Are you starting to feel self-conscious about your smile? You’re not the only one! Over 50% of people hate how their teeth look.

People are mainly self-conscious about crooked teeth, gaps, and crowded teeth. You don’t have to keep concealing your smile, though. Instead, consider braces for adults.

What are your adult braces options, and how can adult orthodontics benefit you? Read on to find out!

Types of Braces

When most people think of orthodontic treatments, they imagine metal wires and brackets. These traditional metal braces are no longer the only option. They’re also not only for children and teens.

According to Humana, over four million Americans wear braces. About a quarter of these patients are adults. Here are a few adult braces options patients are using to straighten their smiles.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are one of the most common treatment options. They treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including more extensive cases.

These braces put corrective pressure on your teeth using a metal wire and brackets. They can fix:

  • Alignment issues
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Crossbites
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Open bites

Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, metal braces have changed a lot over the years. Newer options are more comfortable.

Some appliances use heat-activated archwires. These braces use your natural body heat to move your teeth into alignment. This process could reduce pain and discomfort.

Some treatment options, like Invisalign, require compliance. Patients can remove their aligners to eat and drink. Unfortunately, some patients lose or damage their aligners.

This could delay treatment times. If you choose metal braces, you won’t have to worry. They’ll remain in place, ensuring your treatment stays on schedule.

Metal braces are sometimes less expensive than other treatment options. However, there are some cons to consider. For example, you may need time to adjust to the metal wires and brackets.

You’ll need to make changes to your diet. Otherwise, hard or sticky foods could damage the wires or brackets.

Schedule a consultation appointment at our Zirbel Orthodontics practice. Your orthodontist will determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment.

Invisalign

If you’re concerned about discretion, choose invisible braces for adults. Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to move your teeth into alignment. They’re custom-made to fit snugly around your teeth.

You’ll receive a new pair of aligners every one or two weeks. Each pair will bring you closer to a perfect smile.

Unlike traditional braces, you can (and should) remove your aligners. You’ll need to remove them to:

  • Brush
  • Floss
  • Eat
  • Drink

Otherwise, you could damage or discolor your braces. This could delay your treatment plan.

You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Make sure to put your aligners back on after meals.

Invisalign can correct mild to moderate bite issues. However, they’re sometimes less effective for complex cases.

The main benefit of Invisalign is discretion. Plastic aligners are less noticeable than metal braces. You also won’t have to worry about pieces breaking or discomfort.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces use translucent brackets, making them less noticeable than metal braces. The small brackets will move your teeth into alignment. This treatment option is safe for patients of all braces.

The ceramic brackets are resistant to discoloration and staining. They could move your teeth into alignment faster than Invisalign. They’re also more effective for severe misalignment and malocclusion cases.

However, ceramic braces can be more expensive than metal braces. They can also cause gum sensitivity.

Ceramic braces are slightly less durable than traditional metal braces. They could break off, causing damage to your tooth enamel. Treatment with these braces may take longer than with metal braces.

Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics is a combination of orthognathic (jaw) surgery and orthodontic treatment. It’s ideal for patients with severe cases, including:

  • Bad bites
  • Jaw bone abnormalities
  • Malocclusion

Your orthodontist may recommend this option if you have a complex craniofacial face. Oral and maxillofacial surgery can treat your jaw, mouth, face, or skull.

The Benefits

Orthodontic treatment won’t only improve the appearance of your smile. Here are a few reasons to consider adult orthodontics:

Avoid Decay

Gaps between your teeth give food particles and bacteria more space to hide. You may find it more difficult to brush crooked teeth as well. This could increase your risk of tooth decay.

Food particles, saliva, and bacteria can mix to form plaque. Plaque can harden into tartar and release acid. Without a professional tooth cleaning appointment, a cavity can form.

Untreated cavities can increase your risk of losing teeth. Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to deteriorate. Your cheeks may sink inward, altering your appearance.

Plaque and tartar can increase your risk of gum disease. Gingivitis causes pain, changes in your bite, and tooth loss. It can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, and other conditions.

Orthodontic treatments can straighten your smile, closing the gaps between your teeth. You’ll have an easier time brushing, flossing, and protecting your smile. Otherwise, you may need more expensive (and extensive) treatments later.

Avoid Grinding

You may start grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) if your teeth are misaligned. Bruxism can wear down your protective tooth enamel. This can increase your risk of tooth decay.

You may wake up with a sore jaw or headache. When left untreated, bruxism can cause sleep disorders, TMJ disorder, or dental damage. Before that happens, talk to your Zirbel Orthodontics team.

Improved Self-Confidence

Crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and appearance. Straightening your smile can give your confidence a boost. You’ll start smiling more often, increasing serotonin production.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences your mood. As you smile more, you could have a better outlook on life! That renewed self-confidence can benefit you in social and professional settings.

Get Braces for Adults at Zirbel Orthodontics

Getting braces for adults can do more than straighten your teeth. It could also benefit your health and well-being. Visit our team at Zirbel Orthodontics to determine which orthodontic treatments suit your needs.

We’re passionate about offering exemplary, compassionate orthodontic treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Trust our combined 250 years of experience creating healthy, beautiful smiles.

Request a complimentary orthodontic consultation today!