At Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists, we understand that many adults are interested in straightening their teeth but are unsure about the effectiveness and time commitment involved. 

With advancements in orthodontic care, getting adult braces is now more accessible and efficient than ever before. If you're considering braces for adults, you might be wondering how quickly they can work to straighten your teeth.

The Effectiveness of Adult Braces

Contrary to common belief, braces are just as effective for adults as they are for children and teenagers. The primary goal of braces is to apply continuous pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. Age is not a barrier to achieving a straighter smile. However, the duration of the treatment can vary based on individual circumstances, such as the complexity of the case and the type of braces chosen.

Average Timeline for Noticeable Improvements

When it comes to straightening adult teeth, the timeline for noticeable improvements can vary. On average, most adult patients begin to see changes within the first few months of treatment. The total duration of wearing braces typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Factors such as the severity of misalignment, patient compliance with treatment protocols, and the type of braces used can all influence this timeline.

Types of Braces for Adults

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type and are highly effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues. They consist of metal brackets and wires, which are adjusted periodically to move the teeth into place. Modern metal braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than in the past.

Clear Braces

Clear braces function similarly to metal braces but use transparent or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your teeth. This makes them a popular choice for adults who want a less conspicuous option.

Importance of Regular Checkups

Regular checkups are crucial during the braces treatment process. These checkups help monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and address any issues that may arise. Typically, orthodontic appointments are scheduled every 6-8 weeks. Your orthodontist will provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs, ensuring your treatment stays on track.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces

Oral hygiene can be more challenging when you have braces, but it's essential to maintain good habits to avoid complications. Here are some tips specifically for adults:

• Brushing: Brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay extra attention to the areas around your brackets and wires.
• Flossing: Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires. This helps remove food particles and plaque buildup.
• Diet: Avoid sticky and hard foods that can damage your braces. Opt for softer foods and cut them into smaller pieces to make chewing easier.

Realistic Expectations for Adult Patients

Understanding the braces treatment process can help set realistic expectations. Initially, you may experience some discomfort as your teeth begin to move. It's important to follow your orthodontist's instructions and wear any additional appliances, such as elastic bands, as directed. Compliance with these recommendations is key to achieving the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Checkups

How often should I schedule checkups during my braces treatment?

Typically, every 6-8 weeks, but your orthodontist will advise based on your specific needs.

What will  checkups involve while I have braces?

Checkups will include an examination of your braces, teeth, and gums, adjustments, and advice on oral care with braces.

Call Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists

Ready to start your journey to a confident smile? Call Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists at 575-522-1500 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how adult braces can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

We typically assume that patients in need of braces are children or teenagers. However, if an adult never corrected a misalignment in the past, their dentist or orthodontist might recommend adult braces.

 

Has an oral health professional suggested that adult braces might be necessary to correct a misalignment of your teeth? If so, it’s best to listen to their advice, as undergoing treatment now can result in better overall health in the long run. In the meantime, the following guide will help you understand why adult braces may be right for you.

Adult Braces: Options to Consider

Adult braces come in a variety of forms. They include:

• Metal braces: Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets. An orthodontist may recommend such braces to correct a wide range of different types of malocclusions.

• Gold braces: Gold braces work the same way that metal braces work. The only difference is their color. Some find that the gold or “champagne” hue of these braces blends in more naturally with the color of their teeth, allowing for a subtler effect than traditional braces.

• Clear brackets: Clear brackets are even more discreet than gold braces, making them a popular choice among adults who might associate the appearance of braces with teenagers or kids. Clear brackets can offer a more “mature” effect.

 

Additionally, some patients may be candidates for Invisalign. Unlike braces, Invisalign allows patients to correct misalignments by wearing clear plastic aligners that push their teeth into place. An Invisalign aligner is, as the name implies, virtually invisible in a patient’s mouth.

 

That said, Invisalign isn’t for everyone. According to a study in the journal Progress in Orthodontics, Invisalign is effective as a form of treatment for mild to moderate dental misalignments. More severe malocclusions may require braces. Your orthodontist can assess the severity of your misalignment to determine whether Invisalign is a viable option for you.

Reasons to Get Adult Braces

Take your orthodontist seriously if they recommend getting adult braces. Adult braces can guard against such health issues as:

 

• Tooth decay, as overlapping teeth can be difficult to thoroughly clean
• Discomfort
• Snoring
• Sleep issues
• Tooth damage, as a misalignment can result in excessive wear on certain teeth

 

Additionally, getting adult braces can correct a misalignment that might currently have a negative impact on your appearance. By proceeding with treatment, you can improve both your health and your confidence.

Speak With Your Orthodontist About Adult Braces

Remember, the best source of information on this topic is an orthodontist. A professional who has the opportunity to examine your dental misalignment will be able to thoroughly explain the benefits that adult braces can offer to you.

Learn More About Adult Braces in Dona Ana County, NM

At Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists, in Las Cruces, NM, we offer braces to patients of nearly all ages. If you’re a candidate for adult braces, we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have about your treatment. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 575-522-1500 to request an appointment.

