Self-conscious about your smile? Perhaps your teeth are a little crooked? Don’t be—it’s actually very common.
Generally speaking, it’s due to genetics. For instance, the size of your jaw can have an impact on the alignment of your teeth. Certain habits, such as thumb sucking can also play a role.
Don’t worry, though, even if they’re crooked, you can straighten them up. After all, that’s what orthodontists are for! You don’t have to be a child either, adult braces are a thing.
Thinking of going for it? If so, you’re on the right page! We’ll be going over all that you need to know about the teeth-straightening process below.
Keep reading to learn more!
Why Would An Adult Need Braces?
Some adults never received the orthodontic treatment that they needed as a child. As a result, their teeth might be crooked or their jaw might be in the wrong position.
Left untreated, these issues can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and earaches. Not to mention that it can affect your chewing or speaking! Considering all that, it might be a good idea to visit an orthodontist if you have misaligned teeth.
Do Braces Work Differently For Adults?
Braces work the same way in adults and children. Due to the fact that you’re no longer growing, however, treatment will be longer.
While it varies from person to person, the average adult will have to wear braces for two to three years. Once they’re removed, a retainer will be necessary to keep them in the right position.
3 Different Types of Braces
There are a few different types of braces that you can use to improve the alignment of your teeth. We’ll be highlighting three of them below!
1. Metal Braces
Metal braces are what most people imagine when they hear the word “braces.” They consist of two components—wires and brackets, both of which are attached to the teeth.
While effective, however, they can be very noticeable. For this reason, many people opt for other options.
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in that they consist of wires and brackets. Instead of being metallic, however, the material is clear, which makes it less noticeable.
As you can probably guess, though, they’re much more expensive. Generally speaking, they cost at least $1,000 more.
3. Invisalign
Invisalign is one of the newer options; it involves wearing a series of custom-made plastic aligners, which are replaced every two weeks.
Not only are they “invisible”, but they’re also much more comfortable. With that said, they might not work for some dental problems. When in doubt, consult with your Invisalign provider.
Realigning Your Teeth With Adult Braces
Hopefully, that gives you a better idea as to how adult braces work. As you can see, there are a few different options that you can choose from—each of which has its own pros and cons!
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