Crooked, misaligned, gapped, and crowded teeth negatively affect your oral hygiene, the appearance of your smile, and your overall oral health. This is equally true for both teenagers and adults. Orthodontic treatment, as a result, is very important for the oral health of all patients, regardless of age.
Braces and aligners are both orthodontic solutions used to achieve optimal tooth and jaw alignment. However, there are many different types of braces available today. Your orthodontist at Bristol Dental Clinic will recommend the best braces for your age, orthodontic needs, and preferences.
Differences Between Braces for Teens and Braces for Adults
The fundamental principles behind straightening crooked teeth are the same for everyone, regardless of age. Orthodontists use braces or aligners to apply subtle yet constant pressure on misaligned teeth, causing them to shift into a more desirable position eventually. Every type of braces, whether traditional metal braces or invisible aligners, work on this basis.
This means that although teens and adults often have different preferences and requirements for braces, the braces themselves do not change depending on the age of the wearer. However, that is where the similarities stop.
A teenager’s mouth is developmentally different from the mouth of an adult. This simple fact impacts factors like treatment duration, comfort level, and which type of braces will be most effective. Furthermore, the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment can also vary between teens and adults.
Reasons for Treatment
Adults typically choose to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their smile or address long-standing dental issues. Many adult patients find that their crooked smile holds them back in life by negatively impacting their confidence. Misaligned teeth are also harder to care for, making affected adults more likely to develop tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Although teenagers also receive a confidence boost at the end of their orthodontic treatment, aesthetic improvements are not usually the primary driving force. Traditional braces are intended to be preventative rather than cosmetic. Early correction of tooth misalignment and jaw malocclusion prevents future issues like tooth decay, speech impediments, difficulty breathing, and self-esteem issues.
Treatment Duration
Teens are still growing. Their teeth, jaws, and other facial bones are not finished developing, which often makes orthodontic treatment faster and more predictable. There is also more urgency to correct malocclusion and tooth misalignment before the bones harden fully. Consequently, teen orthodontics can be more aggressive compared to adults. An average treatment ranges from 18 to 24 months.
Adults already have fully developed teeth and jaws, so orthodontic treatment typically takes longer and requires more extensive planning due to its complexity. The treatment time for adults usually spans from 24 to 36 months.
Comfort Level
Some discomfort is normal, regardless of age, particularly in the initial phase of your orthodontic treatment. Moreover, every individual’s pain tolerance is unique to them. All that being said, teens tend to experience less discomfort than adults.
Adults are more likely to have sensitive gums and teeth, and their fully developed jaw and gum structures are more rigid and less forgiving. It also requires more pressure to shift adult teeth into the proper position, creating more discomfort.
Aesthetic Preference
Aesthetics play a significant role in the choice of braces, especially for adults. Many older adults feel embarrassed at the thought of openly undergoing orthodontic treatment. As a result, they overwhelmingly prefer discreet options, like clear aligners or ceramic braces.
Suitability
Your dentist will help determine which type of braces is best for you. Different types of braces are best suited for different types of cases. That being said, adults often have a wider range of options, including discrete choices like ceramic braces or clear aligners.
In order to be successful, Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. This requires a high degree of responsibility and discipline, which, as most parents know, is a struggle for many teenagers.
5 Types of Braces
1. Traditional metal braces
Metal braces use stainless steel brackets, wires, and elastic bands to pull teeth into the correct positions slowly. A bracket is adhered to each tooth and connected via a thin wire.
This is the most effective orthodontic treatment for moderate to severe orthodontic issues as it provides precise control over tooth movement. However, it is also the least discrete version, making it an unpopular option among older patients.
2. Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are sometimes referred to as clear braces. They work in the same way as metal braces, but with one crucial difference: the components are tooth-coloured, so they blend in with your smile.
The brackets are made from a clear, ceramic material instead of metal, making them far less noticeable than the stainless steel versions. Unfortunately, this also makes them more fragile.
3. Lingual braces
Lingual braces also use brackets, wires, and bands to apply pressure to misaligned teeth. However, they are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front. While traditional metal braces are extremely noticeable, lingual teeth braces are effectively invisible. Some patients may experience tongue irritation or speech changes at first, but these should fade as you become accustomed to your new braces.
4. Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces differ from other varieties because they do not have elastic ties. Instead, brackets or clips hold the wires in place. Some patients experience less discomfort with self-ligating braces and find that they are easier to keep clean.
5. Clear aligners
Clear aligners have become one of the most popular options for orthodontic treatment among adults. Rather than relying on stainless steel or ceramic brackets to correct tooth misalignment, these aligners are made from clear plastic trays. This makes them virtually invisible and removable. As a result, patients are able to eat and drink without the restrictions that accompany traditional braces.
Learn More About the Different Types of Braces From Bristol Dental Clinic
Bristol Dental Clinic offers a comprehensive range of orthodontic treatments for teens and adults. Our personalized treatment plans aim to improve your oral health, overall well-being, and the appearance of your smile. We work closely with all our patients to devise treatment plans that are customized to their goals and needs.
To book an appointment with a dentist in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
