An orthodontic treatment can improve not only the way your smile looks, but also your oral and overall health. But how long do adults need braces to achieve results? In this article, we answer this question and discuss types of orthodontic appliances, including clear braces.
How Long Do Adults Need Braces?
In general, adults wear braces for around 18 months. However, in more severe or complex cases, you might need to wear braces for 24 to 36 months to achieve the desired results.
Some adult patients may require tooth extraction in preparation for an orthodontic treatment if there is not enough space in the mouth for the teeth to move.
Additionally, you may be required to wear a retainer after your treatment to prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position. Some patients wear a retainer at night for 2 to 3 years, then transition to wearing it a few times a week long term.
Are Braces for Adults Painful?
When starting orthodontic treatment, you should expect some discomfort and tooth soreness from time to time. Typically, the discomfort is most noticeable for a couple of weeks at the beginning of treatment and again when the braces are adjusted.
Unfortunately, such occasional discomfort is inevitable, regardless of the type of appliances used for your orthodontic treatment. It occurs because your teeth are forced to move through the jawbone and the gum tissue. However, tooth soreness can be remedied with over-the-counter painkillers. We also recommend switching to a softer diet to avoid further discomfort for your teeth and gums.
Types of Braces Available for Adults
Types of braces most commonly used for adults include:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a reliable and effective orthodontic method that can treat a wide range of teeth and bite misalignment issues. This type of braces consists of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and metal wires attached to the brackets.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces (also called clear braces) are similar to metal braces in construction, but their brackets are made of ceramic. This material can closely match the color of your natural teeth, making braces less noticeable in your mouth.
Typically, this option is more expensive than traditional metal braces and also can be less durable.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces look similar to traditional metal braces, but they are attached to the back side of your teeth, which makes them unnoticeable when you talk or smile.
Lingual braces tend to be just as effective as traditional braces, but they require more customization and more work on your dentist’s part, which makes them more expensive than the traditional option.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are trays made of transparent plastic that cover the entire lower or upper arch of your teeth and can be removed at will. Clear aligners are unobtrusive in the mouth and convenient to use, making them a popular option for adults.
Clear aligners tend to be just as effective as metal braces for mild to medium cases of misalignment, but are less effective for severe and complex cases.
Get an Orthodontic Treatment at Glendora Family Dentistry
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontic dentist for all ages at Glendora Family Dentistry today. We will thoroughly examine your case and oral health and take your goals and preferences into consideration to offer you a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. We are looking forward to your visit.
