Orthodontic Correction for Adults

Those past their teenaged years might assume that the window for straightening their teeth is past. The truth, however, is that it is never too late for most people to benefit from braces. Even once the rapid growth years of childhood are past, when the teeth are most pliable and easily moved, orthodontic appliances can correct misaligned teeth and malocclusion (bad bite) problems. Braces provide long-term benefits in more ways than one. Social and self-esteem issues are improved by a nice smile, and oral health may be improved, as well. Braces, in fact, may be the key to making your teeth last a lifetime.

Braces are for kids.

According to Dr. Maria Lopez Howell of the ADA’s Dental Minute, “If you’d like to improve your smile and have better looking teeth, your dentist can show you some new developments that are ideal for adults.”

It is a fact that orthodontic technology has come a long way in recent decades and the variety of styles and colors, subtle and otherwise, make braces suitable for adults as well as kids. You can show off your braces with hip new colors and sparkly gadgets or you can wear braces that are more or less invisible. Options such as ceramic or plastic brackets are much less noticeable than their metallic counterparts. These brackets can be clear or colored to match your teeth.

For mild adjustments, brackets can be applied to the inner side of the teeth making them undetectable to any person who sees you smile. New techniques in straightening teeth are also available. Clear plastic, removable aligners are becoming popular for adults with minor adjustment needs. Other types of retainers can also be personalized to move your teeth in the direction they need to go. Have a conversation with your dentist about the options available to you.

Does the installation of braces hurt?

Though overall experience varies by patient, orthodontic devices such as braces are not typically painful. They do require a period of adjustment, however. Patients of more traditional braces will have to get spacers placed between the teeth a week or so prior. It is reported by many that this is the most uncomfortable part of wearing braces. Brackets are generally glued to the surface of the teeth and require, therefore, little invasive work.

How about the movement of teeth?

Teeth are moved gradually by a special wire called archwire. This wire is attached to the brackets that are bonded to your teeth. When the archwire is installed, make sure there are no ends poking into your check or gums. The dentist will be able to trim these to make them as comfortable as possible. They will also provide dental wax which is handy for the initial days of wearing braces when your inner cheeks and lips are still adjusting.

Most patients report that after the first week or so of wearing braces, they experience little pain or discomfort. New archwires are placed on a regular basis, usually once every 4-6 weeks for adults. Adjustments usually result in a day or two of discomfort or soreness. You may feel as if your teeth are loose. This is normal and part of the process of moving your teeth into alignment. A general, over-the-counter pain reliever and soft foods for a day or two usually help people get through these periods without much problem.

If you find that you are experiencing severe discomfort after adjustments, your dentist may be trying to pull your teeth into alignment too aggressively. Feel free to slow the process down and take your time. Try extending the period of time between adjustments and let your dentist know how you are feeling. Slow and steady is an excellent mantra for making orthodontic adjustments in adults.

How long will I have to wear braces?

Most adults will need to wear braces for at least a year. It is typical to wear then for up to two years, and in the most severe cases, three years might be required to complete the process. Generally, adults will wear braces for a bit longer than teens. This is because the teeth in a jaw that is no longer growing are likely firmly in place. It will take a bit longer to move them and they will need to remain braced or wired into place for longer once they get there. If you stop wearing braces too soon, your teeth may drift back into their former positions. Extended brace or retainer wearing is important to correcting your condition.

The overall time, however, is nothing compared to living with an imperfect smile. A few years of wearing braces will reward you for many more years to come.