Dental Braces for Adults in San Jose CA, on Blossom Hill Rd

There is no set age limit for orthodontic treatment. Braces aren’t just for children and teenagers; many adults can benefit from them as well. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so as long as the gums and bones are in good condition, braces can be effective. Furthermore, addressing dental issues early can prevent more severe problems in the future, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Braces are most effective between the ages of 10 and 14. While orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, treating issues during this optimal time can result in shorter treatment times. Parents are encouraged to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for their children by age seven. This is because early intervention can prevent more severe dental problems from developing later in life, reducing the need for more extensive treatments in adulthood.

Orthodontic treatment often takes longer for adults compared to children and teenagers. In adolescents, the bones are still growing and are more malleable, allowing teeth to move more quickly and easily. This makes orthodontic treatments shorter in duration for younger patients. Typically, orthodontic treatment for youth ranges from one to two years.

In contrast, adults have fully developed, denser bones, which makes moving teeth a slower process. The lack of bone growth means that adjustments to alignment are more gradual, often extending the duration of treatment to two years or longer.

Despite the longer treatment time, braces are still effective for adults and can significantly improve dental health and aesthetics. Patients must follow their orthodontist’s instructions carefully and maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the most desirable outcomes from their treatment.

The best treatment approach for you depends on your budget, your preferences, and the recommendations of the specialist. Some of the popular options for braces treatment for adults include:

• Clear aligners – Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are popular among adults because they are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
• Lingual braces – These braces are placed on the inside (back) of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. They are highly effective and discreet, but may take some time to get used to and can be more challenging to clean.
• Traditional braces – While not as aesthetically pleasing, traditional metal braces are still a great option for adults, especially those with more complex orthodontic issues. This approach is highly effective and typically less expensive than other choices.
• Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces function like traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them less noticeable.

To discuss your options and determine the right type of braces for you, schedule a consultation at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics in San Jose, California.

The process of getting braces as an adult can vary in duration depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issues and the type of braces chosen. Before getting braces, some patients will need to have preliminary dental work done, such as cleanings, fillings, or extractions. This step ensures that the teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.

Once the treatment plan is ready and any preliminary dental work is completed, the actual process of fitting the braces can begin. The appointment for placing traditional braces usually takes one to two hours. Clear aligners require digital scans or molds of your teeth, so the process will involve a couple of visits.

From the initial consultation to having braces fitted, the entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. On average, treatment times range from six months to three years. The exact timeline of your treatment depends on the circumstances, including the orthodontist’s schedule, the need for preliminary dental work, and the type of braces chosen.

At NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics, we have a passion for giving our clients gorgeous smiles. We are conveniently located at 1319 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from San Jose CA, Los Gatos CA, Campbell CA, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA, Sunnyvale CA, Saratoga CA, and Mountain View CA.