Adult BracesReston, VA
Adult braces are available to help achieve straighter, healthier smiles. People of all ages, including adults, can benefit from this orthodontic treatment. Braces are an effective way for adults to achieve a more attractive smile, improve oral hygiene, bite better, and prevent more complex dental problems from occurring in the future.
Adult braces are available at Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry in Reston and the surrounding area. Our team can determine whether this orthodontic option is right for your needs. Call us today at (703) 391-8800 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Braces for Adults vs. Children
The process of moving teeth with braces is the same at any age. This means that children and adults can benefit from this orthodontic treatment. While treatments for each age group remain largely the same, some differences are due to some adult orthodontics challenges.
Since an adult's jaw is not growing anymore, treatments can take longer and require more than just braces to make certain corrections. For example, if an adult patient has an overbite, it might be more difficult to correct due to tooth wear. Past extractions might also change procedures as orthodontists close those gaps or save that space for future work.
“Since an adult’s jaw is not growing anymore, treatments can take longer and require more than just braces to make certain corrections.”
Benefits of Adult Braces
Adult braces not only result in a more attractive smile but also a healthier one. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, resulting in less debris and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Well-aligned teeth also relieve gum and teeth pressure which can help prevent jawbone erosion and tooth damage. Braces can also help adults with crossbites or overbites find relief from chewing issues and digestion difficulties.
While braces are a popular treatment for children and teens, more adults than ever benefit from these orthodontic appliances. According to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. Contrary to popular misconceptions, adult braces are now more comfortable and less noticeable than ever due to technological advancements.
New braces materials and techniques can help adults achieve their ideal smile while fitting their lifestyle.
“Straighter teeth are easier to clean, resulting in less debris and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.”
Healthy Habits While Wearing Adult Braces
Patients with adult braces must make certain adjustments to ensure that they take care of their appliances correctly. To protect their brackets and wires from breaking, adults should avoid certain foods and habits that can cause damage. Some changes include avoiding hard, chewy, sticky, and sugary foods and drinks.
Adults must also make sure to take their oral hygiene seriously while wearing braces. This includes:
- Brushing teeth after each meal and snack
- Flossing in between teeth and underneath wires
- Rinsing with mouthwash to kill bacteria
- Using a water irrigator to clean hard-to-reach mouth areas
“To protect their brackets and wires from breaking, adults should avoid certain foods and habits that can cause damage.”
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Treatment Length and Follow-Up Care
The length of time an adult must wear their braces will vary depending on the patient’s characteristics and compliance. It can take longer to correct adult teeth than for adolescents and teens due to bone density and lack of jaw growth. Adults may wear braces anywhere from 18 months to three years.
Once a patient completes their active orthodontic treatment, they will receive a retainer. These custom-made orthodontic appliances may be fixed or removable and will prevent the patient’s teeth from shifting. Proper follow-up care should include maintaining proper oral hygiene at home and having regular dental check-ups.
“Adults may wear braces anywhere from 18 months to three years.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Does braces treatment differ in adults and children?
Q. What are the benefits of adult braces?
Q. What changes should adults make while wearing braces?
What to Expect After Receiving Braces
Orthodontic advancements have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever for adults. However, patients should expect to experience some differences after receiving braces. Depending on the type of braces chosen, people can expect some slight changes in their appearance due to archwires and brackets.
Since braces move teeth through the application of pressure to teeth, patients can expect some discomfort. This discomfort is normal and temporary, but patients can use over-the-counter painkillers and eat soft food until it subsides. After braces placement, adults may also need to apply wax to brackets that rub against areas inside your mouth to manage sore spots.
“Since braces move teeth through the application of pressure to teeth, patients can expect some discomfort.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there an ideal age to receive orthodontic treatment?
A. A person's age is not a factor when determining if a patient is ideal for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can move healthy teeth no matter the person's age. Since bone tissue is dense in adults, the process might take longer than in children.
Q. How often do I need to visit my orthodontist during treatment?
A. Treatments typically involve adjustment appointments about every four weeks to six weeks. These appointments are necessary to assess the patient’s teeth and make necessary changes throughout treatment. These visits also allow our team to monitor treatment progress and the health of your gums and teeth.
Q. How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
A. Patients with braces must keep their gums, mouth, and teeth healthy by brushing at least three times daily. The more often they brush, the less chance food particles will get stuck in their braces. Flossing several times per day is also critical for getting between braces where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Q. Do I still need to see my dentist every six months?
A. Even though patients will see our orthodontic team every four to six weeks, bi-annual dental check-ups are still required. Food particles can get trapped in places where your toothbrush cannot reach, causing bacterial growth and plaque buildup. Regular visits to the dentist are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.
Q. How do I know if I need braces?
A. The best way to determine whether a patient needs braces is through a consultation. Our team will thoroughly examine the patient’s teeth and discuss treatment goals to determine the necessary treatment. Braces can address many of the same orthodontic issues in adults as children and adolescents.
Get the Care Your Family Deserves
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
If you want straighter teeth, adult braces are a great way to achieve the smile you have always wanted. Our team at Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry can help. Call us today at 703-391-8800 to learn more our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2021
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- Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry was established in 2017.
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