Braces for Adults

Kids have numerous options for braces these days. They can select brackets that match their school colors or get specialty shapes such as footballs and hearts. Wires come in every shade from glow in the dark green to extra-rich looking gold. As a kid, you may have embraced the ability to express yourself creatively as you straightened your teeth. If you didn’t wear braces as a kid, however, you are probably now wishing that there was some magic, invisible option that involved no foreign objects in your mouth of any kind.

Have you considered braces, but…

• Worry that your business associates won’t take you seriously if you host a mouthful of metal?
• Can’t imagine being able to smile with braces for the one to two years it would take to straighten your teeth?
• Already have trouble with people taking you seriously because you look so young and you don’t want to add to that perception?

The good news is -- there are options for adult braces these days, as well.

Take everything you know and believe about wearing braces and put it aside for a moment. In the same way that teens can have brackets of green and purple placed on their teeth, you can have brackets that are clear or white like your teeth. The wires that connect the brackets and actually move your teeth into alignment also come in different colors these days. In effect, you can wear braces without really looking like you are wearing braces. These options aren’t entirely invisible, but they are certainly less conspicuous that the old style of braces.

Invisible options for aligning teeth exist, as well. For instance, in some cases a dentist will be able to apply the brackets to the backs of your teeth rather than the front. Though not appropriate for every condition, this is one way of truly wearing braces that are known only to you. From your smile on the outside, not one person would be able to guess.

A newer option that is gaining in popularity involves wearing clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. By changing the aligners every couple of weeks, the teeth are gradually moved into the desired locations in a manner similar to traditional braces. Aligners are removable, of course, for eating and cleaning your teeth. Thus, they might require extra dedication and commitment, but for the adult who longs to have more perfect teeth, they are an excellent option. They are also being heralded as an excellent option for adults who did wear braces as a kid, but need a bit of a touchup.

Why should an adult wear braces?

The number one answer to this question is image. People who feel good about the way they look are more confident. People who are confident are more attractive to the people they meet. Having straight teeth and a nice smile is important to self-image as well as success. If your teeth prevent you from presenting yourself with confidence, it’s time to do something about it.

Second, but maybe even more important, is the fact that straighter teeth are healthier teeth. Crooked teeth may be harder to clean and will increase chances of developing gum disease. If you want to have your natural teeth for a lifetime, braces are an excellent way to improve your chances.

Isn’t it difficult to straighten adult teeth?

It is a myth that teeth can not be moved and realigned once the jaw stops growing though it is true that braces generally work faster for the young. Teeth can be moved and straightened successfully in individuals of any age. Approximately 20% of people wearing braces today are adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Even seniors are wearing orthodontic devices these days, finally achieving that straight smile they’ve always dreamed of.

If you have questions about braces, make an appointment with your dentist today. Ask about invisible and less visible alternatives such as clear plastic aligners or brackets that match the color of your teeth. It’s an investment of time and expense that will benefit you for years to come. It’s never to late to make your teeth straight!