Braces for Adults
Adult Braces at Seacoast Orthodontics in Greenland, NH
At Seacoast Orthodontics, we understand that achieving a beautiful, healthy smile doesn’t have an age limit. We recognize that adult patients have unique concerns about appearance, treatment duration, and professional obligations, which is why we offer personalized treatment plans designed specifically for your individual circumstances.
Our practice has helped hundreds of adult patients transform their smiles and improve their oral health through carefully planned orthodontic treatment. We combine years of clinical expertise with state-of-the-art equipment and a patient-centered approach that puts your needs first. Whether you’re dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, bite issues, or other alignment concerns, our team will work closely with you to develop a treatment strategy that fits seamlessly into your busy adult lifestyle while delivering the exceptional results you deserve.
Key Benefits of Braces for Adults
- Improved Oral Health and Hygiene – Properly aligned teeth are significantly easier to clean, reducing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications. Straighter teeth eliminate hard-to-reach areas where plaque and bacteria typically accumulate, leading to better long-term dental health.
- Enhanced Professional Confidence – A straight, attractive smile can positively impact your career prospects and professional relationships. Many of our adult patients report increased confidence during presentations, meetings, and networking events following their orthodontic treatment.
- Better Jaw Function and Comfort – Correcting bite irregularities can alleviate jaw pain, reduce teeth grinding, and eliminate the discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint disorders. Proper alignment also improves chewing efficiency and reduces excessive wear on your teeth.
- Long-Term Investment in Your Smile – Adult braces provide lasting results that can improve your quality of life for decades to come. The investment in orthodontic treatment now can prevent costly dental repairs and restorations later in life.
- Customized Treatment Timeline – Our team works with your schedule and lifestyle preferences to create a treatment plan that accommodates your professional and personal obligations while still achieving optimal results in a reasonable timeframe.
FAQs on Braces for Adults
What can I expect at my consultation?
Your first visit to our office begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. We conduct a thorough examination that includes digital X-rays, photographs, and detailed measurements of your teeth and jaw alignment. Our orthodontist will discuss your specific concerns, aesthetic goals, and any functional issues you may be experiencing. We take the time to understand your lifestyle needs and treatment preferences so we can recommend the most suitable braces option for your situation.
During this consultation, we provide a detailed explanation of your treatment options, including the expected timeline, associated costs, and what you can anticipate throughout the process. We believe in transparent communication and will answer all your questions about adult braces treatment. Before you leave, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan proposal that outlines every aspect of your orthodontic care, allowing you to make an informed decision about moving forward with treatment.
What can I expect for treatment?
The actual placement of your braces is a comfortable, straightforward process that typically takes between one to two hours. We begin by thoroughly cleaning and preparing your teeth, then carefully bond the brackets to each tooth using a special dental adhesive. Once all brackets are securely in place, we thread the archwire through each bracket and secure it with small elastic ties or metal clips. Our team takes great care to ensure your comfort throughout the process and will explain each step as we proceed.
Following the initial placement, you’ll schedule regular adjustment appointments approximately every 4-8 weeks. During these visits, we replace the archwires with progressively stronger ones that continue to guide your teeth into their ideal positions. Each adjustment appointment typically lasts 20-30 minutes, and we work efficiently to minimize any disruption to your schedule. We’ll also monitor your progress closely and make any necessary modifications to your treatment plan to ensure you’re achieving the best possible results within your projected timeline.
What options do adults have for braces?
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
- Ceramic braces
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear aligners
How do I care for my braces?
Maintaining proper hygiene with adult braces requires extra diligence and specialized tools to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment. Daily brushing should be done after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, taking care to clean around each bracket and wire. Interdental brushes, floss threaders, or water flossers are essential for removing food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas between the brackets and under the wires. Regular fluoride rinses can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent white spot lesions, which can develop when plaque accumulates around the braces.
Beyond daily hygiene, adults with braces should be mindful of their diet and lifestyle habits to protect their orthodontic appliances and oral health. Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods like nuts, caramel, and ice can prevent bracket breakage and wire damage that could extend treatment time. Regular dental cleanings every three to six months become even more important during orthodontic treatment, as professional cleaning can remove buildup that home care might miss. Adults should also be aware that treatment typically takes longer than in children, often 18 to 36 months, and maintaining consistent oral hygiene throughout this period is crucial for achieving the best results and preventing complications like gum disease or tooth decay.
How is the recovery and adjustment to Adult Braces
The first few days after getting braces require some adjustment as your mouth adapts to the new appliances. You may experience mild soreness or tenderness in your teeth and gums, which is completely normal and indicates that your treatment is working effectively. We recommend eating soft foods during this initial period and using over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Most patients find that any discomfort subsides within 3-5 days as their mouth becomes accustomed to the braces.
Learning to maintain excellent oral hygiene with braces requires some technique modifications, but our team provides comprehensive instruction on proper brushing and flossing methods. We recommend using special orthodontic brushes and floss threaders to ensure you can clean effectively around your brackets and wires. Regular dental cleanings become even more important during orthodontic treatment, and we coordinate closely with your general dentist to maintain optimal oral health.
As an adult patient, you’ll likely adapt more quickly to dietary modifications and care instructions compared to younger patients. We provide detailed guidelines about foods to avoid and techniques for protecting your braces during meals and activities. Most of our adult patients find that the minor lifestyle adjustments become routine within the first few weeks of treatment. Throughout your treatment period, we remain available to address any concerns or questions that arise, ensuring your experience remains as comfortable and convenient as possible while we work together to achieve your dream smile.
