Did you know that four out of five people who wear braces are minors? That means that 20% of people in braces are adults. Adult orthodontics are more popular than ever.

Some adults worry that getting orthodontic work will make them stick out, but this is no longer true. There are so many options for orthodontics for adults, and even if you were to pick the most “obvious” choice, you’ll be in good company. 

But how does orthodontics for adults compare to kids’ braces? When should you contact an “orthodontist near me” to start treatment? 

Read on to learn everything that you need to know, all from your local family orthodontics professional

Why Do Adults Get Orthodontic Work? 

The vast majority of people who are wearing braces are minors, so why would an adult seek out orthodontics in Spanish Fork or Payson? 

First, many people didn’t have enough expendable money as children. While many dental insurance companies will offer free or low-cost orthodontic work for children, this wasn’t always the case, and not everyone has good dental coverage. It’s possible that this is the first time that you’ve had enough money to correct your smile.

Many adults who seek out orthodontic work also had braces as children. If someone neglects to wear their retainer after they finish treatment, their teeth will shift. They may not shift back into their original places, but they won’t be perfectly straight.

Because of this, many adults find themselves correcting their teeth post-treatment. 

Orthodontics for adults can fix everything from severe crowding to bite alignment problems. It’s possible that the patient never noticed complications from these problems in the past, but as they got older, they started to develop dental health problems.

For example, significant crowding can lead to cavities or even broken teeth. It’s difficult to brush and floss when your teeth are too close together. As a child, you may not notice, but as an adult, it could lead to signs of gum disease.

Is Orthodontics for Adults Effective? 

Many people think that getting braces as an adult won’t be as effective. When people are still young, their jaws are still forming. It’s easy to move their teeth because bone resorption and ossification happen more quickly.

When you’re an adult, your jaws and teeth are done forming. This might mean that it takes marginally longer for braces to work their magic, but the difference isn’t substantial (especially with current orthodontic technology). 

In other words, yes. Getting orthodontic work as an adult is still going to be effective. Many people have treatment plans that are finished in a number of months (though this varies depending on your specific orthodontic needs). 

What Are the Basic Options for Orthodontic Treatment for Adults? 

When it comes to orthodontics for adults, your options are the same as if you were a child (but the benefits and downsides vary). You’re likely going to choose between braces and clear aligners (or Invisalign).

Braces are the traditional metal orthodontic devices that use brackets and wires to slowly move your teeth into proper alignment over time. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets, while traditional metal braces use metal brackets. 

Clear aligners (Invisalign) use a series of clear plastic trays to shift your teeth every week. You may also have tooth-colored attachments and rubber bands to make the process quicker and more effective. 

To help make your decision easier, here are the pros and cons of both.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are tried and true. They’re likely what you’re used to seeing in popular media and what people around you were wearing when you were a child.

Traditional metal braces are often the most affordable option. They also work for almost every orthodontic problem, and they might (in some cases) be faster than using clear aligners. 

With this in mind, metal braces are more uncomfortable than clear aligners. They’re also far more visible, which may make some adults feel self-conscious. Although rest assured that plenty of adults have metal braces. 

Metal braces also require you to change your diet. You’ll have to resist hard or sticky foods until the end of your treatment with your Payson orthodontics professional. 

Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners

When you get Invisalign in Utah, you’ll get a series of clear aligners that your orthodontist has put together based on your unique smile. 

Invisalign is the most subtle way to straighten your teeth. It’s not truly invisible, but most people won’t notice your aligners in photos or from a reasonable distance unless you point them out. They may not notice until you take them out for meals!

Modern clear aligners can fix almost any orthodontic problem with ease. You also don’t have to change your diet. You simply have to remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything (and be sure to brush your teeth before you put them back).

With this in mind, they’re not perfect for everyone. You need to wear them for 20-22 hours per day, and if you’re prone to forgetting or losing things, they might not be the best option for you. That said, most adults are more than responsible enough for clear aligners. 

They’re Spanish Fork orthodontist approved.

Are You an Adult Who Needs Orthodontics? 

There’s no better time than the present to get adult orthodontics. Orthodontics for adults is effective and it can be more subtle than ever with clear aligners. What are you waiting for?

If it’s time for you to look into “braces near me,” we want to meet you! Visit your local orthodontist in Payson or Spanish Fork at Red Rock Orthodontics! Request an appointment today.