Can Adults Get Braces?

As soon as the word “braces” is uttered, images of awkward teenagers tend to come to mind. Over the years, having braces almost seems to have evolved into a rite of passage. However, time has also made adult braces more common than ever. In fact, The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that adults make up one in three orthodontic patients.

It’s normal to have concerns and questions about dental services. The following article will give you some basic facts about braces.

Age

One thing that prevents adults from getting braces is the fact that they believe they are too old for them. The truth is, no one is ever too old for braces. While there are advantages to having braces in your early teenage years, there is nothing preventing an adult from correcting dental issues.

Cost

Braces have a reputation for being expensive. So much so that many people avoid even thinking about braces simply because they are unable to afford them.

The average price range for adult braces is $3,000 to $10,000. Insurance may be an option, but in some cases, it only covers this form of dental treatment for those under 18 years old. The leading brand of toothpaste, Colgate, has even published information discussing how to find dental insurance.

Financing

If insurance is out of the question, many orthodontists and dentists offer financing options to help cover the cost. In this case, it’s important to pay attention to the types of braces the financing covers. If they offer coverage, it should mean that all kinds of braces are covered. However, make sure to confirm the specifics, so there are no surprises down the line. Overall, it is best to speak with your dentist and confirm with the insurance company.

Types of Braces

Modern braces were created in 1819. Since then, many improvements have been made to their design. Now, there are several options to choose from. Popular types of braces include metal, ceramic, aligners, self-ligating, and power chain varieties.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high-quality stainless steel and consist of an archwire attached to brackets. The brackets are usually placed on each tooth, providing enough pressure to move the teeth.

Ceramic Braces

Instead of metal, ceramic braces are an increasingly popular option due to their tooth-colored brackets. Some call these clear braces. This is a popular choice among adults as they are more subtle than metal braces. However, compared to metal braces, they are a bit more costly due to the materials used.

Lingual Braces

Also called inside braces, lingual braces are custom-made brackets designed to fit the contours on the inside of each tooth. A wire joins the brackets together and draws the teeth into position by pulling from the inside. They are just as effective as standard outside braces, but they take longer to fit and are more expensive. This is due to the fact that each bracket needs to be custom-made.

Lingual braces are most common amongst adults who are self-conscious of how they may look with traditional braces. Many adults are self-conscious about this, especially when it comes to when they are in their workplace. Lingual braces are close to being undetectable. Depending on the user, they may need to wear elastic bands at one point or another. These bands tend to be fairly visible, depending on their placement.

A couple of points to note are that because the brackets are designed for the inside of the teeth, cleaning them properly is sometimes a bit more difficult. Some users have also experienced tongue sores. Since they are caused by the placement of the brackets, make sure to weigh the pros and cons before committing to lingual braces.

Before Getting Your Braces Placed

Before braces can be placed, there are several steps of preparation. Preparation can range from regular dental cleaning to x-rays, tooth extraction and repairs. It’s a good idea to plan for this ahead of time.

Your Slidell Dental Clinic

If you’re interested in adult braces or other dental services, speak to the professionals Fremaux Dental Care. Dr. Beard and Dr. Kurtz are here for you.

Slidell Dental Clinic is conveniently located near the Fremaux town center. Call (985) 445-9656 or fill out our online form to request an appointment today.