The Complete Guide to Adult Braces

The Complete Guide to Adult Braces

Braces tend to get a negative rep. When you picture braces in your head, you probably won’t be thinking of adult braces.  

Most likely, you’ll envision the unsightly metal braces that were common throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s; images of oversized headgear appliances, metal train tracks and awkward teenagers.  

However, braces have come a long way since then. Adult braces are now available in various different types so that you can straighten your teeth as an adult without the inconvenience and embarrassment of traditional metal braces.  

This guide to adult braces will cover everything you need to know about braces for adult teeth, including the different types of braces available, the cost of adult braces, the benefits they offer, who adult braces are for and much more.  

What are adult braces?

Adult braces are an orthodontic treatment option designed specifically for individuals over the age of 18 who are looking to straighten their teeth and improve their smile. They are an increasingly popular option for adults who missed out on orthodontic treatment in their youth, or who have experienced a shift in their alignment during their adult life.  

One of the key benefits of adult braces is that they can address a wide range of dental concerns, including misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, bite issues, and even jaw problems.  

By working with an experienced orthodontist, you can receive a customised treatment plan that will help you achieve the straight, beautiful smile you have always wanted, improving both your physical appearance and your oral health.  

Give our practice a call today on 0141 334 1211 to find out more about adult braces at The Park Practice. 

Who are adult braces for?

Adult braces have grown in popularity over the last decade and now are a viable cosmetic dental option for patients in Glasgow and all over the UK.  

Where braces used to only be for teens, it is now not uncommon to see adults interested in orthodontic treatment in a bid to straighten their smile and improve their oral health.  

If you are: 

• Unhappy with the alignment of your smile 
• Have noticed your teeth revert in position after wearing braces as a teen 
• Have small gaps between teeth 
• Suffer from a misaligned bite (such as an overbite or underbite) 
• Suffer from jaw pain or discomfort 
• Have crowded or overlapping teeth 

... then adult orthodontic treatment will be perfect for you! 

Whilst it’s important for your teeth and gums to be healthy, there are really no restrictions for adult braces. If you are eager to straighten crooked teeth, close gaps, improve alignment and enhance the overall look of your smile, adult braces can help! 

Book a consultation with our orthodontic team to discover which type of adult braces would be best for your needs and take your first step towards a beautiful, straighter smile.  

Types of adult braces 

We’ve established there are a few different types of adult braces that offer an alternative to the traditional train track braces most of use will be familiar with.  

However, which type offers best braces for adults?  

The answer depends on your individual needs, wants and oral health. We’ve broken down the four most popular types of adult braces below to help you decide which type is best for you.  
 

Traditional metal braces 

Traditional metal braces are one of the most commonly used orthodontic treatments for correcting dental misalignment. They are particularly common amongst teens and are the standard brace when it comes to orthodontic treatment supplied by the NHS 

They are made up of metal brackets that are attached to each tooth and connected by a metal wire. The wire is tightened over time to apply pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. 

Traditional metal braces are highly effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overbites, underbites, crowding, and gaps. 

If you are eager to correct orthodontic issues and are not overly concerned about your adult braces being visible to others, then traditional metal braces are an effective and affordable option.   

Ceramic braces  

Fixed ceramic braces are a discreet and effective option for our adult patients looking to straighten their teeth and correct mid-serious issues, such as bite problems, overcrowding, gapping or misalignment.  

Made of clear or tooth-colored materials, ceramic braces blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces at their place of work or during their day-to-day life. They work in a similar way to traditional metal braces and are more effective than clear aligner systems, however, they are generally more expensive as well and tend to take longer to achieve the desired results. 

Your orthodontist will carefully place and adjust the ceramic brackets to ensure optimal results, tightening them over time as your teeth gradually move into position. If you are after a more discreet approach to straightening teeth that still offer reliable and effective results, ceramic braces are the best option for you. 

Lingual braces  

Lingual braces are another popular orthodontic treatment option for adults who are seeking a discreet solution to straighten their teeth.  

Unlike traditional braces, which are attached to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are bonded to the back of the teeth, making them almost invisible when fitted in the mouth. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to achieve a straighter smile without sacrificing their appearance.  

The treatment process is similar to traditional braces, and the results are equally as effective. 

Clear aligners 

Clear aligners have exploded onto the dental market over the last decade due to their highly discreet, convenient and effective way of straightening teeth.  

Not only are clear aligners virtually invisible when placed in the mouth, they are also fully removable, making life far more convenient for adults who may have professional and social commitments, such as meetings, presentations or important life events. 

Clear teeth aligner braces work best for patients who only require mild to moderate realignment, so if your teeth are severely squint or crooked, aligners may not be the best adult brace option for you.   

Park Practice partners with Clear Aligner™ to offer our patients the very best in clear adult braces. Although they tend to be the most expensive orthodontic option for adults, they are also the most discreet, convenient and comfortable.  

What are the benefits of braces for adults? 

Adult braces are the most effective solution for straightening teeth and improving the alignment of adult smiles.  

