Despite the popular misconception that braces are only for “young people,” it’s never too late to get braces. Norton Orthodontics firmly believes that you’re a potential candidate for braces as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. Keep reading to discover the best type of braces for adults and some general information about adult orthodontic treatment!
Adult Braces FAQs
Before we give you a rundown on the treatment options, we want to answer three of the most frequently asked questions about adult braces.
Why would an adult need braces?
Adults seek orthodontic care for the same reasons younger patients do—the alignment of their teeth and/or jaw is negatively impacting their mental, physical, or oral health! Improving your bite can improve your overall quality of life by boosting your self-esteem, helping you present the best version of yourself to others, lowering your risk of oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease, and reducing your possibility of developing sleep and digestive complications.
Adults can be first-time patients or receive retreatment if their alignment has shifted since their treatment in childhood.
How long does treatment take?
We know this question is at the forefront of all prospective patients’ minds, regardless of age. However, there’s not a straightforward answer. The duration of treatment is determined by your orthodontic needs, your treatment route, and how well you follow your out-of-office instructions. Dr. Norton can give you an estimate at your consultation appointment.
Are braces for adults expensive?
Like the length of treatment, how much braces cost is influenced by a few things. Each treatment method has a different price tag and associated fees (such as replacement trays). Insurance coverage can significantly cut out-of-pocket costs, and we also constantly have special promotions and deals.
Though Dr. Norton understands that cost is a huge factor when making many decisions in life, he believes that cost shouldn’t be the main reason a person avoids care. Our team is happy to tailor your treatment or payment program to fit budget constraints whenever possible.
Orthodontic Treatment Options For Adults
At Norton Orthodontics, we are proud to offer various treatment methods to accommodate adult patients’ unique needs and lifestyles. Let’s check the options out.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular option for a reason! They are the most durable, reliable, and efficient method for treating all alignment problems. Whether your needs are mild or complex, metal braces can help.
And don’t the word “traditional” fool you; they’re not your mom’s metal braces! Thanks to recent technological advances, they’re now more comfortable and less noticeable than ever. You can wear metal braces to work or special occasions without trying to ignore uncomfortable irritation or fear that your braces are the first thing people notice about you.
Metal braces are usually the quickest and least expensive way to transform your smile.
Clear aligners
Picture this: You’re meeting important clients, getting your picture taken, or on a date, and no one knows you’re wearing braces! With clear aligners, this can be your reality!
Our Invisalign and 3M Clarity clear aligners are custom-made for comfort and a low-profile look. You’ll quickly forget you’re wearing them, and most people won’t even see them! The removability of the trays allows for easy eating and cleaning, so you can maintain almost the same exact lifestyle as before you began treatment. This treatment method offers a blend of convenience, comfort, and aesthetics, making them popular among adults with mild to medium alignment needs.
Clear braces
Also known as ceramic braces, clear braces combine the best features of metal braces and clear aligners.
Like metal braces, our 3M Clarity braces use brackets, wires, and ligatures (the elastics that hold the wire to the bracket) to move teeth into place. The difference is that these brackets are not metal! Instead, they are a polycrystalline ceramic material meant to blend in with the teeth. This stain-resistant, tooth-colored bracket can give you a lowkey aesthetic when paired with matching ligatures, or you can amp it up with colored bands for a neon-like effect.
Clear braces can treat mild to complex needs, but treatment might take longer than if you opted for their metal predecessor. They’re a fantastic option for adult patients who want discretion or a unique look.
Things To Consider When Getting Adult Braces
Knowing which is right for you can quickly become challenging if you qualify for multiple options. When narrowing down your choices, consider the following:
Can you handle the responsibility of removable braces?
Invisalign and 3M Clarity clear aligners only work if you wear them. If you are not 100% certain you will wear and upkeep your trays, you should get one of our non-removable options. Being dishonest about whether you can handle the responsibility of clear aligners can prolong your treatment time and cost you extra money in replacements.
Can you adjust your diet and oral hygiene routine to accommodate fixed braces?
Clear and metal braces require you to alter your diet and oral hygiene routine to protect your appliance and oral health. People who love trying new food or don’t have time to clean their braces multiple times a day might want clear aligners instead. You won’t have to change your routine since you must remove aligners for eating and oral hygiene. All you’ll have to do is carefully clean your trays once or twice a day (and be sure not to lose or break them when you’re not wearing them).
Do you want your braces to be less noticeable to others?
There’s no shame in picking an option based on aesthetics! If you prefer people not to realize you’re in treatment, select one of our most subtle options!
For the most beneficial and pleasant experience, we urge you to be realistic when considering how different options will fit into your life. For example, clear aligners are not recommended for patients prone to losing things, and fixed braces might not be the best option for patients who play contact sports!
Remember—braces are only temporary, but their results are for a lifetime! Don’t sacrifice your dream smile because of temporary inconveniences.
Upgrade Your Quality Of Life With Norton Orthodontics!
As you can tell, there’s no single treatment we would exclusively label “the best type of braces for adults” because each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages. To determine which type is right for you, schedule a free consultation with us in South Cape Coral or Port Charlotte!
The smile you’ve always wanted can be yours, and the sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, attractive smile with the help of Norton Orthodontics.