Adults who never had braces as teenagers or children may want to straighten their smiles for any number of reasons, ranging from improving a smile’s appearance to resolving symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The good news is that it’s never too late to get braces. If you are interested in such treatment, you should schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to learn about your treatment options.

Benefits of A Straighter Smile At Any Age

Braces for adults have the same benefits that they do for younger patients. Your orthodontist can correct misalignments of the teeth or jaws that detract from your smile’s appearance, giving you a major self-esteem boost in the process.

The benefits of braces go beyond aesthetics, however. A straighter smile is a more functional smile. You’ll be able to chew more effectively and efficiently, and braces can ease discomfort that results from improperly positioned teeth that inadvertently bite the soft tissues or pain from a malocclusion that compromises correct movement of the jaw.

Orthodontic Treatment Options For Adults

There are a variety of options for braces for adults, and there may be special considerations for this patient population. For example, adults in the workforce may want to optimize the appearance of their smiles during treatment to maintain their professionalism.

Tooth-colored ceramic brackets can be used as braces for adults. Another popular option is the Invisalign system, which applies forces to the teeth using a progressive series of clear plastic trays rather than conventional orthodontic appliances. The trays are barely noticeable and tremendously convenient. They can be removed when eating – eliminating the possibility of food getting stuck in your braces during an important business lunch – and for your home oral hygiene routine. Check with your orthodontist to see if Invisalign could be effective treatment in your case.

If you are an adult patient interested in straightening your smile, rest assured that it can be done. We invite you to visit our team at McBride Orthodontics for an evaluation.