Did you know that braces aren't just for kids? Patients of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment using traditional braces. Our orthodontists in Surrey discuss braces for adults and answer the question, 'Is it ever too late to get braces?'
Getting Braces at Different Ages
Orthodontic treatment can have a strong, positive impact on self-confidence. You may smile more for pictures, laugh more heartily or even start speaking up and sharing your thoughts and opinions more, all because you’ll have more confidence in your smile.
Straightening your teeth can also positively affect your overall health. Orthodontically corrected teeth are less likely to chip or become damaged, and they’re also easier to clean than misaligned teeth. This can prevent problems like decay, gingivitis, gum disease and bad breath.
At Guildford Orthodontic Centre, we regularly treat adults and seniors. The process for tooth movement will be the same regardless of age. Even so, there are some differences in treatment at each age. Below, we offer some information on these differences.
Children
Children have fairly predictable growth spurts. This makes it beneficial for kids to get braces. The braces and growth of the jaw can work together to straighten the teeth. This makes the adjustment process move along somewhat faster than it would in adults.
Teenagers
Like children, teenagers' jaws are still growing, which can benefit the orthodontic treatment process. However, teenagers have a wider range of appliances available to them, such as Invisalign, for more discreet treatment.
Adults
Braces are becoming a more common choice for orthodontic treatment among adults. While they can be used just for those who would like to make minor adjustments, they are a great choice for more complex cases as well. But because the jaws in adults are completely developed, some additional dental work may need to be done to allow for proper movement.
Older Adults
Patients can still get braces as older adults as long as there is sufficient bone mass for healthy movement and no existing oral health issues that may be complicated or worsened with orthodontic treatment.
Types of Dental Braces for Adults
Many social issues associated with braces in the past are falling by the wayside as braces become more common for adults. And in the end, braces are like any other medical treatment. There’s no shame in taking good care of your health!
It helps that there are far more options today for adults interested in having their teeth straightened. Some of those options include:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces consist of a metal archwire supported by small square brackets on each tooth. These components work together, sometimes with the help of additional components like elastics, to apply pressure and guide teeth into their prescribed positions. Braces are a permanent fixture during treatment, meaning they cannot be temporarily removed.
Best For: All types of orthodontic issues.
Benefits: Traditional metal braces are highly effective and efficient.
Impact: This is the most noticeable type of braces.
Translucent Cosmetic Braces
Translucent braces are also very similar to metal braces, except this option has tooth-coloured brackets (and, in some cases, tooth-coloured wires) instead of metal. The stain-resistant white ceramic brackets can blend in with your teeth, so while they're not exactly transparent, they are less obvious to others than traditional metal braces.
Best For: Offers effective orthodontic treatment, discreetly.
Benefits: The brackets blend in with the natural teeth.
Impact: These may stain more easily than other types.
In-Ovation Self-Ligating Braces
'Self-ligating' means that while these braces have a metal construction like traditional braces and are placed on the front of your teeth, they are lower-profile and streamlined in appearance because there are no ties or elastics. Light, gentle forces, and In-Ovation Braces could help you to a straighter smile!
Best For: Patients requiring minor adjustments.
Benefits: These braces are gentle and have a very low profile.
Impact: Not suited for those requiring more complex treatments.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth instead of traditional metal brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you simply wear each set of aligners for about two weeks and then switch to the next set in your series. Each aligner has been customized to move your teeth in tiny, precise increments so that your series of aligners work together to move your teeth right where they need to.
Best For: Mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Benefits: These braces are removable and minimally visible.
Impact: You will need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day.
Challenges & Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
So when is it too late to get braces? The easy answer is never! Even so, beginning orthodontic treatment with braces as an adult has pros and cons, much like any other treatment option. Here, we list the common challenges and benefits of getting braces as an adult.
Challenges
- You may experience longer treatment times.
- Existing dental work may complicate treatment.
- You may need to make some lifestyle changes.
Benefits:
- Straighter teeth can lead to easier brushing and flossing, improving oral health.
- You may feel more confident showing off your smile.
- You may experience a reduction in issues such as jaw pain.
While getting braces as an adult may present some unique challenges, it is important to address orthodontic issues before they lead to complications that may negatively affect one's health.