Dental Braces for Adults

Dental braces are not just for teenagers anymore. It may take a little longer, but adults can also benefit from having their teeth realigned. Adults now make up 1/3 of today’s orthodontic patients. Not only will your crooked or crowded teeth look beautiful when straightened, but there are also health benefits.

Orthodontists agree that straight teeth lead to healthier teeth. If your teeth are improperly aligned, you can have problems biting and chewing your food. Straightening your teeth will cause a reduction in tooth decay and gum disease as you can now brush and floss with less difficulty. Proper chewing will help with digestive problems. Having a correct bite will decrease tooth injury.

Using braces, an orthodontist can adjust an incorrect jaw position, preventing or relieving the pain of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders known as TMJ.  Jaw joint disorders can also cause headaches and earaches. Braces are dental appliances that rely on increasing tension and applying pressure to move and straighten your teeth, thus correcting your bite. They are custom-made for each patient’s individual dental problems.

Tradional metal braces are made of surgical quality stainless steel or titanium. They are attached to the front of teeth  and still the most widely used. Lingual braces are also metal, but are mounted on the back or tongue side of the teeth. Since lingual braces are on the inside, they are hidden from view. Clear ceramic braces are clipped on the front of the teeth like traditional braces. The difference is that they are less noticeable. Being clear, they blend in with the color of the teeth. One drawback is they break more often compared to metal braces. 

Invisible braces or aligners are the choice of many adults. The aligners are clear and removable. They are customized trays that are worn for about two weeks or a length of time recommended by the orthodontist. Each set of new aligners gradually move and align your teeth. Food and plaque can’t get between your teeth like with metal braces. They are only removed for eating, brushing and flossing. Invisible braces are more comfortable than traditional braces, but they do cost more.