Can I wear braces as an adult?
Yes, there is no age limit for braces. They are still an effective treatment for anyone who has irregularities that would benefit from treatment, whether it is to correct a smile, a misaligned bite, crooked teeth, impacted canines or other conditions.
The reasons for using an orthodontic appliance are the same as for children: to correct any alignment irregularities, but also to regain confidence.
Any child who has self-esteem problems related to the alignment of their mouth and teeth has a good chance of carrying them into adulthood. Whatever age it is, it is still something worth addressing.
What is the process of getting braces in adulthood?
The braces process begins with a consultation with an orthodontist. He or she will ask you about your dental history and perform a clinical examination, giving you an estimate of the most appropriate treatment for you and the approximate time the treatment should take, which may vary according to each patient. He will ask you to take X-rays (orthopantomography, profile teleradiography and CBCT).
In the second visit, he will perform a complete study with photographs and a scan of your mouth.
The appliances are then fabricated and fitted and orthodontic treatment can begin. He will explain how often you have to come to the office and everything you need for your treatment to be optimal.
But there are other options for correcting teeth and we are going to get to them.
How do braces work?
Braces work by exerting small forces in a controlled way on the teeth, making imperceptible movements day by day.
Your regular follow-up appointments with your orthodontist will allow you to check your progress.
Once the brackets are removed, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from moving again.
How long will I have to wear them?
The length of time will depend on each patient.
On the other hand, if you have aesthetic reticence, there are white brackets, which slightly blend in with the color of the tooth and allow you to wear them optimally.
There are also lingual brackets, which are attached to the inside of the teeth and are practically invisible.
Ask us, the orthodontist will tell you if your treatment is compatible with one of these systems.
Are there any additional complications with braces for adults?
There is no complication in adulthood to perform orthodontic treatment satisfactorily. The only indispensable requirement is to be periodontally controlled by our specialist, therefore, before starting orthodontic treatment, you will be scheduled an appointment for hygiene and, if necessary, you will be referred to the periodontist for treatment before placing the braces. It is essential that your gums and teeth are in perfect condition before orthodontic treatment begins.
Correction of alignment with Invisalign
There is also a treatment called Invisalign that works by providing the patient with a series of clear, almost invisible, removable aligners that are changed regularly under the direction of the orthodontist.
Invisalign aligners barely affect speech and are removed for short periods of time to eat or clean teeth.
If you are thinking of correcting the alignment of your teeth, we will give you a first appointment with our orthodontist to evaluate which is the best option in your case.
