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Adult Braces: Your Guide To Straight Adult Teeth

  • bartlettortho
  • May 30, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 15



adult wearing braces

Orthodontic treatment is no longer exclusive to children and teenagers. It is becoming increasingly common for adults to seek out orthodontic treatment as well. There are many reasons why adults may choose to get braces, such as correcting previous orthodontic work, fixing bite issues, or purely for aesthetic reasons.


If you are considering adult braces, read on to learn more about the treatment process and whether they affect your work life.


What Are Adult Braces?


Adult braces are orthodontic devices designed for adults to correct issues such as crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, and gaps between teeth.


Are Adult Braces The Same As Teenager Braces?


Adult braces and teenage braces share some similarities in terms of the devices used, but they are different in other ways.


One of the primary differences is that adult teeth are fully formed, which can make treatment more complicated. Additionally, adults tend to experience more oral health issues than teenagers, which can affect orthodontic treatment.


Why Adult Braces And Not Teenager Braces?


There are many reasons why adults may choose to wear braces, such as to correct bite issues, improve oral health, or simply for cosmetic reasons. For some, their previous orthodontic work may have relapsed, and they wish to fix the issue. For others, they may have chosen not to undergo orthodontic treatment as teenagers.


If You Had Teenager Braces, Will You Need Adult Braces Too?


It depends on each individual case. If your previous orthodontic work has relapsed or you still have bite issues, you may require additional treatment. However, in some cases, you may not need any additional orthodontic work.


Do Adult Braces Affect Your Work-Life?


Adult braces are becoming more popular, and many adults wear braces while working in professional settings. While some may feel self-conscious about wearing braces at work, there are many discreet treatment options available, such as clear braces or lingual braces.


How Long Does Application Take & How Long Are They Worn For?


The application appointment for braces can take approximately one to two hours. During this appointment, the orthodontist will first clean and dry your teeth, and then apply brackets to your teeth with a special adhesive. After the brackets are in place, the orthodontist will thread an archwire through the brackets and secure them in place with elastic bands or other types of brackets. The process may be uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful.


The length of time for orthodontic treatment varies depending on each individual case. On average, it can take between 18 months and 3 years. However, some treatment plans may only last a few months, while others can take up to four years. The duration of treatment largely depends on the complexity of the issue and the orthodontic device being used.


Contact us now to get your affordable adult braces!

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