Adult Braces, Types, Treatments & Options
If you’re an adult who’s never had braces, you may be wondering if it’s too late for you. Frederick Orthodontic Clinic has experienced an uptake in adult braces, and plenty of great options are available. However, you may have a few questions. How long will they need to be worn? What kind of braces are available? What will the treatment entail? In this blog post, we’ll answer some common questions about adult braces so you can be sure that you can make an informed decision about whether they are right for you. Remember that each person’s situation is unique, so please consult with one of our Orthodontists at Frederick Orthodontic Clinic in Drogheda to get individualised advice.
There are several reasons why adult braces might be a good option for you, including:
- You want to improve your appearance
You have oral health problems that need to be addressed
You didn’t have braces as a child
You’re having difficulty biting or chewing food
You’re self-conscious about your teeth
There are many different braces available for adults, so you can be sure that you will find the treatment option that will suit your needs and desires. Incorrect dental alignment is referred to as ‘Malocclusion’ in dentistry, the type of malocclusion you have will affect what treatments are available to you. If you are considering orthodontics, your first port of call will be to book a consultation appointment with one of our Orthodontists at Frederick Orthodontic Clinic in Drogheda to discuss the options and the best solution for your needs.
Our Orthodontists will take a series of records and provide a full assessment of your requirements and malocclusion. These records will then be used to plan your treatment. Once you and your Orthodontist have agreed on a suitable treatment plan, you will be ready for your first appointment.
The fitting appointment will be different depending on the type of appliance you have chosen. Metal or white braces require the brackets to be attached to the teeth with dental cement. A metal or tooth-coloured wire will be attached to these brackets. Invisible aligners may require tooth-coloured white filling material to be attached to the teeth. This aids the aligners in pulling the teeth into the correct alignment.
Orthodontists use various methods to straighten teeth, and the best option for each patient depends on several factors. For example, metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance, but they may not be the best option for an adult who wants to maintain a professional appearance. Invisible aligners are less visible than metal braces, but they may not be as effective for severe orthodontic problems.
Once you have decided on exploring your options for adult braces, you will need to discuss the different options available to you with an Orthodontist. Each treatment option has its benefits and disadvantages, so it is essential to consult with your Orthodontist to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Below we have outlined the brace types available to adults at Frederick Orthodontic Clinic in Drogheda.
01. Metal Braces
This is the most traditional orthodontic device and is also the most affordable. However, they are also the most visible, so metal braces may not be the best choice if appearance is a concern. Metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel and attached to the teeth’ front with brackets. A thin wire runs through the brackets, and the Orthodontist adjusts the tension of the wire to move the teeth into the improved alignment. Metal braces usually need to be worn for one to three years, depending on the severity of the orthodontic problem. The Orthodontist will regularly adjust the braces to apply pressure and move the teeth a little bit at a time; these appointments will usually be every 4-8 weeks. Eventually, the braces will need to be removed, and a retainer will need to be worn to keep the teeth in their new alignment. Metal braces are an effective way to straighten teeth and give you a beautiful smile that you can be proud of.
01. White Braces/ Ceramic Braces
White ceramic or clear braces are made from clear or tooth-coloured materials and are less visible than metal braces. However, they are more fragile and may require more careful cleaning to avoid staining. Clear brackets may also be an option; these are like ceramic braces but use clear brackets rather than tooth-coloured brackets.
Ceramic, clear or metal braces are fitted by an orthodontist, who will first take an impression or digital scan of your teeth. This impression or scan is used to create a mould of your teeth, which the Orthodontist will use to custom-design your braces. Once your braces have been made, the Orthodontist will attach them to your teeth using brackets and bonding material. The process of fitting ceramic or metal braces usually takes place over two or three appointments. After your braces have been attached, you will need to attend regular appointments so that the Orthodontist can check your treatment progress. Ceramic braces are usually worn for around 18-24 months.
01. Invisible Aligners
Invisible dental aligners are made from transparent plastic material and are virtually invisible when worn. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them a more cosmetically appealing option, especially for adults. In addition, many patients prefer that clear aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning. However, it is important to realise that clear aligners require good oral hygiene habits and regular orthodontist appointments to be successful. Orthodontist Drogheda can help you decide if clear dental aligners are the right choice.
Your Orthodontist will first take a digital scan. Then, they’ll use this to design a set of clear dental aligners (also called invisible braces) specifically for you. The Orthodontist may adjust the fit of your aligners at each appointment and give you new ones to continue treatment. Treatment with clear dental aligners typically takes about 12 to 18 months but can even be as short as four months. The time it takes can vary depending on your orthodontic case’s complexity. Your Orthodontist will ask you to wear your aligners for between 20 to 22 hours a day, at a minimum, taking them out only to eat, drink and brush your teeth. You will also be required to clean your aligners regularly. After treatment, you will likely need to wear a retainer as instructed by the Orthodontist to keep your newly aligned teeth from shifting back into their original position.
Treatment Time
Adult brace treatment times can vary depending on the severity of the case. Adult treatment times are typically shorter than for children or adolescents. This is because the bones in adults are no longer growing, so the teeth can be moved more quickly into their desired positions. Additionally, adults often have a better understanding of how to take care of their teeth and follow orthodontic instructions than younger patients. As a result, orthodontists tend to see fewer complications and faster results in adult patients. However, every Orthodontic case is different, so it’s essential to consult an orthodontist to estimate how long treatment will take in your particular situation.
Cost
Below are our prices for orthodontic Treatments
Summary
Frederick Orthodontic Clinic offers a variety of adult orthodontics treatments, including ceramic braces, invisible aligners, and metal braces. If you are considering adult orthodontics treatment, we encourage you to book a consultation at our clinic today. Our team of experienced Orthodontists will find the best solution for your individual needs. Thanks for reading!
