Do Braces Take Longer for Adults?

Do your teeth need straightening? Do you want that perfect smile you see on magazine covers? Then braces may be a great option.

Braces have been on the market for quite a long time. Children and teenagers used to be the most common wearers of braces, but they are now also common among adults. Adults with crooked smiles can get braces, and they apply gentle pressure to the teeth to realign them.

Dentists also use braces to line up jaws, correct crossbites, close gaps between teeth, and separate crowded teeth. If you want to get braces, you must be ready for commitment. You will have to:
 

• Plan time for checkups - You will need to see the dentist at least every four to six weeks.

• Be careful with what you consume - The brackets can break off with the wrong type of food.

• Floss and brush longer than usual - Oral hygiene becomes a little more complicated than normal when you have braces, so it is important to stay on top of it.

How Long Do Braces Take for Adults?

Adults wear braces for varying periods, usually between one and three years. The condition of your teeth will dictate the length of time you will have them on. Some circumstances that can cause the time an individual will have braces on to vary include:

How Crooked Are Your Teeth?

If your teeth are crowded or too separated, you may want to wear braces. These conditions can cause gum disease, cavities, and enamel erosion. The time you will spend on braces will vary depending on the severity of these conditions.

What Kind of Bite Do You Have?

Your bite refers to the way the top and lower teeth align. You can have either an overbite, crossbite, or underbite. Treating a bite condition can take longer with braces. 

What Type of Braces Will You Get?

There are different options for braces, which can affect how long you will be wearing them. 
 

• Metal Braces – For metal braces, dentists attach the brackets to your teeth and then thread a metal wire through them to connect them. When you visit the dentist for a checkup, they will tighten the wires every four to six weeks. The tightening will slowly align your teeth.

• Clear Aligners – These are clear plastic molded trays worn to realign your teeth. A wearer can take them out when the need arises and go for replacements every few weeks. You can remove the trays to eat or clean your teeth, but you must wear them throughout the entire day to see results.

• Lingual Braces – Dentists glue these braces to the back of your teeth. They are metal braces that are hard to spot if you have them on. They are as effective as regular metal braces.

For more on braces for adults, visit Ofir Orthodontics at our office in Downey, California. You can also call (562) 396-9820 to schedule an appointment today.