Adult Braces Q & A

What are adult braces?

Adult braces are a set of brackets and wires that gently push your teeth into a straighter, more aligned position. With each visit to Cedar Park Orthodontics during treatment, Dr. Snodell and his team tighten the wires to help your teeth reach optimal alignment.

Having crooked or misaligned teeth isn’t preferable. In fact, some types of malocclusion can make you more likely to experience dental complications like cavities. You should consider getting adult braces or an alternative orthodontic treatment if you have:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Wide gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth

At your initial consultation, Dr. Snodell may take X-ray images of your teeth after examining your bite. He can tell you how long you’ll need to wear braces, which may be anywhere from 18 months to three years in total depending on the severity of your misalignment.

How should I care for my teeth with adult braces?

Caring for your teeth with braces is a bit different from your normal oral hygiene routine. You’ll need to make some dietary adjustments and be extra meticulous when you brush and floss. To keep your teeth healthy with braces, you should:

• Brush your teeth after every meal
• Floss at least once a day
• Rinse your mouth after you eat
• Remove elastics from your braces before you brush
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods
• Avoid sticky foods
• Visit the office regularly for your adjustments
• Attend your six-month dental cleanings

Taking good care of your braces ensures your treatment will be as fast as possible. Proper care also helps avoid complications like dislodged braces or cavities, which can prolong your orthodontic treatment.

Is there an alternative option to adult braces?

In addition to adult braces, Dr. Snodell and his team at Cedar Park Orthodontics offer Invisalign®. Invisalign can treat many of the same complications as braces, but it works differently.

Rather than cementing metal brackets onto your teeth, Dr. Snodell uses the iTero® laser scanner to create a series of transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Each device in the series pushes your teeth a bit further toward perfect alignment.

If you opt for Invisalign instead of braces, it’s important to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day. You’ll change aligners to the next in your series after one to two weeks of wearing each set. You can take them out to eat and to brush thoroughly.

Invisalign is great for mild to moderate misalignment. If your teeth are severely misaligned, adult braces may be the best option for you.

To schedule your consultation for orthodontic treatments like adult braces, call Cedar Park Orthodontics, or request an appointment online today.