 

Getting braces to correct a misalignment of your teeth offers a wide range of long-term benefits. They may include (but aren’t limited to):

• Improving your smile’s aesthetic appeal, which could improve your self-confidence.
• Allowing you to more easily brush and floss your teeth, which can result in better oral health.
• Promoting easier speaking and chewing.
• Guarding against jaw pain, headaches, and other forms of discomfort that misalignments can lead to.

These are all reasons to move forward with treatment if a dentist or orthodontist recommends braces. That said, during the time that you’re wearing braces, you might need to avoid certain foods.

Common examples of foods you might be unable to eat while wearing braces include:

Hard and Chewy Candy

To optimize your oral health, you should already strive to limit the amount of candy you eat. The sugars in candy can increase your chances of developing cavities or other such dental and oral health issues.

Avoiding hard and chewy candies is particularly important when you’re wearing braces. Eating these sweets can put your braces at risk of being damaged.

Certain Raw Vegetables and Fruits

Fruits and vegetables may play a role in a balanced diet, but some of them, like carrots and apples, may be relatively hard when eaten raw. Like hard candies, these can damage braces.

Hard Snacks

Avoid eating hard pretzels, extra crispy chips or crackers, and other such hard snacks until your braces are off. 

Soda and Juice

Soda and juice might not damage your braces, but you should still limit your consumption of such beverages while your braces are on. Because thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth is challenging when you’re wearing braces, the sugars in these beverages could be more likely to cause dental decay than they already are.

Hard and Chewy Breads

Various types of hard and chewy breads can get caught in braces or damage them. Examples include bagels, hard rolls, and pizza crust. 

Nuts

Some nuts are too hard to eat while wearing braces. The wires of your braces might bend if you were to eat these nuts during treatment.

Chewy Meats

You typically don’t need to avoid meat entirely with braces. However, you should avoid particularly chewy meats, like jerky. 

You might also benefit from cutting meats into small pieces. Doing so can help you chew them more easily and thoroughly with your braces on.

Gum

Chewing gum can be quite the hassle for someone with braces! Along with getting caught in braces, gum can warp the wires. Gum might also promote dental decay if it contains sugar. Guard against these issues by refraining from chewing gum with sugar while your braces are on.  Sugarless gum is ok to chew.

Ice

Do you often find yourself chewing on ice in your beverages? Try to put a stop to this habit when wearing braces. Patients often don’t realize that chewing ice is among the most common causes of braces damage.

Popcorn

Don’t snack on popcorn until your braces are off. Popcorn can easily get stuck in braces and might also damage their wires.

Foods You Shouldn’t Eat With Braces: Speak With our Orthodontist

The above list isn’t necessarily exhaustive. Your orthodontist may provide more information about foods you should avoid while wearing braces.

Yes, changing your diet during the time you’re wearing braces can be a hassle. Just remember, the long-term benefits of correcting a smile with braces are more than worth this minor inconvenience.

Learn About Orthodontic Treatment in Las Cruces, NM

At Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists, offering orthodontic treatment in and around Las Cruces, NM, we’re happy to thoroughly answer all questions our patients have about protecting their braces. If you believe you’re in need of orthodontic care, contact us online or call us at 575-522-1500 to schedule an appointment.

If you have young children, you may be wondering what the appropriate age is to start considering braces for them. This is a good question as choosing the right age to bring a child to a dentist or orthodontist can make solving any dental issue much easier than waiting until they are older.

Below, we’ll look at the common ages most professionals believe children should start braces and what the reasoning is behind those recommendations.

 

When Should A Child See A Dentist?

For young children, professionals recommend they see a dentist for their first appointment at the age of 1. This assumes there are no signs or symptoms of a dental issue that may be present which would warrant an earlier visit.

Then, at the age of 7, your child should see an orthodontist as well as a dentist presuming there are no signs of an orthodontic issue that might warrant an earlier visit.  It’s during this visit that a determination can be made regarding any braces or other treatments that may be needed.

 

When Should A Child Start Braces?

Generally, the age most professionals recommend for the comprehensive (final) phase of braces is between 10 and 14 years old. Of course, children all grow up differently and at different rates. But it’s between these ages that most children have their adult teeth but have not yet reached full growth.  

The timing for braces needs to fit the child’s development as well as the child’s ability to tolerate braces and the responsibilities that come with them.

Some children will need two phases of treatment.  These patients may have an early (interceptive) phase of partial braces at a young age and then, when they’re older, have a comprehensive phase of braces.

 

Options For Braces At Different Ages

Traditional metal braces are the most common option that people are aware of when it comes to children. However, new technology like ceramic braces or Invisalign can be used with younger patients.

Invisalign uses replaceable plastic trays known as aligners to straighten teeth. These can be worn and removed by the patient. So parents need to decide if their child is at an age where they can handle the added responsibility of having to care for Invisalign aligners over standard metal braces. Treatment time can be extended without full compliance so this is an important consideration.

 

More Information On Braces And Children

Deciding when and what kind of braces a child may need is an important decision and one that can lead to increased overall dental health for a lifetime.

If you have a young child and need advice on when to start braces, contact our team at Legacy Smiles. We specialize in treating children and teens with braces and we offer a variety of options for each individual patient.

Contact Legacy Smiles Orthodontic Specialists today to learn more about braces and what treatment options are available for your family.