Fast-Acting Adult Braces vs. Traditional Braces

In some form, braces have been around for centuries. Traditional braces today are made of metal and consist of wires and brackets. Many orthodontic patients who wear braces are preteens and adolescents. However, more and more adults are choosing this treatment today to straighten teeth. There are different approaches an orthodontist can take to speed up the process.

How braces work

An orthodontist puts braces on a patient to correct teeth-alignment problems. This strategy can also help create more room in the patient’s mouth and improve the person’s bite. Braces apply pressure to the person’s teeth and gradually move them into the correct positions. The orthodontist will regularly adjust the braces by tightening the bands, adding or removing elastics or power chains or placing spacers in between teeth.

Duration of traditional braces

Every patient has different needs and conditions to address. A person’s length of treatment can vary, though most people will wear braces for at least a year. It is rare to find a patient who must wear them beyond three years. Factors that affect this include:

• The person’s age
• How diligent the patient is about wearing any spacers, bands and/or headgear
• How consistently the patient makes and keeps orthodontic appointments

The fast-acting difference

For certain patients, the thought of having to wear braces for a few years can cause fear and anxiety. A person’s lifestyle may make it difficult to wear braces in the traditional sense. Today, orthodontists offer a different approach, particularly for adult patients. The fast-acting technique allows the person to wear braces for as little as six months or less than a year.

How the faster treatment works

The fast-acting approach is a method that the orthodontist can use to speed up the treatment process. Instead of putting brackets on all the teeth, this strategy places braces on the front, more visible teeth. These braces work to straighten teeth, but unlike traditional braces, they do not improve bite conditions. Fast-acting braces are largely a cosmetic solution. Often, the orthodontist will cement a retainer behind the front braces.

Likely candidates

Children and teenagers are not the only viable candidates for braces. Adults who have crooked teeth may seek this treatment as well. However, many adult patients worry more about how their teeth look to other people. Taking the time to complete traditional treatments may also get in the way of career responsibilities. Cutting down treatment time is appealing to many older patients.

Complete it faster

If your front teeth are crooked or if you do not otherwise like your teeth, fast-acting braces could be the answer. Traditional braces may take more than two years to straighten your teeth. However, this accelerated method can leave you with the smile you want in half the time or less. You can still enjoy the results you are looking for, but you will not have to make as much of a financial commitment. Call your orthodontist today and schedule an appointment.

Are you considering getting braces in the Universal City area? Get more information at https://universalcity.ucsmilesortho.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Types of Braces in Universal City, TX.