Wherever you already wore braces as a teen and have since noticed your teeth revert back into their previous position or you have suffered with squint or crooked teeth throughout your life, adult braces provide a reliable orthodontic solution that will improve your confidence as well as your long-term oral health.  

Some of the main benefits of adult braces are: 

• Improved Oral Health: Issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, and bite problems can lead to a range of oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. Straightening your smile with adult braces can help prevent these issues from developing into something serious.  
• Better Functionality: Straight teeth function better and are easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems. 
• Correct misaligned, squint or crowded teeth: Adult braces offer a highly effective solution to a series of dental issues, including straightening teeth, closing gaps, fixing overcrowding and improving the overall look of your smile 
• Improved Speech: Misaligned teeth can cause speech impediments that can knock your confidence and impact your daily life. Correcting these issues with braces can lead to clearer, improved speech. 
• Better Bite: Adult braces can correct bite issues such as an overbite or underbite. A proper bite can improve chewing and digestion, reducing the risk of jaw pain and headaches. 
• Improved self-esteem & confidence: Adult braces can give you a straighter, more attractive smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. 

It's worth noting that adult braces can be customised to meet the specific needs of each patient, and there are many options available to suit your lifestyle and smile goals.  

Speak to our friendly team today on 0141 334 1211 to find out more about orthodontic treatment for adults.  

Are adult braces right for me? 

Adult braces are a viable option for anyone over the age of 18 who is eager to correct alignment issues and improve the overall look of their smile. 

With that being said, it is important to have healthy teeth and gums if you are eager to wear adult braces, especially for those considering ceramic, traditional or lingual braces. However, pre-treatment work can always be carried out to get to the right place to begin adult brace treatment. 

The main factors to consider when considering adult braces are: 

• Budget: Different types of braces cost varying amounts, so it’s important to consider your own budget and choose the option that suits you best. 
• Treatment length: Depending on the type of brace you choose along with the starting position of your teeth, the length of treatment will vary. If you cannot commit to wearing braces for a year or longer, they might not be right for you. 
• Comfort: Each type of adult brace has varying levels of comfort, making this another important factor to take into consideration.  
• Lifestyle: Depending on your lifestyle you may find certain types of adult braces more appropriate for you. For example, professionals who have regular meetings and presentations may prefer a clear aligner system, whereas stay-at-home parents may be more open to traditional metal braces. 
• Starting position: The alignment and position of your teeth pre-treatment will have a big impact on the type of adult brace that is best for you. For mild-mid issues, a clear aligner brace will be perfect. For more serious orthodontic issues, it may be more appropriate to choose lingual or ceramic braces.  

It’s important to consider all the above factors before committing to wearing braces for adult teeth.  

We highly recommend talking all the options through with your Park Practice dentist so you can make a fully informed decision on the best type of adult brace for you.  

Maintenance and care of adult braces  

Although your orthodontist will be responsible for fitting, adjusting and checking up on your adult braces, the day-to-day care and maintenance of your new braces will be down to you.  

Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring optimal end results. Our professional advice for caring for your adult braces includes: 

• Brush and floss regularly: Braces can trap food particles and plaque, so it's important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent cavities and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and be gentle to avoid damaging your braces. 
• Avoid hard and sticky foods: Hard foods can damage your braces, while sticky foods, like gum and caramels, can get stuck in the braces and become difficult to remove. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces and avoid sticky foods altogether to help keep your braces in optimal condition. 
• Regular orthodontic appointments: Regular check-ups and adjustments are essential for the success of your orthodontic treatment. Be sure to attend all of your appointments and follow your orthodontist's instructions for any necessary adjustments or repairs. 
• Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or engage in other physical activities, it's important to wear a sports mouthguard to protect your braces from damage. Here at Park Practice, we can happily provide you with a custom-fitted mouthguard to keep your teeth safe during physical sports. 

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your adult braces are properly cared for and maintained throughout your treatment which will lead to better end-results and an overall faster treatment time.  

Cost of adult braces  

Whilst braces and orthodontic treatment is free on the NHS for patients under 18, this is unfortunately not the case for adults.  

The overall cost of your adult braces will vary depending on the type of brace you choose. Clear aligner systems tend to the most expensive adult orthodontic option, whilst traditional metal braces for adults are the most cost-effective.  

Our Clear Aligner braces start from £1,700 for a single arch, or £2,800 for both arches.  

For those interested in lingual or ceramic braces, you can expect to pay between £2,000 - £8,000, whilst traditional metal braces will cost between £1,500 – £3,000.  

To help our patients in Glasgow manage the cost of adult braces, we offer helpful dental finance plans so you can spread the cost over several months without accruing any interest.  
 

Available adult braces at The Park Practice Glasgow 

At our Glasgow dental practice, we have a few orthodontic options for adults looking to straighten their teeth.  

Our main adult orthodontic treatment is Clear Aligners, providing a convenient, comfortable, and discreet solution for professional adults keen to improve their smiles without disrupting their daily lives.  

If you prefer to have fixed braces, we can refer you to our trusted orthodontic colleague who boasts a great selection of fixed braces than we can currently offer at our practice.  

Speak to our team today for more information about dental finance at The Park Practice or to enquire further about adult braces in Glasgow.