Braces are a great way to improve your dental health and your smile. Whether you’re a child or an adult, you may need braces at some point in your life. However, there are a few differences between adult braces and child braces in Brighton.
Growing Mouths vs. Fully Developed Smiles
The biggest difference between adult braces and child braces is the growth patterns of the teeth and jaws. A child’s mouth is still growing, and their teeth and jawbone are still developing. This makes it easier to manipulate and adjust their teeth with braces. Children’s teeth can move quickly because the bone around them is less dense than it is in adults, allowing us to address areas before the bone “sets” and would require surgery to correct.
Adults, on the other hand, have fully developed jaws and teeth, which means the process of straightening their teeth may take a little longer. Their bones are denser and less malleable, which could mean more time is needed to correct certain alignment issues.
Personal Preferences for Braces
Another difference between adult and child braces in Brighton is their personal preferences. Many adults prefer to have clear or invisible braces, while children are often happy with traditional metal braces. Children may be drawn to bright bands or even holiday-themed colors throughout the year. As an adult, you may feel more self-conscious about having visible braces. Instead, you might want to choose clear braces or aligners that are virtually invisible whenever you’re talking.
Phase I and Phase II Braces
If your child is receiving braces, they may be put on a two-phase treatment plan. This differs significantly from adult braces. Phase I involves wearing braces when the child still has baby teeth. This phase helps to correct alignment issues before all of the adult teeth have come in, such as jaw width and eruption placement. Once all the adult teeth have come in, Phase II is initiated. This phase will last until all of the adult teeth are straight and properly aligned; you can think of it as “fine-tuning” everything. If the child waited and only received one later-stage treatment, the orthodontic process may be more complex and time consuming. Two phase braces offer growth modification to improve the overall results.
As an adult, you will typically receive a single-phase treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the alignment issue, treatment could last from six months to three years. Major orthognathic concerns, such as bone shape, cannot be adjusted without additional surgery.
What Are Teeth Aligners?
Teeth aligners such as ClearCorrect and Invisalign are becoming an increasingly popular options for people of all ages, including adults. Aligners are clear, removable trays that fit over your teeth. They are made of a contoured, firm plastic that fits snugly against your teeth.
The trays are custom-made for each individual patient and are replaced every two weeks as your teeth shift. They work by gradually applying pressure to your teeth and repositioning them into a straighter position.
One advantage of teeth aligners is that they are almost invisible, so adults may feel more confident and comfortable wearing them than they would with traditional metal braces. Another advantage is that they are removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
Unfortunately, clear aligners may not work well for small children because they are removable and thus require more “upkeep” at home to make sure they’re being worn as directed.
Are Adult Braces Different from Child Braces?
In some ways, adult braces are very similar to child braces. Both types of braces work by applying pressure to the teeth and gradually repositioning them. However, a child’s mouth is constantly growing, and the bone is remodeling as their jaw forms. With adults, adjusting tooth alignment is different because the jaws are fully developed. The good news is that adults still make great candidates for braces and clear aligners because they tend to stick to their home care instructions and are personally committed to seeing their treatment successfully completed.
Braces in Brighton
If your family is considering pediatric braces or orthodontics for your teen, call Kids City Dental in Brighton. Our family-friendly office makes it easier than ever to get affordable braces for children. Payment plans are available!