Braces for Adults: Find the Answers You’ve Been Looking For

We often see patients who aren’t happy with their teeth but think they’re too old for orthodontics. The reality is that there’s no such thing as being too old for braces. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, around one in five orthodontic patients are older than 21. Read on to get answers about adult braces and then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 with any additional questions or to schedule an appointment.

It seems that adult braces are more popular than before – why is that?

It wasn’t long ago that many people simply accepted that dentures were just a part of getting older that everyone had to accept. As a result, adults didn’t often want to invest the time or money to keep their teeth straight and healthy. Today, we know that if we take care of our teeth, they can last for our entire lives.

Braces today are also not as noticeable, which gives more adults comfort in getting them. Finally, the medical community has learned a lot about how important oral health is. Misaligned teeth can lead to higher chances of gum disease, jaw pain, and other issues that can affect not just the teeth but overall health.

How long do adults have to wear braces?

As an adult, your teeth have been done growing for a long time. As a result, they are likely to move more slowly than a teenager’s teeth would, and this can mean you’ll need to wear braces longer. On average, an adult will wear braces for between a year and a half and three years. It all depends on your particular needs and the type of orthodontics you choose.

Do braces for adults for braces for children differ in a significant way?

Yes and no. The types of braces that are in use today can indeed be worn by anyone. That said, there are some age-related issues that can affect the kind of braces used and the way they’re used. For example, adults can have less bone between the teeth to get enough blood supply. An adult’s oral bones are also harder, which can result in more significant time being used.

Am I done as soon as I have my braces off?

No! Virtually every orthodontic patient will need a retainer once they’ve gotten their braces off. This will help keep teeth from drifting back to where they were. We will continue to monitor you even after your braces have come off. Typically we’ll do so regularly in the first year after your braces come off, and then less frequently as time goes on.

Are you an adult who’s unhappy with the alignment of your smile? Do you experience pain as a result of an overbite or an underbite? Do you have teeth crowding that’s aggravating and uncomfortable? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may benefit from braces. Reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 right away to set up an appointment and find out what your options are.