Braces for Adults

Braces for Adults

Why Braces Are Worth It For Adults

Braces are worth it for adults for several reasons. First, and most importantly, braces correct a bad bite. When your bite is bad, you can develop issues like worn teeth and jaw pain.  Misalignment can make it harder to clean your teeth and lead to increased risk of periodontitis.

There are also significant cosmetic benefits with braces. When you have a straighter and more attractive smile, you tend to feel better about yourself. By straightening your teeth with braces, you can gain self-confidence and feel more attractive — and these things can be priceless at any age.

Adult Braces Options

  • Porcelain or Ceramic Braces: Porcelain and ceramic braces both offer the significant aesthetic advantage of being less obvious, as they’re teeth colored. They work the same way that metal braces do.
  • Metal Braces: Metal braces are lighter and easier to wear than the braces you may remember from decades ago. They’re crafted from high-grade stainless steel and consist of brackets and wires.
  • Invisalign: Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses custom-fitted clear aligner trays to shift the teeth via continual pressure. Invisalign aligners are transparent, making them one of the most popular options for patients who want to be unobtrusive about their teeth straightening.
  • Damon System Braces: The Damon System is a type of metal or ceramic brace that eliminates the need for the colored ties to hold the wire.  It utilizes light forces to help align teeth and widen smiles. 

Time Frame for Adult Braces

The time frame for adult braces varies by patient. Most adults need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but it all depends upon your specific bite issues and needs. You’ll need to see Dr. Webb around every 8 weeks for braces check-ups and adjustments, with each visit taking well under an hour.

Flossing and Cleaning Braces

It’s even more important to floss thoroughly once you have braces, as it’s easy for food particles to get trapped in brackets and wires. Dr. Webb will explain effective flossing techniques to you based on which type of braces you choose.

What Not to Eat With Braces

Certain foods can break or dislodge brackets and wires, so it’s best to avoid:

  • Chewy foods like caramel
  • Very crunchy foods like popcorn
  • Very hard foods like hard candy

The Cost of Braces

We understand that budget is a concern for most patients, and we do everything possible to make orthodontic treatment affordable for you. Your braces cost will vary based on the type of braces, how long you wear them, and other individual factors. Webb Family Orthodontics will work with you to create a financing plan that works for your budget, so contact us anytime to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of braces do you offer?

    At Webb Family Orthodontics, we have traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign. We are a leading provider of Invisalign and Incognito in the area.

  • Are Braces Painful? How Do I Ease the Pain?

    At our office, we make your braces experience as comfortable as possible. Although braces do take some getting used to, we find that our patients adjust within 1-2 days after getting their braces, and have a great experience at our office. Braces aren't generally painful, but you may feel a bit sore the first few days after getting them. This soreness is quite normal, and it won't last for long and can usually be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or Tylenol. If you're experiencing lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks immediately after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly. We're happy to provide the wax for you!

  • How Long Will I Have to Have Braces?

    The amount of time that you'll need to wear braces depends on several factors, including the severity of your bite problem and the nature of the issue. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but it may be shorter or longer for you. Dr. Webb will discuss your case with you and give you a general idea of what to expect. After you've had the braces on for several months, the progress can be measured more easily, and Dr. Webb may be able to give you an update on how long you can expect to wear braces.

  • Can I Get Braces That Are Less Noticeable?

    Yes, you can — in fact, there are several options for less noticeable braces today. Invisalign is a popular option because it straightens teeth using transparent plastic trays that fit your teeth like a second skin with no wires or brackets at all. Another popular choice for less noticeable braces is porcelain or ceramic braces. While these are traditional braces in terms of function, the brackets are made from a tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic that blends in with your teeth to make them much less obvious.

  • What Foods Should I Avoid While I Have Braces?

    There are a few things to keep in mind when eating while you have braces, including: 

    • Avoid sticky foods. Foods like caramel can get stuck in your braces and cause discomfort. 
    • Cut up crunchy foods. Apples, corn on the cob, etc can be tough to chew with braces, cutting them into smaller pieces will help!
    • Avoid strong candies - like Jawbreakers. 

  • How Do I Brush My Teeth With Braces?

    We recommend brushing after every meal with braces.  Holding the toothbrush properly and brushing the correct areas on the teeth is necessary to ensure proper brushing.  Please watch our video to improve your brushing skills here. 

  • Can I play sports while in braces?

    Yes!

    We also offer mouth guards to wear over the braces while playing sports. Mouth guards protect your teeth and the braces during physical activity and our doctor recommends wearing them.

  • Do you offer before and after school appointments?

    Yes!

    Webb Family Orthodontics offers a number of appointment times M-F to accommodate your busy schedule. 

  • How much do braces cost?

    The cost of braces can vary depending on which type of braces you have, how long you need treatment, and other factors unique to your situation. We at Webb Family Orthodontics understand that the financial aspect of braces is something that many patients worry about, and we're here to help. We offer payment plans and are willing to work within your budget to help you get the orthodontic care you need. Contact us anytime to learn more!

  • How do I get started?

    It's simple!  Call our office at 423-870-5254 to set up your free consultation or request a free consultation online here.