Can You Get Braces as an Adult?

Straighter teeth are more than an aesthetic improvement: they are the path to a healthier smile. You’re probably tired of hearing the dentist recommend braces whenever they notice your overcrowded or shifted teeth. However, properly aligned teeth help prevent issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw discomfort in the long run.

As you become an adult, you may wonder if visiting the orthodontist in Sumter, SC, is too late. Unlike the public perception, adults can still get braces, Invisalign®, or any available option to straighten their smile.

Adults and Braces: a Better Combination Than What You May Think

While braces are often associated with teenagers, many adults seek orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. Some may have had crooked teeth for many years and want to finally improve their smile. Others may have shifted teeth due to aging, gum disease, or tooth loss.

Additionally, braces are sometimes used as part of a larger dental treatment plan to correct bite issues, alleviate jaw pain, or make room for implants or bridges.

Whatever the reason, braces help you achieve a straighter, more aesthetic, and healthier smile. Properly aligned teeth are also easier to clean and maintain, resulting in improved oral hygiene, a lower risk of cavities and gum disease, and better overall health.

Clear Aligners: An Alternative to Braces for Adults

Some people may be hesitant about getting braces because they’re concerned about how they will affect their appearance, particularly if their smile is essential for their job. Invisalign can be an excellent option for adults with these concerns.

Clear aligners like Invisalign or similar brands are transparent, removable trays that gradually move teeth into place. Each set is custom-made for your mouth and worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series. Treatment can last several months to a couple of years, depending on the severity of the case.

Some benefits of clear aligners for adults include:

• Discreet Appearance: Because they’re clear, aligners are barely noticeable. This is ideal for adults in professional or social settings.

• Removable: You can take aligners out to eat, brush, and floss—making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.

• Comfortable: Aligners are smooth and gentle on the mouth, with no metal wires or brackets that can cause irritation.

• Flexible Lifestyle: Clear aligners fit easily into busy adult lives without requiring frequent office visits for adjustments.

Clear aligners are especially appealing to adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional braces. However, they may not be suitable for severe orthodontic issues. A consultation with an orthodontist is essential to determine if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners.

Get the Straighter Teeth You Need with an Orthodontist in Sumter, SC

Adults can get braces, and they should if it benefits their dental health and confidence! Thanks to modern technology and various discreet options like clear aligners, orthodontic treatment has never been more accessible or comfortable.  

Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, improving your smile can have lasting effects on your appearance and overall well-being. Contact Wesmark Family Dentistry today, and let’s work together to ensure the best for your smile!

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*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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