These days more and more adults are looking for orthodontic solutions and the different types of braces for adults.
If you’re an adult thinking of getting braces, you’ve probably got a few questions and concerns. While traditional metal braces are still a great option, there are other types of braces for adults that make getting straight teeth a breeze.
Let’s take a closer look at the main types of braces so you can make the right choice.
Which Types Of Braces Should Adults Choose?
Pros and Cons of Metal Braces
Metal braces have been with us for some time, but they’ve come on a lot. No longer are they conspicuous ‘railroad tracks’. Now they’re more discreet and aesthetically pleasing, with smaller brackets.
They are a tried and true treatment for a huge range of issues. They are an affordable option and are still the right choice for many patients.
Pros
There is almost nothing that metal braces cannot correct!
Even if you have very crooked teeth, severe overcrowding, an underbite, or an overbite, metal braces can get the job done. They can also correct protruding teeth and gaps between the teeth.
They are also one of the fastest treatments out there. They apply continuous pressure and can often achieve great results in 12-36 months.
The final advantage is that they are usually the most cost-effective form of braces. Whether you have simple or complex issues to correct, metal braces offer a great value solution to almost all orthodontic issues.
Cons
The major con is that they are more visible than other types of braces. Depending on your personal preference, you may feel that metal braces would dent your self-confidence too much.
Also, metal braces require regular visits to the orthodontist. During these visits, he or she will check your progress and make sure that no other issues are developing. They will also adjust the brace to allow it to make the next set of movements.
You need to think carefully about food when you wear metal adult braces. Chewy, crunchy, and hard foods are out for a while. Instead, think soft and tender and you’ll be fine.
Finally, metal braces are a challenge to keep clean. You can’t take them out, and you’ll have to wear them for some time. You’ll need to use special floss and take special care when brushing to prevent a buildup of bacteria.
Best Solution For Alignment Issues
Anyone on a budget. They’re also ideal for people with severe alignment issues.
Pros and Cons of Clear Ceramic Braces
If metal braces sound like a bridge too far, think about clear ceramic braces.
They work on similar principles but use clear brackets rather than metal ones. Some also come with more wires that blend in with your teeth to make them less conspicuous.
Pros
The major advantage is that they are much less visible than metal braces. If you’re worried about your self-confidence taking a hit, they could be a great option for you.
Like metal braces, they can get to work fast. Typical treatment times range from 18-36 months, with longer treatments needed for more severe cases.
Cons
The main con of clear ceramic braces is that they can still be seen.
Also, they can’t treat as wide a range of issues as metal braces can. They don’t have quite the same level of strength, meaning they’re not the right choice for complicated cases. They’re also a little more prone to breaking than metal ones.
Finally, they’re more expensive than metal braces.
Best Solution For Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are great for people looking to get straight teeth fast without drawing too much attention to themselves. Also, someone who is able to afford a little more will get an aesthetically pleasing solution.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Since Invisalign burst onto the scene over twenty years ago, they have revolutionized how we think about tooth alignment.
Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear aligners. As the weeks go by, you change your aligners, and they gradually move your teeth into their new positions. They are so discreet that most people won’t even know they’re there.
Pros
The major pro is their invisibility. But that’s just the start.
They are also comfortable to wear because they are custom-fitted to your teeth. You do not need to make regular trips to the orthodontist. Simply move to the next set of aligners after the specified time, usually every two weeks.
You can remove them to clean your teeth, eat, and pose for photos. This makes maintaining oral hygiene much easier than with other types of braces.
They also work fast. The shortest course of clear aligners is 12, allowing you to complete the treatments in around 24 weeks. You may need up to 48 aligners, which will take around 2 years to complete.
Cons
Invisalign technology has improved over the years and can now treat a wide range of orthodontic issues. However, there are still some conditions that require different types of braces.
They are also usually a more expensive option.
Best Solution For Invisalign
Invisalign clear braces are great for anyone who doesn’t have complicated orthodontic issues to fix.
The Verdict: The Best Braces for Adults
We live in a time when braces for adults are more prevalent than ever. Research from the American Association of Orthodontists confirms what we’ve suspected. Adults have taken over from kids and teens as the biggest patient group accessing orthodontic treatments!
There’s no need to put off orthodontic care anymore. Whether you choose metal, ceramic, or clear aligners, you can achieve the smile of your dreams.
At All About Braces, we’re proud to bring outstanding orthodontic treatments in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood, Colorado. We offer a range of braces to suit our patient’s needs. Our team is ready and waiting to help you get the right treatment for your situation and your budget.
Request an appointment today to start your journey to a beautiful smile!