Adult braces are becoming more common, accounting for 20 percent of braces patients yearly. Many adults choose to get braces because they did not have the opportunity to get them as a child, or maybe they even had braces as a child, and their teeth have shifted since then.
No matter the reason for getting braces, adult braces before and after offer excellent results. Braces not only help to straighten teeth and give you a more natural smile but also help you regain confidence when the braces come off.
Many adults feel more confident in their daily lives with a straighter smile. Braces offer many positive effects for adults and can be life-changing for some.
Braces for Adults: Do They Take Longer?
Braces for adults take slightly longer than they would for a child or teenager. One of the most significant differences between adult and pediatric orthodontics is that adults are not growing like children, so treatment takes longer for a few reasons. Adults have a more mature bone density than children, so braces can take longer to work.
In addition, adults have some habits and medications that can affect the outcome of their treatment, such as teeth grinding, smoking, or tongue thrusting. Adults typically wear braces for two to three years, which can be the same time as a child.
It might seem like children wear braces for a long time, but because children often do not follow the dentist’s instructions as well as adults do, they end up wearing braces longer than expected.
At What Age Are You Too Old For Braces?
As long as you are healthy, braces have no age limit. Adults as mature as 70 and 80 years old wear braces. However, some conditions might prevent adults from getting braces as they get older, such as osteoporosis and diabetes.
The Super Dentists provides parent and adult dentistry. Parents can even make appointments at the same time as their children for convenience.
Reasons Adults Might Need Braces
Adult braces help correct oral health problems in an efficient and quick manner. Adults might need braces for many reasons. These reasons include:
- Gradual Teeth Movement: Adults may need braces because their teeth have shifted due to age, injury, or bone loss. When the teeth move gradually, this can cause them to become overly crowded and crooked.
- Previous Treatment Wore Off: If adults had braces as a child, their teeth might have shifted over time, causing them to reconsider braces.
- Difficulty Cleaning Teeth: When teeth shift, it can be difficult to clean them efficiently. If teeth are not correctly cleaned, it can lead to oral health problems, like tooth decay or cavities.
- Jaw Pain: If adults experience jaw pain, it could be due to crooked teeth. Braces can help straighten the teeth and alleviate jaw pain.
- Improved Smile: Braces can help adults show off a new and improved smile, creating a higher sense of confidence.
Adult Braces Before and After: Results
Noticing the difference is clear for braces before and after in adults. Many adults start wearing braces with gaps, crooked teeth, or they have misaligned bites. Once the braces are put on, the doctor will check them about once every month.
The teeth will begin to move over time. Depending on the person, the results may take one to three years. Pictures of the teeth are typically taken before and after the braces come off. When comparing the pictures, you will notice a significant difference and a straight smile.
X-rays will also indicate the difference between when the braces were put on versus when they were taken off. Adults can get the following types of braces:
- Clear aligners
- In-Ovation braces
- Incognito braces
- AADvance braces
What Is the Downside of Braces As an Adult?
Overall, braces have a positive impact on your adult teeth. The only downside is that the process might take longer for a child to have braces due to more mature and developed teeth and bones. There are some disadvantages of having braces in general, whether an adult or child, but they are minimal, and the pros outweigh the cons for most people. When you wear braces, you may experience:
- Sore gums, lips, and inner cheeks
- Canker sores
- Mild mouth discomfort
Can Adults Get Braces?: FAQs
How much are braces for adults?
Adult braces cost between $2,500 to $7,500 for the traditional variety of options. However, that cost can fluctuate based on the specific type of braces you choose and your insurance coverage.
How painful are braces for adults?
Braces are not any more uncomfortable for adults than they are for children. Braces are generally uncomfortable when they are first put on or when you have an adjustment. An excellent way to compare the discomfort is to think of how you feel when you get new shoes. The new shoes might initially feel uncomfortable, but the more you wear them, the more comfortable they get.
Does insurance cover braces for adults?
Some dental insurance policies cover braces for adults, and some do not. Many insurance policies have an age limit on coverage, typically around age 19. If you are interested in getting braces as an adult, it is essential to check with your dental insurance provider to see what kind of coverage you have for braces.
Will I notice a difference with adult braces before and after?
You will notice a difference in your smile after you have braces. You might even begin seeing changes in your smile after three to four months of wearing braces. The changes occur slowly, but all come together in the end.
Conclusion
While having braces as an adult might take longer than braces as a child, the before and after results are effective. Luckily, braces have no age limit as long as you are healthy. If you are considering adult braces, The Super Dentists offers many adult orthodontic options in and around San Diego.
We can work with you to straighten your smile and help you achieve the adult braces before and after results that you desire. Contact The Super Dentists today to schedule a consultation for your adult braces!
