If you’re over the age of 18 and have yet to undergo orthodontic treatment, don’t be too hard on yourself. After all, there are plenty of factors that can contribute to the reason you haven’t looked into adult orthodontics sooner—your occupation, your lifestyle, your family situation, etc. At any rate, it’s never too late to get started on straightening your teeth if you decide this is something you want to do. Keep reading for everything you need to know about adult orthodontist!
Do I need braces?
If you’re an adult considering braces, that means you’ve already completed your permanent teeth development and don’t have any orthodontic issues. That may sound like it makes getting braces a no-brainer, but here are some things to consider. Are you unhappy with your smile? You’re not alone. Surveys show that a large percentage of adults are dissatisfied with their smile, whether because of crooked teeth or gaps between them. If self-confidence is important to you, then it might be worth thinking about getting orthodontic treatment from an adult orthodontist near me.
Many adults want to improve their teeth alignment for increased comfort and fewer dental problems, while others want to ensure they get orthodontic treatment while they still have room in their mouth. Another consideration is that once your adult teeth develop, there isn’t much room for movement (unless you go see an adult orthodontist , which has years of experience working with adult patients). Your bite could end up being out of balance (aka malocclusion) or worse—you could lose a tooth or two if things get really bad. But chances are good that once those permanent chompers get locked into place by age 18 (or shortly thereafter), they’re pretty much staying put until retirement!
Does Insurance Cover Orthodontic Treatment?
As with any other medical procedure, not all insurance providers will cover orthodontic treatment. For those that do offer coverage, each provider has its own set of rules as far as what is and isn’t covered. Generally speaking, most major dental plans in North America have a cap on what they are willing to pay out per year for adult orthodontic treatment. This means there’s a limit on how much your insurance provider will contribute toward your orthodontic treatment. That said, you can still get adult braces even if you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover it; you just need to prepare yourself for higher up-front costs associated with paying in full.
Fortunately, if you’re getting braces as an adult because of a dental condition like an underbite or overbite, then you may be able to receive some form of government assistance (especially if your dentist recommends treatment). And since these procedures aren’t typically elective or cosmetic in nature, many dentists are comfortable helping patients apply for aid through their local state office. In addition to straightening teeth via standard metal brackets and wires made from nickel titanium or stainless steel—the two materials used most often during adult orthodontic treatments—orthodontists may opt for clear aligners: plastic trays with no metal parts that help produce comparable results at lower prices than traditional straightening treatments.
How Much Does Adult Braces Cost?
Adult braces cost between $3,000 and $8,000. The exact cost will depend on several factors, including how long treatment lasts, what materials are used, how many visits you make to your orthodontist each year and whether or not you need other dental work done at the same time. One way you can save money is by checking with local dental schools; they might provide adult braces at a discounted rate. If that’s not an option in your area, ask if there are any payment plans available or if your orthodontist accepts credit cards. In some cases, orthodontists even offer payment plans for people who are out of insurance coverage for their procedures.
The American Association of Orthodontists has created a guide with information about costs, expected outcomes and financing options for both children and adults. They also have links to orthodontic associations in various regions of the country so you can get started finding one nearby. Before committing to any kind of treatment, however, it’s important to ensure that you—and especially your child—are healthy enough for it. Make sure he has had all his required shots before undergoing any sort of procedure (including laser surgery) to straighten teeth because certain diseases may interfere with healing afterward. Certain types of orthodontic treatments—such as invisalign—also require patients be 12 years old or older because younger children haven’t developed fully yet.
Are Braces Painful?
Braces can be a pain. If you’re an adult, that might seem like an understatement. Sure, you can have braces on and get your teeth straight out—but will people judge you? Can I smile with my braces on? The answer is definitely yes. But there are a few considerations when dealing with adult orthodontic treatment. Here are five things you need to know about having adult orthodontic treatment. 1. Adult treatment is different from child treatment One of the first differences between adult orthodontics and other types of treatments has to do with time frame.
That’s because adults have more developed jaws than children do so it takes longer for orthodontists to create even alignments using braces or retainers for adults than it does for kids who haven’t fully grown yet. Adults may experience more discomfort due to their jaw development, but they typically don’t require as many treatments as younger patients; most often adult treatments last about 18 months whereas kid cases can go up to 36 months if not longer.
Do I Have To Wear A Mouthguard While I Sleep?
If you have had a good orthodontic evaluation, it is likely that your doctor will recommend that you wear a mouthguard. This is because most people tend to clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. If you don’t wear a mouthguard during sleep, then your teeth are more susceptible to being crack or broken from excessive tooth grinding. Be sure to make an appointment with your orthodontist if you feel that you could benefit from wearing a mouthguard while sleeping.
Can I Smile With My Braces On?
As an adult orthodontist, I’m often ask about whether or not adults need braces. In addition to that, I get ask questions about how adults can use braces if they want to fix their teeth or maintain their existing smile. Adults can certainly use braces and in many cases there are benefits of getting them even after you have become an adult. But there are some circumstances when it is just better for adults not to get them in order to keep smiling with confidence instead of worrying about other things. If you do decide that you want your smile improved with braces, it is best that you consult with a trusted adult orthodontist near me who can help guide you along on your journey and offer helpful advice based on years of experience working with patients just like yourself.
