The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Braces That Work for You

Braces are not just for kids anymore. Many adults are choosing to go through with braces, whether to fix their smile for a special occasion, catch up on missed dental work, or correct earlier orthodontic work that did not reach its goals.

Thanks to advances in orthodontics, you have more and more choices when getting braces later in life. Braces should adjust to your life instead of the other way around.

This thorough guide can help you choose the right braces that work for you and your goals.

Think About How Long You Want Braces to Take

One of the biggest differences between different types of braces and corrective dental work is how long the results take. Most braces take a year or two to yield results, while some Invisalign treatments can take even longer.

However, there are other options if you are in a rush. If you want your braces to take less time, look for fast braces near you to find dentists who use this procedure. Fast braces give you the results that you need in just a few months, although the exact timeline will depend on your situation.

Fast braces are ideal if you need to get results fast. For example, if you are trying to perfect your smile before a big occasion such as a wedding, opt for fast braces so you can get your results in time.

Evaluate Your Orthodontics Problem

Another major factor that will affect which type of braces you will need is the type of orthodontic problem you are hoping to correct. Minor imperfections require different treatments from more severe problems.

The type of orthodontic problem that braces treat is a malocclusion, or a misalignment between your teeth. Malocclusions are separated into different categories depending on the severity and the orientation of your teeth.

For severe instances of misalignment, metal braces are the best treatment option. Smaller imperfections can be addressed with other treatments, such as Invisalign.

Think About How Often You Can Go to the Dentist

Going through with braces requires going to the dentist more often than you are used to. The days of going to the dentist only once a year for a check-up and cleaning are gone.

Invisalign treatments require visiting the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for check-ups. For metal braces, you will also need to visit the orthodontist every few weeks to adjust the fit of the braces. They need to be tightened to bring your teeth gradually into alignment.

Besides visiting the orthodontist, you may also need to visit your regular dentist more often for cleanings. When you have braces, maintaining your dental health is important, otherwise, you will have discoloration and tooth problems when you remove them.

At the initial consultation for your braces, talk to your orthodontist about how often a given treatment will require you to come into the office. For fast braces, you may need to come in more often for frequent adjustments, but your treatment will be shorter. Together, you can coordinate a schedule that will work with your existing responsibilities.

Decide How Much You Want to Change Your Appearance

Many adults feel embarrassed to wear braces. Even though adult orthodontic correction is becoming more and more common, it is less socially acceptable to have a mouth full of metal as an adult than as a teenager.

If you have a job where your appearance is important, such as a high corporate position, consider treatment options that are minimally disruptive. Invisalign treatments are minimally visible, although they require a high commitment in terms of how many hours a day you wear them.

Another option is to shorten your braces process as much as you can. While wearing braces for some time may be disruptive, if you time a rapid braces treatment right, you can finish it before events where your appearance is important, such as an important work conference.

Choosing the Right Braces for Your Lifestyle

When you get braces as an adult, your braces must work within your lifestyle instead of you having to adjust your life for your braces. Talk to your orthodontist about how long you want your treatment to last, how often you can realistically visit the doctor, and how much you want them to be hidden.

Choosing the right braces means that your treatment has a higher likelihood of working. A treatment that aligns with your lifestyle is one that you are more likely to maintain and follow through until the end.

Of course, the success of your braces ultimately depends on you as well. Make sure that you clean your teeth properly, maintain proper hygiene, and wear your devices regularly.