If you’re considering braces as an adult, you’re certainly not alone. Orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to teenagers. Adults can use braces to address crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, and bite problems while working toward a healthier, more balanced smile. However, getting braces as an adult comes with a few considerations you should understand before treatment begins.
Your Teeth Can Still Be Straightened
One of the biggest misconceptions about adult orthodontics is that braces only work well for younger patients. While treatment can be different for adults because the jaw has finished developing, healthy adult teeth can still be moved gradually with the right amount of pressure.
Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite before creating a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, traditional braces or another orthodontic option may be recommended.
You May Need a Dental Checkup First
Healthy teeth and gums are important before beginning orthodontic treatment. Cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems may need to be addressed before braces are placed.
Braces create additional areas where plaque and food particles can collect, so starting treatment with good oral health can make it easier to maintain your smile throughout the process.
Expect Some Initial Discomfort
It’s perfectly normal to feel pressure or mild soreness when braces are first placed and following adjustments (typically every 4 to 8 weeks). Your lips, cheeks, or tongue may also need some time to become accustomed to the brackets and wires.
This discomfort is generally temporary and nothing that over-the-counter pain relievers usually can’t fix. Ask your dental team for recommendations to make the adjustment period more comfortable.
Your Diet May Need Adjusting
Certain foods can damage braces or become stuck around brackets and wires. You may be asked to avoid particularly hard, sticky, or chewy foods during treatment.
You can still enjoy a wide variety of foods, but you may need to cut certain foods into smaller pieces or choose softer alternatives. Following your orthodontist’s dietary recommendations can help prevent broken brackets and wires.
At-Home Care: Essential!
Brushing and flossing require extra attention when you have braces. Plaque can accumulate around brackets, increasing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and permanent white spots on the teeth.
Your orthodontist can show you how to clean effectively around your braces. Water flossers, interdental brushes, or other cleaning aids may make the process easier. Don’t let poor oral hygiene derail your treatment!
Treatment Requires Patience
The length of orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. Your treatment time can depend on the type and severity of the alignment or bite problem and how your teeth respond to treatment.
Keeping your appointments and following your orthodontist’s instructions can help keep treatment progressing as planned.
Getting braces as an adult may require some adjustments to your daily routine, but age alone doesn’t mean you’re too old for orthodontic treatment. With good oral hygiene, regular appointments, and commitment to your treatment plan, you can work toward improved tooth alignment and a healthier smile!
About the Author
After more than a decade working as an orthodontist, Dr. Marissa Mikolich still loves seeing her patients’ confidence blossom from straighter, healthier smiles. She earned her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and her master’s in oral biology from The Ohio State University to provide advanced orthodontic care. Dr. Mikolich and her team consider it a privilege to provide braces treatment to the Canfield, OH area. If you’d like to receive orthodontic treatment, head over to the Mikolich Orthodontics website to schedule an appointment or call (330) 967-4110.