The teenage years may be the ideal time to get braces, but more and more adults are choosing to get orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and correct dental problems. One in five orthodontic patients is over 18 years old. If you live in Fresno and are considering getting adult braces to correct some problem or improve your smile, you can visit our specialist and have your teeth, jaw, and gums examined.
What to Expect
During a consultation with our orthodontist in Fresno, we may take photos and x-rays and check your bite. Then treatment options will be recommended will be best for you. Since the bones of adults have stopped growing certain structural changes may require oral surgery. In addition, the time it takes to achieve the desired results may be a bit longer than for a teenager whose bones are still developing. On average, adult braces can last for about two years.
How Adult Braces Work
Adult braces work by placing pressure on the teeth to change their position. This is done by attaching wires and brackets to the teeth that gently push them to the desired position. When pressure is put on a tooth, it will shift its position in the jaw. Results can be maintained through the regular wearing of a retainer.
Different Kinds of Adult Braces
Today’s traditional metal braces are less noticeable and more comfortable than they used to be. They use fewer brackets and are smaller. The wires are more effective than those in the past and are not as noticeable. Teenagers often choose colored wires and elastics for a bolder look.
Many adults choose clear plastic brackets or tooth-colored ceramic because they are more discrete. Ceramic brackets are weaker than metal brackets, so you need to be careful to avoid hard food such as raw carrots and nuts. Ceramic brackets may damage tooth enamel, so we may suggest using ceramic brackets on the upper teeth and traditional metal brackets on the lower teeth where they are less noticeable.
Clear, plastic brackets need to be carefully cleaned to avoid stains. Both ceramic and plastic braces may require more time to achieve the desired results than metal braces. However, this is not an issue for most adults who value the discrete appearance.
If you didn’t get the orthodontic treatment you needed as a child or have had an injury or tooth loss and need braces to improve your smile, Unique Orthodontics can help. Contact our office in Fresno today to learn more! We also have offices in Clovis and Madera.