Kid’s Braces vs. Adult Braces: What’s the Difference?

Braces are a time-tested, proven approach to creating healthy, confident smiles. For many of us, getting braces was a rite of passage when we were in middle school, but you might be surprised to learn that, by some estimates, as many as 1 in 4 new orthodontics patients is an adult. Of course, treatment with adult braces is quite different from children’s braces, so let’s look at some differences between adult and children’s braces. This way, you will know what to expect when going for orthodontic treatment

Fitting Adult Braces May Require Further Procedures

Many adults are likely to have undergone past dental procedures. Therefore, it’s relatively challenging for the attending orthodontist to fit adult braces. As a result, the orthodontist may have to do further procedures like adding a prosthetic bone to the mouth.

On the other hand, working on children’s orthodontics is easier because they are younger and are less likely to have a history of dental treatment.

Children’s Braces Appear Way Cooler Than Adult Braces

Admittedly, adults tend to eschew braces because they are more conspicuous. They may be afraid that the business world will perceive them differently, so they are more likely to feel embarrassed when wearing traditional braces. That’s why most adults opt to use the more modern types (like ceramic braces or even Invisalign® aligners ), which are more discreet.

On the other hand, children’s braces come in lots of shapes and sizes, and they are highly customizable. For example, children can get exciting-colored bands on their braces. Besides, braces are more popular with children and teenagers, which makes them easily acceptable within this age bracket.

Children’s Braces are Relatively Small

There is no one-size-fits-all for braces. Orthodontists measure the mouth size of each patient and customize braces to fit. However, adults tend to have bigger jaws, which means their braces are comparatively bigger.

Although adult braces treatment has different dynamics than treating children with orthodontic braces, the underlying principles are very similar. In addition, the benefits of braces for anyone of any age are the same.

Book an appointment with our experienced orthodontist today to discuss how braces can help you