Here at West U Orthodontics, we have good news for you: there's no maximum age to get braces! The most common requirement is having all your permanent teeth in place. Many adults missed the chance to get braces as children or didn’t complete their treatment, including wearing the familiar retainer that stabilizes realigned teeth. Adult orthodontics has gained popularity as more adults are investing in this type of treatment. Some are finishing up their childhood orthodontic work, while others are starting from scratch to update their appearance and dental alignment.
As an adult, you might have grown accustomed to your teeth and how they look and function, but there is often room for improvement. Properly aligned teeth not only improve your smile but also enhance your bite, jaw health, digestion, and overall enjoyment of food. For those who had braces as children, continuous advancements in technology mean improvements in the patient experience. Plus, as an adult, you have the option to choose the methods used, ensuring you get the results you want in a way that works best for you.
Practical and Aesthetic Treatment Options
Typically, you can choose from up to four different types of treatments:
Standard Stainless Steel Braces: These are the traditional metal braces placed on the front of the teeth.
Clear Ceramic Braces: These braces are also placed on the front of the teeth but are less noticeable due to their clear or tooth-colored brackets.
Lingual Braces: These braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.
Invisible Braces (Clear Aligners): These are usually removable for cleaning, brushing, flossing, and eating.
Treatment duration for adults typically takes longer than for children, ranging from eighteen months to three years on average, followed by the use of a retainer to maintain the new alignment.
