Even though many people associate wearing braces with being a teenager, the fact is that more and more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment. One of the myths that needs to be busted straight away is that teeth don’t move as we get older. This is simply not true. Our teeth can be moved at any age with the right kind of treatment. Your orthodontist will be able to advise on the best orthodontic treatment for you, even if you’re an adult.
Why Should Adults Get Braces?
There are a growing number of adults wearing braces and it’s important to understand why more and more older people are undergoing treatment. Here are a number of reasons why adults should seriously consider braces if they’re unhappy with their smile:
- Our smiles are important to us at any age,
- Teeth can be shifted into a new position at any age,
- There are many choices as to what kind of braces treatment to opt for
- Because people are living longer on average, the other health problems that are caused by a misaligned bite are more serious as an adult.
What you Should Know About Wearing Braces as an Adult
In many ways, orthodontic treatment for adults is the same as it is for teenagers and kids. Of course, many adults want to know exactly how long they’ll have to wear braces. The real answer is: it depends.
Adults will often have some other dental health issues, such as bone loss. Even though teeth can certainly be moved at any age, sometimes adult teeth do take longer to reach a new position. This may mean that braces need to be worn longer. Typically, adults need to wear braces between 18 months and 3 years.
Despite this, perhaps one of the biggest advantages that adults have when it comes to wearing braces is that they will often have more options available to them. For example, some kinds of braces aren’t suitable for kids either due to a tight budget. Or, because children are too young to take responsibility for wearing them properly. Adults in this situation are able to consider other treatment options that may be possible.
Do Adults Wear Braces Longer Than Children?
In some cases, yes, adults wear braces longer than children. Is can be easier and quicker to move teeth at a younger age, but it depends on the individual case. To discuss if adult orthodontics is right for you, and how long your treatment may take, book an appointment at Bachmayer Orthodontics.