If you're an adult in Shrewsbury considering straightening your teeth, you're not alone. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in three orthodontic patients is now over 18, and adult patient numbers reached approximately 1.91 million in 2024. The two most popular options you'll encounter are traditional metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign, and choosing between them involves more than just picking what looks better.
Why More Adults Are Straightening Their Teeth
You've probably noticed more adults with straighter smiles around Monmouth County lately. The increase in adult orthodontics isn't just about vanity. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which means fewer cavities and less gum disease down the road. Plus, fixing bite problems can help with jaw pain and even reduce headaches. And let's be honest: feeling confident about your smile matters, whether you're presenting at work in Red Bank or taking family photos at the Rumson beach.
The good news is that orthodontic treatment works just as effectively for adults as it does for kids. Your teeth can move at any age because the biological process is the same. The difference is that adults often have specific needs and concerns that teenagers don't worry about, like how treatment fits into professional life or existing dental work.
What Metal Braces Offer Adults
Metal braces are the tried-and-true method that's been perfecting smiles for decades. They consist of stainless steel brackets bonded to your teeth, connected by wires that get adjusted every four to six weeks. Today's metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than the ones you might remember from middle school.
The biggest advantage of metal braces is their effectiveness for complex cases. According to research published in BMC Oral Health, conventional braces showed an 80% reduction in dental misalignment after 12 months of treatment. If you have severe crowding, a significant overbite, or teeth that need major rotation, metal braces can handle it. They work 24/7 without requiring you to remember to wear them, which removes the compliance factor entirely.
For adults in the Shrewsbury area, metal braces typically cost between $4,500 and $6,000, making them often more affordable than clear aligners. Many dental insurance plans offer better coverage for traditional braces since they've been around longer. MHR Orthodontics also offers flexible, no-interest financing options that make treatment accessible regardless of your budget.
The downside? They're visible. While some adults don't mind this, others feel self-conscious about metal brackets during important meetings or social events. You'll also need to avoid certain foods like popcorn at the Colts Neck farmers market or sticky foods that could damage your brackets. Brushing and flossing requires extra time and special tools to clean around the hardware.
Understanding Clear Aligners
Clear aligners revolutionized adult orthodontics by offering a nearly invisible alternative. These custom-made plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and are replaced every one to two weeks as your teeth gradually shift into position.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that aligners work well for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including gaps, crowding, and some bite corrections. The biggest selling point is discretion. Most people won't notice you're wearing them unless they're looking closely, which is why they're popular among professionals and anyone who'd prefer to keep their treatment private.
"Clear aligners have changed the game for adult patients who want to improve their smile without the aesthetic concerns of traditional braces," says Dr. Martin Rabinovich, Board Certified Orthodontist at MHR Orthodontics. "We're seeing more adults take that first step toward treatment because they know they have options that fit seamlessly into their daily lives."
You can remove clear aligners to eat, so there are no food restrictions. Want to enjoy pizza at a Tinton Falls restaurant? Just take out your aligners, enjoy your meal, brush your teeth, and put them back in. This also makes oral hygiene easier since you can brush and floss normally.
The catch is that you must wear them 20 to 22 hours daily for them to work. If you're not disciplined about keeping them in, your treatment will take longer or may not work at all. Clear aligners typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on case complexity. A research study found that clear aligners showed a 75% reduction in dental misalignment after 12 months, slightly less than conventional braces but still highly effective for the right cases.
Comparing Treatment Time and Comfort
Treatment time is often shorter with clear aligners. According to NewMouth, clear aligners typically take 12 to 18 months, while traditional braces often require 18 to 36 months. However, this varies significantly based on your specific needs.
Comfort is subjective, but most patients find clear aligners more comfortable day-to-day. A 2017 study found that patients with braces experienced more pain overall. Metal braces can cause mouth sores from brackets rubbing against your cheeks, especially in the first few weeks. Clear aligners, made from smooth plastic, don't have sharp edges. You may feel pressure when switching to a new set, but it typically fades within a day or two.
