Thinking of Getting Adult Braces? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve never been entirely happy with your smile, it could be because your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be. However, now that you’re an adult, you may be thinking that it’s too late for braces. Fortunately, braces designed for use by adults have become increasingly popular in recent years — but don’t worry, it’s not necessary to look like you’re wearing a mouth full of metal in order to get the straight teeth of your dreams.

The most common and popular types of adult braces are clear aligners that are custom-shaped to fit comfortably over your teeth. They are virtually undetectable to others, so you won’t have to worry that wearing braces will negatively impact your professional or social life. Here’s what you need to know about clear aligners.

You’ll Be Able to Eat and Drink Anything You Like

One of the biggest drawbacks of wearing traditional braces is the abundance of dietary restrictions involved. With clear aligners, however, you’ll be able to simply slip them off when it’s time to enjoy a meal or snack and put them back on afterward. Keep in mind that it’s important to brush and floss your teeth after eating and drinking and before putting your clear aligners back in. If this isn’t possible, be sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water after you’re finished.

Cleaning Clear Aligners is Easy

Ask your dentist about cleaning products designed to keep clear aligners clean and free of bacteria — all it takes is a few minutes each evening to soak the aligners in the special solution. You can also clean them with a soft-bristled brush.

You May Experience a Reduced Treatment Time

One of the reasons why adults are sometimes reluctant to pursue the idea of braces is because they believe they’ll have to wear them for as long as two years. You may only need to wear clear aligners for a year or 18 months, depending on individual circumstances.

Please feel free to reach out to our office at your earliest convenience for more information on how First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help you get the straight, dazzling smile of your dreams.