What are Adult Braces?
Orthodontic treatments for individuals over 16 are categorised as adult braces, available in both metal and clear options. Metal braces, known for their durability, are highly effective for complex dental issues. On the other hand, clear braces offer a discreet alternative, blending in with the natural colour of your teeth. Our orthodontic team specialises in assessing individual needs to recommend the most suitable treatment option, ensuring both comfort and an improved smile at any age.
Adults looking to straighten their teeth have several effective options to consider including:
- Spark or Invisalign, a system of clear, removable aligners.
- Traditional fixed braces, which are temporarily bonded to the teeth.
- Braces Lite, a quicker option with treatment times ranging from 6 to 9 months, featuring fixed brackets available in metal or ceramic according to your preference.
How do Adult Braces work?
Adult braces function in much the same way as those used for younger patients, aiming to rectify misalignments, gaps, and other orthodontic issues by applying continuous pressure to the teeth. This pressure gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position over time. For adults, treatment might take slightly longer compared to children or teenagers due to the maturity of the jawbone and tissues. Various types of braces are available for adults, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces (which are positioned behind the teeth), and clear aligners, offering options to suit different lifestyles and aesthetic preferences.
How much do Adult Braces cost?
The cost of adult braces in Ireland can vary widely, depending on the type of braces chosen and the complexity of the dental work required. Options range from traditional metal braces to clear aligners, with each choice reflecting different price points to accommodate various treatment plans and aesthetic preferences.
Understanding the financial commitment to orthodontic care, we are committed to making treatment as accessible as possible. To this end, we offer a variety of flexible payment plans designed to fit your budget. Additionally, patients can take advantage of a 5% discount for payments made in full upfront. You may also be eligible to claim back 20% of your investment through the Med 2 form, further supporting the affordability of your journey to a healthier smile.
The Process
This appointment is to discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists. It may also involve your dental and medical history, a physical examination of your teeth and jaw, X-rays, and possibly impressions of your teeth to create models.
The orthodontist will review the X-rays, photos, and examination results to devise a specific plan for moving your teeth into the correct position. This plan will include the estimated length of treatment, cost of treatment and any preparatory work needed.
This might involve dental cleaning, addressing any existing dental issues like cavities, and possibly extracting teeth to create space for adjustments. Once these issues have been addressed, it's time to move onto the next phase!
During this appointment, Dr O'Connor places the metal or ceramic brackets onto your teeth. These brackets are glued on carefully, in such a way that they are stable but can also be removed easily at the end of your treatment.
You will have regular appointments (usually every 8-10) for progress checks. During these visits, the orthodontist will check the fit of your aligners and may advise that a new set of aligners are ordered.
The attachments and wires are carefully removed, and any adhesive is cleaned off your teeth. This is usually a quick and painless process.
To keep your teeth in their new position after the braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer full time for a period following the removal of braces, transitioning to night-time wear to ensure teeth do not shift back to their original positions. Read more here.
Book a Free Consultation
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best.
FAQs
Adult braces are a great option for achieving a better smile at any age. Many adults are hesitant, fearing judgment or believing it's too late, but it's never too late to improve your smile.
Braces can take longer for adults due to non-growing jawbones, potentially slowing tooth movement. However, treatment may progress quicker due to better compliance. Duration varies, typically 18 months to 3 years.
Yes, getting braces at 30 or any adult age is worth it for the benefits of a better smile. Concerns about judgment or it being too late are common but unfounded; it's never too late to straighten your teeth.
Braces can cause discomfort for adults, especially initially or after adjustments, described as pressure or soreness. Pain is usually mild, temporary, and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes, braces can be effective at 35 or any adult age, as long as teeth and gums are healthy. Modern orthodontic options offer discreet and efficient treatments for adults.
Braces are effective at fixing alignment issues in adult teeth, capable of correcting crooked teeth, closing gaps, and fixing bite problems regardless of age, though treatment may take longer than in children.
Yes, getting braces at 40 is possible and effective for correcting dental issues. There's no upper age limit for braces, and many opt for treatment in their 40s and beyond to improve dental health and aesthetics.
Braces can subtly alter your face shape by improving teeth and jaw alignment, enhancing facial symmetry, and addressing bite issues. Significant overall facial structure changes are rare.
Disadvantages include temporary discomfort, dietary restrictions, regular cleaning requirements, visibility, time commitment, cost, and the need for frequent orthodontist visits for adjustments.
Read what our patients say about us
"Two of my daughters had braces fitted by the lovely Dr. Katherine Condren. I would highly recommend her services, she was so good with my daughters, we are extremely happy with the service received and they both have beautiful smiles now."
"Dr Joseph O’Connor is such a skilled orthodontist. His kindness and attention to detail is outstanding. He takes the time to explain everything and makes you feel very comfortable. Could not recommend him more."
"Joseph is a kind, compassionate and skilled orthodontist. He has a beautiful patient manner and his attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend."
"I had a great experience with Dr O’Connor and his team. Booking was simple and they were very friendly & efficient throughout. Would highly recommended."
"Amazing service, highly professional. Dr O'Connor was really kind and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!"
"Extremely happy with the outcome after braces, great attention to detail! Highly recommend."
"Dr O'Connor is a brilliant orthodontist, the consultation was thorough and he's easy to talk to."
Begin Your Journey
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer free consultations both in person and online.
