Braces For Adults

Whether you are experiencing oral health or bite issues, seeking to advance your professional career, or are simply tired of living with misaligned teeth, braces for adults come with many advantages. If you are ready to enhance the appearance of your smile, it can be crucial to identify the best types of braces for adults.

At Robison Orthodontics, we offer advanced teeth-straightening options that can deliver drastic results in a fraction of the time of other treatment options. In as few as 24 weeks, you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and bright smile. Learn more about adult braces at Robison Orthodontics.

Benefits of Braces for Adults

More than 60% of adults between the ages of 25 and 45 dislike the appearance of their smiles. Adults have good reason to be aware of the appearance of their teeth. An attractive smile is often associated with youth, beauty, intelligence, and even leadership skills. 

However, braces aren’t only about cosmetic improvements. Many adults seeking the benefits of straighter teeth rely on adult braces to address a wide range of dental problems. 

How Braces Improve Your Smile

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Adult braces can address the following: 

  • Overcrowding – Braces can help with overcrowding by correcting the position of teeth that are too close or overlap.
  • Gaps – Closing spaces between teeth can create a more uniform and symmetrical smile that doesn’t allow teeth to shift.
  • Overbite – Braces can align upper teeth that protrude too far over the lower teeth.
  • Underbite – Braces can help with underbite by adjusting lower teeth that extend past the upper teeth.
  • Crossbite – Ensuring that upper teeth fit properly inside the lower teeth can address the bite issues caused by crossbite.
  • Open Bite – Braces can fix the gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
  • Jaw Alignment Issues – Braces can help align the jaw to correct bite issues and improve function.

 

Better-aligned teeth are better for both your oral and overall health. When teeth are crooked or crowded, there are parts of the teeth that cannot be easily reached through brushing and flossing. This can lead to plaque and, eventually, tooth decay. Crooked teeth can also increase the chances that you will develop gum disease, jaw pain, and jaw misalignment.

Medical professionals now understand the relationship between oral health and overall health. Research has found that oral-systemic health is heavily influenced by the presence of gum disease. Individuals who are in poor oral health have a higher occurrence of serious diseases and health conditions, particularly those involving the cardiovascular system. 

You can reduce your risk of developing lung and heart problems by taking your oral health seriously and using braces to make your teeth easier to clean.

What Are My Options for Adult Braces?

If you are looking for the best types of braces for adults, you have come to the right source. Our orthodontic team works with several advanced orthodontic treatment options.

Types of Adult Braces

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are an advanced orthodontic treatment option that builds on the best features of traditional metal braces. Self-ligating braces use a unique clip to reduce friction and allow smoother, faster tooth movement, leading to less discomfort and quicker treatment compared to traditional braces. 

The teeth-straightening treatment eliminates the need for frequent painful adjustments, offering a more comfortable experience by avoiding the pressure and friction of elastics and ties. These features make self-ligating braces an excellent option for adults.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are another treatment option similar to traditional metal braces. These braces utilize tooth-colored ceramic brackets that are more discreet than metal braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are a group of clear plastic aligners designed to straighten teeth progressively. Each set is carefully created to fit your mouth and gently move the teeth into their correct position. As treatment progresses, you will swap out one set for the next until your teeth are perfectly aligned.

Forsus Device

You may also be a candidate for other corrective treatments that we offer adults. Forsus is an orthodontic device that uses springs to address overbites and assist with jaw alignment, offering an alternative to traditional elastics. 

This is ideal for patients with severe overbites or difficulties with elastics and can prevent the need for future jaw surgery if used early. An orthodontist may recommend starting Forsus treatment before the teenage years for the best results.

AcceleDent Aura

Our orthodontist also works with advanced treatments that facilitate the braces by reducing the time it takes for your teeth to gently shift to their optimal position. We offer AcceleDent Aura, a hands-free device that uses micro-pulsation technology to reduce treatment time and enhance smile quality by up to 50%. 

PROPEL

PROPEL technology accelerates tooth movement by stimulating faster bone breakdown and remodeling. This remodeling is what allows your teeth to shift more quickly compared to traditional braces alone.

Treatment Timeline for Adult Braces

While braces treatment timelines can look different for each individual, with the use of advanced orthodontic appliances, the entire orthodontic treatment for adult braces can often be completed in as little as 24 weeks. Self-ligating braces can shorten treatment time by about four months compared to traditional braces with elastics. 

However, it is important to recognize that complex dental alignment issues may require additional time. In addition, the type of braces treatment you select can alter your timeline. For example, traditional braces or Invisalign treatment may not proceed as quickly as self-ligating braces with AcceleDent treatment. 

The Treatment Process

No matter which type of braces you choose, the treatment process will generally take place as follows: 

Consultation

The treatment process begins with a consultation appointment. Dr. Robison will evaluate your dental needs, set treatment goals, and create a personalized plan for you. 

Preparation and Placement

Placement will take place at your next appointment. 

Before placing the braces, Dr. Robison prepares the teeth by cleaning and drying them to ensure a strong bond with the dental appliances. A special adhesive is then used to attach the brackets to each tooth. Self-ligating braces feature built-in clips to hold the wire in place.

The treatment process begins with a consultation appointment

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Dr. Robison then inserts an archwire through the brackets. The self-ligating clips secure the wire without needing traditional elastics or ties. The wire is adjusted to apply the necessary pressure for tooth movement. Dr. Robison then checks the braces to ensure proper fit and comfort.

Finally, you will receive detailed instructions on maintaining your braces. Cleaning and maintaining your braces is easy, and it won’t take long for you to adjust to minor changes in habits that can protect them. Remember to brush your teeth after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the areas around the brackets and wires. 

