Things You Need to Know Before You Get Braces as an Adult

Are you an adult thinking about getting braces? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Multiple adults choose to get braces every year. In fact, in 2018 a study conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) showed that 27 percent of adults in the US and Canada have braces. You can visit your dentist, discuss the options available for adult braces, and they will work with a dental lab to find the best option for you.

Having braces as an adult is not as complicated as it may seem. If you are planning on getting braces in your future, here are the things you need to know:

The Process May Take Longer than Children and Teens with Braces

The important thing to know is the entire process can take longer than it does for adolescents. However, you’re not going to be wearing them forever. Some adults think if they get braces, they will be stuck with them for a long time. This is simply not true. Adult braces are generally worn from 14 – 26 months. The length you wear your braces depends on the style you choose, the severity of the problem they are fixing, and how you take care of them.

Aligners Require More Discipline to Work

Aligners are a very popular and tempting option for adults, as they are much less visible than traditional braces. But it is important to know that these require a lot of discipline in order to achieve the perfect results. They must be worn for 20 – 22 hours each day, only being taken out to eat and brush your teeth. If you leave them off for too long it will hinder the end results.

Digital dental labs should be able to produce much better outcomes than traditional methods when it comes to making custom orthodontic appliances for children, teenagers and adults because they can do so faster and more precisely. For example, if a patient has a particularly unusual tooth shape, a digital dental lab can create an appliance that is specifically tailored to fit that individual’s teeth.

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