Are you interested in braces as an adult but aren’t sure if you still qualify for them? You’ve landed on the perfect blog! At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we encourage adult patients in pursuit of a brand-new smile to learn about their treatment options and what they can do to improve their oral health. Our team is here to share if adults are good candidates for braces, the benefits of wearing them, and what to think about when choosing your appliance.
Can Adults Wear Braces?
Yes, you can wear braces as an adult! It is a common misconception that you are unable to pursue orthodontic treatment after your teenage years; adults can achieve just as effective care and results. In fact, over a quarter of all braces patients are over 18 years old. They are realizing that many benefits come with a perfect smile, both aesthetic and health-related.
Treatment may take more time as your jawbones are no longer moldable, but you can still look forward to a beautiful smile at the end of your plan. Whether you weren’t given the opportunity for braces as a child or simply didn’t require treatment before, Dr. Desai’s expertise will help you reach your perfect smile!
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Easy Oral Maintenance
Wearing braces to achieve aligned teeth positively impacts your oral care routine. This appliance is able to eliminate the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that might be difficult to properly clean with your toothbrush or floss string. Being able to brush each tooth’s surface thoroughly, in turn, reduces your chances of experiencing common oral complications, such as tooth decay, bacteria, and plaque buildup.
The simple act of daily cleaning makes all the difference and will protect your teeth for a lifetime. If you have any questions about how to best protect your teeth, Dr. Desai can show you the most effective brushing habits at your next appointment and point out specific areas of your teeth that may need special attention in the meantime.
Improved Function
Those with misaligned teeth commonly have difficulty chewing or biting their food due to jaw pain. Braces have the power to improve their overall function. Upon completing treatment, pressure is distributed evenly across the mouth, protecting them from enamel breakdown and making mealtime a more comfortable experience. This further enables smoother digestion and allows your body to absorb additional nutrition from your food.
Boost Your Confidence!
Confidence is critical to succeeding in both your professional and personal life. Those with orthodontically straightened teeth know they can use their smile as an asset towards coming off as a trusted, caring individual. Whether working on first impressions or simply meeting up with friends, having a grin you are proud of makes all the difference in your self-assuredness.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Appliance
Length of Treatment
One of the first questions our team commonly gets asked is how long treatment will take. For adults, the average treatment lasts between one and three years. This can vary depending on your appliance choice, the current state of your oral health, and the work you would like to achieve. Some patients will take slightly longer or shorter than the average, depending on the severity of their case. During your free consultation, Dr. Desai can share which appliance might better suit your case to reduce your time in treatment.
Your Lifestyle and Aesthetics
Every patient’s routine and desired appearance are different. Some may be more flexible about taking care of their appliance at the end of the day, while others work with a tighter schedule. Similarly, some patients may be more interested in choosing an appliance that minimally changes the look of their smile, while others are not as concerned with it. This is why we provide you with options to help you feel most comfortable throughout care.
Budget and Finances
At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we strive to make high-quality care affordable for everyone in our community. We provide flexible payment plans so you can focus on choosing the appliance that best suits your treatment plan without worrying about whether it fits your budget. Our team can walk you through expected costs during your free consultation and compare your appliance options.
Our Braces Options for Adults
Braces are now more discreet than ever, so you don’t have to worry about a drastic change in your appearance after getting them placed. We understand each patient’s needs are different, so we offer options to help you make an informed decision on which appliance is best for you.
InBrace Hidden Treatment
Placed on the inner surface of your teeth, InBrace hidden braces are a great aesthetic choice to reach your smile goals. This appliance uses a personalized SmartWire, which applies a slight constant force on your teeth, putting your treatment on autopilot. Like clear aligners, you can continue to eat, brush, and floss as you did before starting treatment. We use advanced 3D technology to craft your appliance and ensure it fits comfortably while providing effective treatment.
Metal Braces
The most popular option for braces among our patients is modern metal braces. This appliance has an incredible track record and can fix any issue. Our sturdy brackets are made of stainless steel and are smaller than ever, providing a subtle appearance and comfortable feel throughout treatment.
Each component works together to place constant pressure on your teeth in different directions to achieve perfect alignment. They utilize a self-ligating system, meaning they can hold the archwire without ties, eliminating the need for monthly tightenings.
Begin Your Braces Treatment Today!
The Elm Tree Orthodontics team encourages you to schedule your free consultation to begin your braces journey. We love working with adult patients and getting to see the incredible confidence boost a brand-new smile provides. Our practices are located in Hamden and North Haven and serve the surrounding communities. Dr. Desai and our team can’t wait to meet you!