation and what options you have available to achieve a healthy, straight smile.
What To Expect When Visiting The Orthodontist As An Adult
During your orthodontics consultation, you’ll review different treatment options available based on your budget, current oral health, and sometimes even your preference. Most adults need braces for about 12-18 months with checkups approximately every 4-6 weeks. This can vary from patient to patient and your treatment plan will be specific to your needs.
Types of Adult Braces
A mouth full of metal isn’t your only option for adult braces. This is a common misconception about modern orthodontics and can scare away those looking for a healthier smile in adulthood. While conventional braces are a popular treatment type, you have several options available depending on what works best for you.
Traditional/Conventional Braces
Conventional braces are those metal brackets and metal wires that are cemented to the front of the teeth. This is the most common orthodontics treatment and usually what scares adults away from pursuing braces in the first place. You may even remember high school classmates talking about the color their braces were – which is essentially the color of the bands around the brackets. While conventional braces are more noticeable, they also usually work the quickest!
Aligners
Aligners brought a whole new method of convenience to adult orthodontics. The most common aligner is Invisalign – clear, plastic trays that help straighten teeth over a period of time. Because Invisalign acts as incognito braces, most adults prefer this method. If you opt for this option, you’ll be required to visit the orthodontist about every other week to get a fresh aligning tray.
Invisalign does a lot more than just straighten your teeth, if can also help fix common dental issues like:
- •Overbite
- •Underbite
- •Open bite
- •Crossbite
- •Gapped teeth
If you have more questions about Invisalign or aligners in general for adult orthodontics, talk to our dental experts today.
Lingual Braces
Consider lingual braces to be a cousin of conventional braces. Instead of being attached to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are applied to the back of your teeth. They work in the same manner as conventional braces but provide much more cosmetic appeal. The duration of treatment varies from patient to patient, but on average lingual braces require a little longer to get the same results as conventional or aligner braces in adults.
Choose The Best Adult Orthodontic Treatment For You
Keeping things straight, adult orthodontics offers far more benefits than just a pretty smile! By straightening your teeth, braces of any kind can improve your overall dental health because teeth are easier to clean and access for routine flossing. Depending on the costs and treatment plan you’re looking for, know there are numerous options for adult braces available.
South High Dental: Orthodontics Close To Home
Are you considering getting braces? South High Dental offers the leading orthodontics services in Columbus. Getting the dream smile you’ve always wanted is within reach.