With metal braces, you'll need office visits every four to six weeks for adjustments. Each appointment takes 30 to 60 minutes. Clear aligners usually require check-ins every six to eight weeks, and some orthodontists offer remote monitoring that reduces office visits even further. This can be a significant time-saver for busy professionals commuting to work in Long Branch or juggling family schedules.
Which Option Fits Your Lifestyle?
Your daily routine matters when choosing between metal braces and clear aligners. If you're someone who loses things easily, metal braces might be the safer choice since they can't be misplaced. However, if you give presentations, attend client meetings, or work in a public-facing role where appearance is important, clear aligners offer the discretion many adults prefer.
Think about your eating habits too. If you love crunchy snacks or chewy foods, clear aligners let you enjoy them without worry since you remove the trays before eating. With metal braces, you'll need to skip hard pretzels, caramel, and other foods that could break brackets.
The complexity of your case should guide your decision as well. If you have severe crowding or significant bite issues, metal braces might be your only effective option. For mild to moderate corrections, both can work well. An orthodontist can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach.
Insurance coverage and budget considerations are practical factors too. Check whether your dental insurance provides better coverage for one option over the other. MHR Orthodontics works with patients to maximize insurance benefits and offers payment plans that make either treatment accessible.
Making Your Decision at MHR Orthodontics in Shrewsbury
Choosing between metal braces and clear aligners isn't about picking the "best" option. It's about finding what works best for you based on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Some patients prioritize the predictability and power of metal braces, while others value the flexibility and aesthetics of clear aligners.
The orthodontists at MHR Orthodontics in Shrewsbury take time to understand your goals and concerns before recommending treatment. They'll examine your teeth, discuss your lifestyle, and explain what each option can realistically achieve for your unique situation. They also offer both traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners, along with other options like lingual braces that go behind your teeth for complete invisibility.
What matters most is taking that first step. Whether you choose metal braces or clear aligners, both options have helped countless adults achieve healthier, straighter smiles. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll see results.
Ready to explore your options? Call MHR Orthodontics to schedule a consultation and discover which orthodontic treatment is right for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from braces to clear aligners mid-treatment?
In some cases, yes. Your orthodontist can evaluate your progress and determine if switching makes sense for your situation. However, starting fresh with clear aligners may extend your overall treatment time and increase costs.
Will my insurance cover orthodontic treatment as an adult?
Many dental insurance plans include adult orthodontic coverage, though the benefit amount varies by plan. Some plans cover up to 50% of treatment costs. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits, and the team at MHR Orthodontics can help you maximize your coverage.
Are clear aligners painful?
Most people experience mild pressure or discomfort for a day or two when switching to a new set of aligners. This is a sign that your teeth are moving. The discomfort is generally less intense than the soreness from traditional braces adjustments.
How often do I need to visit the orthodontist with each option?
Metal braces require appointments every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. Clear aligners typically need check-ins every 6 to 8 weeks, and some practices offer remote monitoring through photos, reducing the number of office visits needed.
What happens if I lose or break my clear aligners?
Contact your orthodontist immediately. You may be able to move to the next set in your series if you're close to switching anyway. Otherwise, you'll need replacement aligners made, which can delay treatment and may involve an additional fee of $100 to $200.
Can clear aligners fix severe orthodontic problems?
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate issues like gaps, crowding, and minor bite corrections. For severe overcrowding, significant bite problems, or teeth that need substantial rotation, metal braces are often more effective. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
MHR Orthodontics – Your Jersey Shore Guide to Straighter, Healthier Smiles Providing five-star rated orthodontic care for children, teens & adults in Monmouth County, MHR Orthodontics focuses on comfort, communication, and exceptional treatment outcomes.
• Children’s Orthodontics
• Teen Orthodontics
• Adult Orthodontics
• Traditional Metal Braces
• Invisalign® Clear Aligners
• InBrace® Lingual “Behind the Teeth” Braces