Short answer: Orthodontic treatment in adulthood is chosen more and more often, and most people can carry on with their work and social life during treatment. Fixed braces with metal brackets, tooth-coloured ceramic brackets and clear aligners have different characteristics in terms of visibility, speech and eating routines. Which method suits you is determined at the examination, not only by your preference but according to your orthodontic problem.
Why do adults start treatment?
Many reasons lead adults to orthodontics: crowded teeth becoming harder to clean, bite problems affecting chewing, the need to bring teeth into a suitable position before an implant or prosthesis, or simply wanting to be happier with their smile. Age alone is not an obstacle. For brace-free options for adults, take a look at our brace-free orthodontics for adults page.
Visibility
- Fixed braces with metal brackets: Clearly visible on the front surface of the teeth. Some adults do not mind this, while for others visibility is an important factor. For details, see our fixed braces treatment page.
- Ceramic brackets: Tooth-coloured or near-transparent brackets; they attract less attention than metal brackets, but can be noticed up close. For details on care and colour, see our ceramic brackets (aesthetic braces) page.
- Clear aligners: Because they are thin and transparent, they are often not noticed at speaking distance. The attachments on the teeth can be seen up close.
Speech and meetings
After fixed braces are fitted, it can take time in the first days for the lips and cheeks to get used to the brackets; during this period some sounds may feel a little different to make. With clear aligners, too, a slight lisp may be felt in the first days. In both cases, most people get used to it quickly. If your work involves a lot of speaking, such as presentations, training sessions or client meetings, you can discuss with your dentist whether the first days of treatment could fall in a quieter period if possible. For details, see our article do clear aligners affect speech?
Business meals and social life
Fixed braces or ceramic brackets
Because the brackets are fixed, they are not removed during meals. Hard, sticky foods and foods that need a lot of chewing can damage the brackets; so at business meals it helps to cut food into small pieces and, if possible, rinse your mouth after eating. Carrying a small toothbrush, an interdental brush and a mirror with you is a practical habit. For a list of what you can eat, see our eating with braces page.
Clear aligners
Aligners are removed for meals, which gives more flexibility in choosing food. On the other hand, treatment does not progress while the aligner is out of the mouth; long business meals, refreshments throughout the day or frequent coffee breaks can reduce daily wear time. Having a case to put the aligner in when you take it out, a portable brush and a water bottle makes this routine easier.
Photos and special occasions
Days when photos will be taken, such as a wedding, a graduation or an important presentation, are among the topics adults ask about most often. In fixed braces treatment, the brackets stay in place on these days too. With clear aligners, the aligner can be removed for a short time, but you need to discuss with your dentist in advance how this will affect the treatment schedule. Sharing such dates before treatment starts makes planning easier; on this subject, see also our planning before an important date page.
Discipline and responsibility
In fixed braces treatment, daily wear is not up to you, but cleaning needs more care. With clear aligners, cleaning is easier, but wearing the aligners for the recommended time depends entirely on the patient's routine. For people with a busy and changing work pace, this difference matters. When making a decision, it helps to assess your own habits honestly.
Which option is considered for whom?
Each method has situations it suits and limitations. While fixed braces may be preferred for some complex tooth movements, clear aligners can also be a suitable option in many cases. Ceramic brackets can be considered by those who want to combine the mechanics of fixed braces with a less noticeable appearance. We compare the methods on our clear aligners or braces? page. You make the final decision together with your dentist after the condition of your teeth and jaws has been assessed.
Frequently asked questions
Do braces create a negative impression at job interviews?
Orthodontic treatment is becoming more and more common among adults; most people carry on with their working life with braces or aligners. If visibility is important to you, you can discuss the options at the examination.
Do ceramic brackets stain?
The brackets themselves usually do not change colour; however, some of the elastic ties can pick up colour from coloured foods and drinks. These ties are replaced at check-ups.
Can I take my clear aligner out for a few hours for an important meeting?
The aligner should only be removed for eating and cleaning. If there is a special situation, consult your dentist in advance.
How can you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined through an examination and the dentist's assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we discuss your questions with you during the first orthodontic examination.
