Your Guide To Getting Braces As An Adult: Types, Benefits, & Costs

With all the advancements in modern orthodontics, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what type of adult braces you’ll get.

It’s no wonder that more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment.

Over the years we have found the reasons for getting braces as an adult can differ for many patients. You may have been dissatisfied with your teeth during your younger years but was unable to correct them at the time. In other cases, your orthodontic issues may not have presented themselves until later in life.

At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, we know how important this decision can be, which is why we have put together this guide to help you understand adult braces, what your options are and what the right treatment might be for you.

What Are the Benefits of Braces?

Many benefits come with getting braces. These include improving your overall oral health, enhancing your appearance and, of course, correcting misaligned teeth.    

1. Improved Oral Health

Having straight teeth is vital to having healthy gums and teeth. They are easier to clean, brush, and floss, which can help prevent future periodontal diseases (gum disease) as well as tooth decay, cavities and erosion of your jawbone.

2. Help Chewing & Digestion

Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to bite and chew whilst eating. If your teeth have trouble breaking down your food into smaller, more digestible pieces, they will then pass through your digestive system a lot slower. By correcting this problem, you will be able to more easily and fully digest your food.

3. Boost Self-Esteem

While braces play an important part in oral health, they can also do wonders for boosting your self-confidence. Crooked teeth can cause people to be embarrassed and unhappy with their smiles, which can lead to low self-esteem and social anxiety. By having your teeth corrected, you are more likely to feel less self-conscious when talking, smiling, or showing off your teeth. For example, plenty of people get braces before their wedding day so that they can be their most confident self on the day.

4. Improved Speech

If you have misaligned teeth or malocclusion, you may have problems with your speech as a result. These issues can be things such as lisps, inability to close your lips fully and making whistling sounds when saying specific words. By closing the gaps, or correcting your occlusion, you can actually improve your speech.

5. Correction Of Bite Issues

Braces can address bite problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Correcting these issues can improve overall jaw function and reduce the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

6. Prevention Of Tooth Wear:

Misaligned teeth can lead to uneven wear on tooth surfaces. Braces can help distribute biting forces more evenly, preventing premature wear and reducing the risk of tooth damage.

The Potential Complications When Getting Braces As An Adult

While getting braces as an adult is generally safe and effective, there are some considerations and potential complications that individuals should be aware of:

1. Treatment duration: Adults may experience longer treatment times compared to teenagers because their bones are no longer growing. The process of tooth movement can take longer in adults.
2. Appearance concerns: Adults may be more concerned about the appearance of braces. However, there are options like clear braces or lingual braces (placed on the back of the teeth) that are less visible.
3. Bone density: Adults may have differences in bone density compared to younger individuals, and this can affect the movement of teeth. However, advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques have improved the adaptability of treatments for adults.
4. Periodontal health: Adults are more likely to have pre-existing periodontal (gum) issues. It’s important to address any gum disease before starting orthodontic treatment to ensure the best outcome.
5. Jaw growth: Unlike children and teenagers, adults have completed their jaw growth. This means that certain types of orthodontic issues related to jaw discrepancies may require additional considerations or a combination of orthodontic and surgical approaches.

It’s essential for adults considering braces to consult with an orthodontist who can assess their specific needs, discuss potential complications, and create an individualised treatment plan. Despite potential challenges, most adults successfully undergo orthodontic treatment and achieve improved oral health and a straighter smile.

Different Types of Braces Suitable for Adults

Adult orthodontic devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are usually selected based on your personal preference.

Below we have listed the types of adult braces we offer at Hampstead Orthodontic Practice:

• Invisalign: A series of custom-made clear and removable plastic aligners. Perfect for those of you who want treatment which can easily fit around your daily life.
• Damon Clear: An innovative and time-saving method that uses tieless braces with high technology archwires. Ideal for those of you looking for fewer appointments and quicker results.
• Incognito: Placed behind the teeth, these braces are invisible from the outside. Suitable for those of you who want a highly discreet orthodontic treatment with minimal discomfort.
• Symetri Clear Braces: Braces made from a clear sapphire material, along with coloured wires made to fit your individual tooth shade. Perfect for those of you looking for a virtually invisible and resilient type of treatment.
• The Herbst appliance: Used in adults to correct skeletal overbites by gently guiding the lower jaw forward, often as an alternative to surgery.
• Twin block braces: removable orthodontic appliances used to correct underbites and overbites by gently repositioning the jaws and teeth

If you’re looking for another type of braces, you can always opt to go the traditional route. Traditional braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses metal brackets, bands, and wires to gradually align and straighten teeth.

What Is the Average Cost of Braces for Adults in the UK?

The cost of adult braces in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of braces, the severity of the orthodontic issues, the duration of treatment, and the location of the dental practice.

The average cost of braces for adults in the UK can vary and usually depends on the type of orthodontic treatment. However, private braces can cost on average, anywhere from £1,075 and upwards.

During your consultation, the orthodontist will assess your specific needs, discuss treatment options, and provide a more accurate cost estimate based on your individual case.

How Long Do Adults Wear Braces?

Again, this can vary from patient to patient. Although, on average it usually takes adults between 6 months to 2 years to complete their initial active treatment – unless you use OrthoPulse to speed up the process..

This does not include post-treatment where you may need to wear a retainer to help maintain your teeth’s new positioning. This will last for 12 months and in some cases, indefinitely.

If you would like to speak to one of our orthodontists about getting adult braces, book an appointment now by calling us on 020 3733 4187 or visit our contact us page for more options.

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