You’re An Adult Who Needs Braces, Now What?

While aligners like Invisalign are popular for orthodontic treatment for adults, they aren’t right for everyone. Fortunately, if you’re an adult who needs braces, you’ve got great options at North Oaks Dental. Our board-certified orthodontist will ensure you get the treatment you need for a beautiful and healthy smile. 

To see what your smile needs, call 248-963-1969 to schedule a free orthodontic consultation in New Hudson. (Or call 248-712-1522 if you want to visit our Royal Oak office.) 

In the meantime, check out our overview on braces for adults. 

Braces vs. Aligners: Which Is Right for You?

Aligners simply aren’t right for every situation. They work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. They are not ideal – and may not work at all – for complex cases involving severe misalignment, large gaps, and significant bite issues. Braces provide more precise control over tooth movement.

In addition, your orthodontist may suggest braces if you can’t commit to wearing aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. Since braces are fixed to your teeth, there is no way you can forget to wear them. They are a more reliable option if you’ll struggle with the self-discipline required for aligners. While removing aligners is certainly convenient for meals, oral hygiene, and even special occasions, it’s important to keep them in your mouth as much as possible. If not, your treatment is adversely affected. 

Comparing Traditional Metal Braces & Clear Ceramic Braces

Some of the major differences between standard metal braces and clear ceramic braces:

• Material – Standard braces are made of high-grade stainless steel. Ceramic braces are made of ceramic materials that blend in more easily with the natural color of your teeth.
• Visibility – You’ve likely seen standard braces, so you know they are highly visible. If desired, you can customize them with colorful elastics. Ceramic braces are less noticeable. 
• Strength and Durability – Standard metal braces are very strong and capable of handling significant tooth movements. Ceramic braces are slightly more fragile than metal ones. They can also be prone to staining without proper care.
• Cost – Metal braces are generally more affordable than ceramic braces. You can expect to pay roughly $1,000 more for ceramic braces. 
• Maintenance – Metal braces are typically also easier to clean, though they still require diligent oral hygiene to avoid plaque buildup. 

The treatment process and treatment time are similar for both kinds of braces. Your orthodontist bonds brackets to your teeth, then wires are threaded through them. You’ll make regular visits to our office, so we can tighten your wires, when needed, and monitor your progress toward a straight smile. Treatment typically lasts about 18-24 months. 

Both types of braces can cause some discomfort initially and right after wires are tightened. Metal braces may be a bit more irritating to your inner cheeks and lips. Excellent oral hygiene is also required for both to avoid complications like tooth decay and staining. Your orthodontist can share special techniques and equipment with you, like a floss threader. 

At our practice, we are proud to have a licensed orthodontist who is dedicated to providing personalized, expert care for every patient. Whether you choose metal or ceramic braces, you can trust that you are in skilled hands!

Tips for Successful Treatment with Braces

In addition to helping you choose the solution that best suits your needs, our orthodontist will ensure that you get the outcome you want. Follow these tips for great results:

• Maintain Oral Hygiene – Brush and floss diligently to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay. Again, we can suggest helpful tools and techniques. 
• Follow Dietary Restrictions – Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage your braces. Your orthodontist will give you more specific guidelines. 
• Attend Regular Appointments – Consistent visits to your orthodontist are crucial for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.
• Wear Elastics as Directed – If your orthodontist prescribes elastics, wear them as instructed to ensure effective treatment. If you’d like, you can get special colors. 
• Use Orthodontic Wax If Needed – To lessen discomfort from brackets and wires, use orthodontic wax on the areas that are bothering you.

The most important piece of advice we can offer: Ask questions and stay informed about your treatment plan and progress. Our orthodontist is happy to answer any questions that arise. 

If you’re an adult who needs braces, we can definitely help! Call North Oaks Dental today to schedule a free consultation in New Hudson, MI (248-963-1969) or in Royal Oak (248-712-1522).