Braces For Adults: They’re Not Only Made For Teens

Braces for adults are booming.  

In fact, adult orthodontics have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to advances in dental treatments and public figures proudly displaying their braces, making it more socially acceptable and, dare I say it – even cool.

Teeth straightening is a highly-desired treatment in the cosmetic dental industry. And it’s widely available from most certified practices, such as this professional orthodontist Hampshirebased clinic.

Should I Get Braces?

Braces don’t just straighten teeth. Well they do, but their benefits go beyond that.  

Having an incorrect smile or bite is uncomfortable to live with and can make you self-conscious .

Braces have functional, aesthetic and psychological advantages.

Some may even consider braces a modern-day miracle. Far from merely jiggling your teeth around, they help to create a stunning smile, alter your appearance and boost your confidence.

Types Of Braces:

Traditional metal braces that coined the well-known (albeit much hated) term ‘metal mouth’ probably still haunt your teenage-selves. Don’t worry – those clunky, train-track style braces of yesteryear are long gone.

Orthodontics have advanced significantly over the years. Now, there are modern, discreet, and aesthetically pleasing treatments available.

  • Ceramic Braces – a.k.a the ‘revamped metal brace’:

These are similar to traditional metal braces, but use clear ceramic or tooth-coloured brackets. These blend more naturally into your teeth. Ceramic braces are usually fixed with metal wires, but tooth-coloured wires are sometimes used for a more subtle look.

  • Lingual Braces – a.k.a the ‘hidden brace’:

Lingual braces are fixed on the inside of your teeth and are completely hidden from view. It uses the same metal brackets and wire as used in traditional braces, but instead go behind your teeth. This reduces a person’s self-consciousness and gives them the confidence to smile both during and after treatment.

  • Invisalign – a.k.a the ‘almost invisible brace’:

Say bye-bye to the old fashioned brackets and wire.

The introduction of Invisalign changed the teeth straightening game and so the popularity of adult orthodontics snowballed. Invisalign has been hailed the ‘invisible’ way of straightening teeth because it uses custom-made clear aligners. These aligners are removable and typically replaced every few weeks to keep your teeth moving in the correct direction.

Fees And Finance:

The cost of orthodontic treatments for adults varies and depends on the type of treatment you opt for. On average, getting braces done privately usually costs around £2,000 to £2,500.

It may sound expensive, but think of it as an investment in yourself. Plus, most dental practices offer flexible payment methods, such as fixed monthly amounts, so you can budget effectively.

How Long Will I Have Them On For?

Orthodontic treatments typically last anywhere from twelve months to two years. Although, it may be shorter or longer depending on the individual patient. You will also need to see your orthodontist every four to six weeks, so they can monitor the process and make any adjustments. Try to take care when wearing braces as they easily break. Avoid eating hard or extra crunchy foods such as toffee or apples.

Remember: broken braces = delayed treatment time.

How Effective Are They?

Braces have an extremely high success rate. However, wearing braces doesn’t excuse you from neglecting your oral health. It’s crucial to look after your teeth when you have braces. Food often gets trapped in the braces which can cause more plaque and tartar to build up. Make sure you take additional care when cleaning your teeth.

braces-for-adults-aftercare

Aftercare:

So, you’ve (finally) had your braces removed and are in love with your new and improved smile. All that’s left to do is post endless selfies of your perfectly straight set of gnashers.

But if you want your teeth to stay straight, put down the smartphone and pick up the retainers.  

It’s vital to wear your retainers to help prevent your teeth from moving and getting crooked again.

Your orthodontist will advise you on what type of retainer to wear and how long you will need to have them on for.

Have you considered getting braces this year? Or any other cosmetic dental treatments? 

If so, check out our handy guide on cosmetic dentistry.

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