Using floss threaders or orthodontic floss can make this process easier. Rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash helps reduce plaque and strengthens your teeth. Certain foods can promote buildup around your braces and potentially cause tooth decay. 

Check-Up Appointments

Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor your treatment progress. At these appointments, we will make adjustments if necessary and ensure the braces are working effectively. 

Removal

Once treatment is complete, Dr. Robison will remove the braces and polish your teeth to eliminate any remaining adhesive. You will be given a retainer that you’ll need to wear every night to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and wearing your retainer nightly, you can enjoy the benefits of your beautiful new smile indefinitely.

 

Special Considerations for Your Treatment

While it is crucial to clean your teeth regularly as instructed, you’ll also need to consider a few other things when treating oral health issues with braces. 

Avoid sticky foods like gum and caramel, which can cling to your braces and be difficult to clean. Hard foods such as nuts, ice, and hard candies can break or damage your brackets and wires, while crunchy items like popcorn and raw vegetables may get stuck in your braces. 

Try to generally limit sugary foods and drinks to prevent plaque buildup and cavities around your braces. If you play sports or activities that could result in an impact on the head, be mindful that those injuries could damage your braces or cause cuts on your gums. Wearing a mouthguard could reduce the risk of these types of problems. 

If your braces ever feel “off,” let someone at our office know as soon as possible. You may need to have part of your braces repaired or replaced. The sooner Dr. Robison can make those repairs, the lower the chances that your treatment timeline will be delayed.

Teeth Whitening Following Orthodontic Treatment

Once your treatment is complete, you can further enhance your smile using teeth whitening techniques.

Our advanced teeth whitening treatment uses strong whitening agents that you cannot find in over-the-counter products. As with teeth straightening, whitening can deliver drastic cosmetic results at any age. The combination of teeth straightening and whitening can enhance your smile with drastic results. 

Teeth Whitening

Why Teeth Whitening?

As we age, the enamel in our teeth slowly becomes thinner. This can cause discoloration, especially after braces. Thinner enamel can lead to yellow and dull-looking teeth. Professional teeth whitening uses special whitening agents that break down stains and lift them from the surface of your teeth.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Robison Orthodontics offers teeth whitening treatments at the office, or you can try our take-home kits. 

In-office treatments begin when a member of our team places a special protective gel over your gums to prevent the whitening gels from coming into contact with your gums. Then, the whitening agent is applied to your teeth and kept in place using a special mouthguard. After around one hour, the gel will be removed and you can enjoy a bright smile that is several shades whiter. 

Our take-home kits include a mouthguard and syringes with whitening agents. The benefit of this option is that you can undergo the treatment in the comfort of your home. Both options deliver noticeable, brilliant results. 

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

You can extend the cosmetic benefits of these treatments by avoiding foods and drinks that stain your teeth and brushing your teeth twice a day. Teeth whitening does not last forever, but you can reschedule your visit to our office every few years so you can maintain your white and bright smile. 

Braces for Adults FAQs

Too many adults delay using braces because they believe only kids and teens have braces. However, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. No matter what age you are, Dr. Robison can customize an orthodontic treatment plan that delivers drastic results along a reliable timeline. 

We value patient education and can gladly address these and other questions when you visit our office.

You are never too old for braces. Dr. Robison can assess your oral health before recommending braces for adults. It’s important to remember that orthodontic treatments can only be given to adults who are in optimal oral health. If you have any lingering tooth decay or gum disease, you’ll need to address those issues first. 

You may experience some mild discomfort as your mouth and teeth adjust to the presence of braces, but it should subside quickly. Better yet, self-ligating braces and Invisalign can smoothly and gently move the teeth into position without putting as much pressure on the teeth.

If you wear your retainer every night, your teeth will stay straight indefinitely. Patients who do not wear their retainers could lose the benefits of straight teeth, as subtle shifting is a natural process that happens to everyone.

In many cases, braces may take a bit longer for adults than for children or teens because adult jaws are less malleable than their younger counterparts. This can mean it will take a little longer for teeth to shift into place. However, treatments like AcceleDent and PROPEL can help remodel the jaw tissue and move teeth more quickly.

Braces are great for your health because they make your teeth easier to clean. This can reduce the occurrence of gum disease and tooth decay. When people have a beautiful smile, they tend to protect that smile by taking extra care when brushing and flossing. 

Oral health is linked to overall health. You can reduce your risk of developing health problems, especially problems related to the cardiovascular system, by undergoing orthodontic treatment.

You do not have to change your diet, but it is a good idea to be mindful that certain foods and drinks can potentially lead to plaque buildup around your orthodontic appliances. Reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and foods is generally advisable. Try to avoid eating hard foods that could damage the brackets. Metal appliances are strong, but they are not indestructible.

Oral health is linked to overall health. You can reduce your risk of developing health problems, especially problems related to the cardiovascular system, by undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If your braces feel different or “wrong,” it is important to let someone at our office know as soon as possible. We will schedule an appointment so Dr. Robison can examine your braces and correct any issues. Acting quickly can protect your gums from injury, preserve your braces, and prevent any delays in your treatment timeline. 

Oral health is linked to overall health. You can reduce your risk of developing health problems, especially problems related to the cardiovascular system, by undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Schedule Your Adult Braces Consultation Today

It is never too late to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. If you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, you can completely revamp your smile in as few as six months by undergoing orthodontic treatment using self-ligating braces and our other treatment options. Robison Orthodontics takes pride in working with the most advanced technology and treatment techniques available.

Make the choice you will not regret, and treat yourself to a beautiful smile. Contact our Robison Orthodontics team to schedule your adult braces consultation today.

Schedule Your Adult Braces Consultation Today