If you’re an adult thinking about getting braces, you’re not alone. The number of Americans over the age of 18 with braces has been increasing for a number of years.
In 2012, 1 million adults in the U.S. got braces. By 2014, that number had jumped to 1.4 million each year.
If adult braces are in your future, there are a few things you need to know first. Keep reading to learn more.
The Process Make Take Longer for Adults than it Does Adolescents
One important thing to know about getting braces as an adult is that the entire process could take much longer than it takes adolescents.
If you have children, nieces or nephews, or had friends who had braces as children or teens, you may have an idea of how long it takes braces to work.
On average, adolescents wear braces for 16 to 18 months. Depending on the individual and their teeth, it could take as little as 6 months.
But unlike children, the bones of adults have stopped growing. In some cases, this may mean that surgery is required to make major structural changes to the teeth. If braces can be used, it will take longer for them to work.
Aligners Take More Diligence to Work
Aligners are a tempting choice for those who need braces as an adult. They are less visible than traditional braces, which means that your smile won’t be as affected.
But before you decide that aligners are right for you, it’s important to understand that they require a lot of discipline if you want to see results.
Aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. You take them out to eat and brush your teeth, but they then need to be placed back on your teeth.
Leaving them off your teeth for too long will hinder the end results.
If you know that you’ll forget to wear your aligners or that you might be tempted to leave them out longer than a couple of hours each day, you’ll want to choose traditional braces instead if you want to see results.
There are Ways You Can Increase Your Chances of Success
No matter the type of braces you choose, the last thing you want to do is wear them for longer than you have to. That’s why there are a few things you should do to increase the chances of success of your braces.
One important thing to remember is that no matter how busy your schedule is, going to your regular checkups is a must.
During these checkups, your dentist will make important adjustments and check for any issues. Skipping even a single appointment or putting it off could delay the entire teeth straightening process.
Another important thing to remember is that there are certain foods you should avoid. Whole apples, bubble gum, and popcorn kernels can all disrupt your braces and cause damage.
Finally, it’s important to practice great dental hygiene if you want your adult orthodontics to work. Extensive brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth healthy while wearing your braces, which will help you get a bright, beautiful smile when you finally have them removed!
Getting Adult Braces
If you’re dreaming of a better-looking smile, adult braces may be the answer.
When you’re ready to get started, we can help. Contact us today to set up an appointment and learn more about adult braces today.