The boom in cosmetic dentistry is prompting more adults to consider wearing braces to straighten their teeth, something once thought of as a rite of passage for teens. So if you think you’re too old for braces, think again. Some adults are even opting to get braces at the same time their children do!
No matter how popular, braces for adults are often more complicated and time-consuming than for teens, whose jaw bones are still growing and whose adult teeth have recently emerged. In rare cases, an older patient may have to have jaw surgery as part of their treatment. Adults tend to have other dental problems, such as gum disease, that may require treatment before braces can be attached; plaque build-up and gum disease may be exacerbated by some forms of orthodontics.
What are the types of braces available for adults?
Fixed braces—the traditional kind that attach to teeth— generally require 9 to 30 months to work, no matter what your age. After the braces are removed, both adults and young people will have to wear a retainer—a removable appliance that keeps teeth from shifting into their previous positions—for about six months, every day, and then only at night for several years. Adults may have to use a retainer for a longer period of time than younger people.While the stigma of wearing braces as an adult has all but disappeared, most people prefer not to show a mouth full of metal when they smile. Fortunately, cosmetic options such as ceramic or "tooth-colored" braces; lingual braces that fit behind the teeth; and "clear," removable "braces" such as Invisalign®, are available. No matter what you and your orthodontist decide on, fixed braces generally have to be adjusted every five to eight weeks, depending on the stage of treatment. Invisalign®, which consists of a series of removable clear trays, generally requires fewer and shorter doctor’s visits.
The most widely available types of braces are:
- Metal or "traditional" braces: These come in different colors, even gold-plated versions. They are the least expensive type of braces and are widely available. One benefit is that they are strong and rarely break, which means fewer time-consuming visits to the doctor. Staining is not a problem. "Speed" braces, which involve a special type of bracket that locks onto the wire, are up to 40% faster and are more hygienic than regular versions since elastic bands normally used to attach the wire to the tooth bracket are eliminated. However, speed braces are more expensive and not as widely available yet.
- Ceramic or "tooth-colored" braces: Although they appear to blend into the teeth, these braces can eventually become discolored from wine or coffee. They are more comfortable than metal braces, and are usually attached to teeth that show—the uppers or upper fronts. These are available as speed braces as well.
- Invisalign® or "clear" braces: If patients choose to use these removable plastic trays to correct crooked teeth, they must be disciplined about wearing each tray in the series for the prescribed amount of time in order to get the best results. Food can’t get stuck between teeth with this form of orthodontics since no brackets or wires are used. Invisalign® usually takes about as long to work as ceramic or metal braces, except in patients with severe problems, but this method can be more expensive. It usually requires fewer doctor’s visits. Used to correct slight or moderate misalignment, orthodontists are increasingly following treatment with ceramic braces in more severe cases.
- Lingual braces: These are braces, usually metal, that sit behind the teeth, on the tongue side. Although they are not visible, they may interfere with talking and are more expensive than other kinds of braces.
Source: Dr. Adam Goodman, consultant to Invisalign® and an orthodontist practicing in Manhattan and Riverdale.
* How to Brush Your Teeth With braces
