Adult Braces: Is it ever too late?
Updated: Sep 2
With so many new and improved ways to straighten your teeth (like Invisalign) you may be wondering if getting adult braces is a smart choice. This blog will cover the key differences between new and traditional options and how it all works.
Why would an adult need braces?
Now that dental braces have become less bulky and visible, more adults are keen to correct dental problems before they cause severe or further damage. While you may want to improve your appearance, it’s important to note that “cosmetic” problems can cause real damage over time.
Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to:
premature wear and tear
cavities or tooth decay
gum disease
issues that may later warrant dentures or more involved treatment
Overall, braces for adults may help a number of things, including:
Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth
Addressing bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
Closing gaps between teeth
Making teeth easier to clean
The difference between Invisalign & traditional adult braces
Invisalign: The Clear Choice
If even the thought of wearing old-school metal braces makes you cringe, Invisalign may suit you. Invisalign uses clear, custom-made trays to gradually straighten teeth. These trays are difficult to notice, making them a popular and discreet option for adults.
For many patients, this means feeling more confident and less anxious in social situations. You can speak and smile without worrying that others are noticing your adult braces.
Benefit Breakdown:
Transparent appearance
Tailored comfort
Removable
Easy to clean
No-fuss eating
Shorter treatment times in some cases
Easier to keep teeth clean during treatment
Fewer adjustment appointments
Our iTero® Element system quickly scans your teeth in 3D, avoiding the discomfort of traditional moulds.
In just a few minutes, we create a simulation of the planned tooth movements before you begin treatment.
As you wear Invisalign, we’ll book regular check-ups to review your progress.
Invisalign packages start from $3,500, which for some cases works out comparable to braces. Speak to our dentists for a personalised treatment plan and a quote for your case.
Traditional Braces: Tried and True
Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets, wires and tiny o-ring elastics to align your teeth gradually.
While they are more visible than Invisalign, they remain widely used for adults and children alike. They are generally more affordable and are well suited to more complex orthodontic problems.
They also require less discipline since you can’t remove them, which can suit patients who would struggle to wear removable aligners consistently.
Benefit Breakdown:
Durable
Generally lower cost
A long-established approach
Customisable colours
Worn continuously, so treatment does not depend on remembering to put them in
Suitable for complex orthodontic issues
Our dental team begins your orthodontic treatment by attaching brackets to your teeth using strong glue. They then connect the brackets with wire and elastic rings.
The braces gently move teeth into the right place by applying pressure to each tooth once they are in place.
During your orthodontic treatment, your braces will stay in place and the wires will be adjusted or replaced regularly.
Typically, dental braces on the Gold Coast cost between $3,000 and $9,000. Many health funds offer some coverage for orthodontic treatment, but the extent depends on your specific policy.
At Maudsland and Underwood Dental Care, we provide a range of payment plans and accept all major health funds.
Are adult braces worth it?
For many adults, yes. As well as straightening teeth, orthodontic treatment can make teeth easier to clean, which helps reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Whether you want a straighter smile or better jaw alignment, it is worth discussing with a dentist what treatment could achieve in your case.
Getting braces as an adult may pose some challenges. However, our dentists at Maudsland and Underwood Dental Care will talk you through the options and what to expect at each stage.
Maudsland Dental Care services
Maudsland Dental Care is a locally-owned dental practice. We aim to provide patients of all ages with a gentle and comfortable experience in our modern, family-friendly environment.
We offer a range of dental services, including Invisalign, orthodontics, dental implants, teeth whitening, fillings and wisdom teeth.
We offer interest-free patient payment plans, and our on-site HICAPS facilities let you claim from your private health fund on the spot.
Underwood Dental Care Services
Underwood Dental Care offers dental services in a comfortable, modern clinic. Their dental team offers orthodontic treatments including metal, clear, and Invisalign braces to patients in Brisbane, Logan, and Underwood, with payment plan options and all major health funds accepted.
Other treatment options include dental implants, teeth whitening, fillings and wisdom teeth. If you have been putting off orthodontic treatment, it is worth a conversation.
