FAQ

Main »» Braces for Adults

Table of Contents
Can adults still have braces?  Are there less noticeable braces?  How have new "space age" wires changed orthodontics?  What kind of special care is needed for teeth with braces?  How important is patient cooperation during orthodontic treatment?

Can adults still have braces?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily and as well for adults as children. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same way for both a 75-year-old adult and a 12-year-old child. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. It is estimated that nearly 1,000,000 adults in the United States and Canada are receiving treatment from an orthodontist. Complicating factors, such as lack of jaw growth, may create special treatment planning needs for the adult. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults may also have some breakdown of periodontal tissues that support the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable. Orthodontic treatment may be only a part of the patient's overall treatment plan. Close coordination may be required between the orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist, endodontist and family dentist to assure that a complicated adult orthodontic problem is managed well and complements all other areas of the patient's treatment needs. Back to Top
Are there less noticeable braces?
Today’s braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. The front teeth typically have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth. Brackets can be metal or clear depending on the patient’s preference. In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age" materials that. Back to Top
How have new "space age" wires changed orthodontics?
The nickel-titanium alloy was originally engineered by NASA to automatically activate antennae or solar panels of spacecraft orbiting into the sun's rays. Today, the archwire materials used in the orthodontic treatment are no longer limited to stainless steel. They can be alloys of nickel, titanium, copper, and other metallic elements, and some of the wires have shape memory effect. These types of wire exert a steady, gentle force on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. As a result, the time period between visits can be extended and the number of appointments needed to make adjustments to the wires can be reduced. Back to Top
What kind of special care is needed for teeth with braces?
Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard and sticky foods. They must not chew on pens, pencils or fingernails because chewing on hard things, such as hard candy, ice, hard chips and pizza crusts, which can damage the braces. Damaged braces will always extend total treatment time, and will require extra trips to the orthodontist’s office. Our orthodontists and staff members will teach patients how to best care for their teeth, gums and braces during treatment. We will tell patients (and/or their parents) how to brush, floss, and, if necessary, suggest other cleaning aids that might help the patient maintain good dental health. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more effort and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Back to Top
How important is patient cooperation during orthodontic treatment?
Successful orthodontic treatment is a "two-way street" that requires a consistent, cooperative effort by both the orthodontist and patient. To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must carefully clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescibed by the orthodontist, and keep appointments as scheduled. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions if the patient consistently maintains the forces on the teeth, such as wearing rubber bands, as prescribed. Patients who do their part consistently make themselves look good and their orthodontist look smart. To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment. Adults who have a history of or concerns about periodontal (gum) disease might also see a periodontist (specialist in treating diseases of the gums and bone) on a regular basis throughout orthodontic treatment. Back to Top