Braces for Grown-Ups—Are They Right For You?

Wearing braces is a rite of passage for many kids. But increasingly, adults are also getting braces to straighten their teeth, fix their bites and improve their smiles. Orthodontic options that make braces inconspicuous are a big part of this rising popularity. If you are thinking about getting braces here's what you should know.

First, you're not alone. A 2014 survey from the American Association of Orthodontists found that adults made up a record high of nearly 1.5 million orthodontics patients in the U.S. and Canada.

About three-fourths of the adult orthodonture patients at my dental office based in West Hartford Center and nearly all of the patients in my dental office based in New Britain, Connecticut, are there for cosmetic reasons.   Several years ago it was much more rare, but now the technology we have, and the clear options that exist, are helping adults feel more comfortable about getting braces as well.

Even for patients who get braces to look better, it's often a matter of "form follows function."  A beautiful smile is not only great aesthetics, but it's also easier to clean your teeth if they're well-aligned. You don't have those nooks and crannies.

Sometimes, functional reasons cause adults to seek out straighter teeth. Teeth may be missing, or patients might need space opened or bone built for an implant.   For instance, one of my patients sought out orthodonture only for her back teeth, which were crooked, painful and affecting her jaw.   Sometimes she would even talk funny because it would be so sore underneath her tongue, and she would bite herself in her sleep.  Often, time passes and things deteriorate as opposed to improve, so it's nice to know you've got something to look forward to as an improvement over time.

Options in my West Hartford and New Britain Dental Offices

• Metal braces. While we occasionally use stainless steel braces in our office, most of the work we do is cosmetic, and there are better choices.  Metal braces remain the best choice for some more-complex functional cases.  Most of my complex functional cases are sent out to specialists that are part of my team.  As with any complex matter, it is best to use someone who specializes only in that. 
• FastBraces® Clear or tooth-colored braces. These are also known as ceramic braces. "While they're still visible, they're less intimidating, and treatment with them only includes one wire.  Most of the cases with FastBraces can be finished in under a year, many in as little as six months.
• Invisalign® or Other Clear aligners. We are certified in a few different brands of clear aligner trays, but the most popular and arguably the best of these is Invisalign, by Align Technologies.  These appliances can be removed to eat, brush and floss, align the teeth without wires or brackets. Patients wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, and it does require a commitment to wear according to instructions in order to achieve the fastest outcome. While many people are attracted because they're so unnoticeable, clear aligners can be higher-maintenance for patients who prefer to snack and drink coffee throughout the day.
• Lingual braces. These are placed on the inner, tongue-side of the teeth. Lingual braces are an option for patients who shy away from wearing visible metal braces but whose cases are complex enough to need more than Invisalign.

Not Your Childhood Braces

Treatment with braces can be more challenging for adults.  Kids have really thick, healthy gums. With age, patients are more likely to have problems like receding gums or bone loss. Before they start with braces, a dentist treating adults makes sure gums are healthy and periodontal disease is under control.

If you had braces as a kid, you surely remember the mold-making process. It's different now. Digital X-ray technology is much more advanced,  cutting down on radiation and eliminating the need for dental impressions made with "goop" in your mouth.

In general, time spent wearing braces is shorter than in years past. The average time for all cases in our practice is 17 months. Simpler cases, like fixing small spaces in the upper teeth, may take as little as six months. Complexity drives the length of treatment.

After braces come off, teeth can continue to move and crowd even several years later.  Because of that, we now recommend retainers for life.  Retainers are worn at night. That could be every night for the first two years, he says, then eventually one or two nights a week.

Who Should Treat You?

As I said earlier, for complex functional cases, it’s best to have an orthodontist treat you, because the treatment will likely include metal braces and constant adjustments to perform major restructuring of your mouth. 

But for cosmetic cases utilizing clear aligner trays or ceramic braces, you want to make sure you are using a cosmetic dentist who is certified in the procedure, and has actually taken numerous cases from beginning to end. 

Covering Costs

Metal braces tend to be the most expensive option right now, but much of that is because of the longer treatment that is required with them.  They may  fall in the $5,000 to $6,500 price range.  Invisalign and FastBraces are usually much less expensive.  If your budget is tight, talk to the office treatment coordinator about working out an in-house payment plan.

Also, check your insurance. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that orthodontic treatment is partially covered!

Keep smiling!

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121