Adult Orthodontics
When we were teenagers in school, there was always one kid in class with braces; and they would get picked on for that. But the joke's on the bullies because now most adults are looking into orthodontics for themselves. Braces result in a perfectly aligned smile, preventing problems of tooth decay, difficulty in chewing, and gum disease.
Now that orthodontics is demanded in all age groups, and age is seldom a hindrance – technology has come up with newer painless and unnoticeable treatment plans to make it a comfortable process for all ages. The treatment plans available currently have minimalistic designs to be a better fit for all kinds of lifestyles.
So, what exactly do you need to know before you embark on your journey of adult orthodontics?
I had braces in the past, then do I still need braces?
The answer is 100% - no!
Several people who have had braces in the past feel like they are relapsing in their adulthood. A relapse essentially indicates that the effects of braces are starting to wear off, and teeth are moving a little out of place. The change is noticeable for most people with panic as their first emotion because nobody wants to get braces for the second time. However, this second time around, only mild treatments are needed because the initial groundwork for orthodontics has already happened.
Just for moderate treatment, braces are no longer needed. With the growing age of technology, there are now better substitutes for braces, proven to be just as effective. So, if you are someone who has had braces in the past and feel like you need some fixing now, then you don’t have to worry about getting braces all over again – there’s something else for you in-store.
Okay so, what are my options besides braces?
If you are taking this step of aligning your teeth for the first or the second time, it does not matter. As established previously, braces are not the only option either way. Other alternatives have been tested and open for everyone to use. These alternatives are equally helpful and, in fact, are better looking than braces. They are more aesthetic with their minimal designs and fittings.
The other choices include clear braces like Invisalign or invisible braces that are completely hidden on the back of the teeth and only bound your teeth with a clear casing, which nobody can see. Invisalign treatment uses clear, plastic aligners - specially customized for each patient's jaw using 3D scans. The aligners then gradually shift the position of the teeth to get the desired outcome.
Other advantages of Invisalign include that they happen to look better. Most adults are conscious about how they look and especially their teeth. Having braces could give them a reason to feel embarrassed in front of their friends and colleagues. Therefore, Invisalign removes that factor altogether, and you do not have to worry about your new photos or comments of onlookers.
It is difficult to eat with braces as sticky and chewy food can sometimes get stuck in the wires, or even biting hard foods can become a tedious task. However, Invisalign retainers are easy to take off when eating to avoid all the hassle you would have gone through otherwise.
Moreover, aligners can also be taken off when brushing or flossing your teeth too. Again, with braces, a good cleaning is difficult to achieve with something stuck to the teeth all the time. Removing these aligners makes it easier to clean around the mouth with nothing on your teeth. Additionally, aligners require fewer consultations with your orthodontist, and most importantly, they are a lot more comfortable.
Hence, yes, you have other alternatives to braces as well. Only your dentist will be able to tell you which option is best for you.
Is it too late to get braces?
It is never too late to get braces!
You know how the saying goes, “age is just a number” – similar is the case with braces. Age is just a number to get braces, and you can get them any time you want.
Everyone always assumes that only children and teenagers can get braces. However, there is nothing falser than that. Yes, the best age is indeed younger years to get braces. But that does not mean adults cannot get braces, or they will be inefficient for them.
Children tend to have more ‘flexible’ teeth – meaning that their teeth, so far, have not gotten used to being in the same position. Therefore, they are easier to move around to reposition them.
On the other hand, adult teeth are relatively fit in one position because they become comfortable being in that spot. Thus, adult treatment plans and time duration may differ. Nonetheless, they are still very well eligible for orthodontic fittings. Like any other treatment or care plan, they do work, and all you have to do is prioritize your wants over some false claims.
How much does it cost to have braces for adults?
So far, we have discussed the following:
1. If you had braces in the past, you do not need them again.
2. There are other alternatives to braces like clear aligners/braces, called Invisalign.
3. You can get braces at any age of your life, and it is never too late to get braces.
Now that basic ground rules have been instituted let us talk about the pricing and costs that you will have to cover.
Typically, the costs depend on your needs and your area. Some areas have people living in the bracket of middle and high income; thereby, clinics in those areas have significantly high charges for their patients. Some have people with low income, so they charge less. Consequently, to some extent, your residential area does come into play.
More often than not, the cost of braces falls within the range of $3000-$7000 – covering all costs of your treatment. What is even better is that, at times, dental insurance does cover the cost of braces for adults.
Why should I even consider braces at my age?
You probably ended up on this tab because at some point in your life, you must have felt a little insecure about your teeth. And that is absolutely fine. Braces will allow you to feel more comfortable with your teeth and give you that perfect smile, gleaming with confidence and prove to be the best gift you can give to yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let yourself feel bad about your teeth anymore and get braces as you’ve always wanted!