Orthodontic care may not be at the top of your mind when you consider adult oral health, but it certainly should be! Without regular visits to an orthodontist near me, adults are missing out on preventative oral health and treatment options that can improve their smiles and overall oral health drastically. Read more to learn about why adult orthodontic care matters and how you can find an adult orthodontist near me today!
Find an orthodontist near you
Getting orthodontic treatment as an adult can be a very rewarding experience. But how do you know which orthodontist to choose if you don’t already have one on your preferred provider list, or if you’re new to an area where you don’t have any established relationships with dentists yet? Your search for an orthodontist near me for adults may be made easier by following these four steps 1) check online reviews; 2) ask friends and family; 3) find out what insurances they accept; and 4) ask them about their specific procedures and treatments. The more informed you are before meeting with potential providers, the better able you will be to make a decision that is right for you. After all, it’s your smile!
Why do I need braces as an adult?
Aside from early treatment, one of the best reasons to get braces as an adult is that they are often more affordable than they are for children. That’s because adults are likely in better financial positions to pay out-of-pocket, and insurance plans don’t typically cover orthodontic work. Adult orthodontia also has other advantages: Adults can afford to take time off of work or school if needed, so treatment isn’t interrupted by breaks; adults have more control over their overall health, which means orthodontists can schedule appointments when patients will be at their best physically and mentally; and adults who want a perfect smile can opt for clear aligners or other alternatives that might not be viable options for younger patients.
How much do braces cost as an adult?
Dental braces are generally most cost-effective for people who get them in their early to mid-teens, when your jaw and teeth are still developing. And yes, it is possible to get braces as an adult. In fact, there’s some research that suggests they may be even more effective on adults than kids. Depending on where you live, dental braces can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 or more. That said, if you have a job that provides health insurance coverage or have a flexible spending account through your employer (as many self-employed workers do), orthodontic treatment might not be as expensive as you think.
However, if you don’t have any way of paying for these treatments out of pocket, then you’ll need to consider financing options like CareCredit. If your income makes you eligible for Medicaid or other government programs, then you’ll likely be able to use those resources to pay for braces. However, keep in mind that Medicaid eligibility requirements vary widely by state. In addition, some states restrict adult orthodontic care only to individuals with special needs—such as individuals with cleft palates—or require adults to meet certain income requirements before being eligible for free care.
When should I get braces as an adult?
The best time to get braces is when you are a teenager. That said, people do seek orthodontic treatment as adults for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for adult orthodontics is crowding. In most cases, orthodontics will be able to correct your crowding, but it’s important to have realistic expectations before you get started so that you don’t end up disappointed. If your only concern is about your teeth looking straight in pictures or when speaking with others, there may be other cosmetic options available to you (such as clear aligners).
Additionally, if you have chronic mouth pain or other dental problems that need to be correct first, then orthodontics might not be right for you at all. Finally, if you want to wear removable appliances like retainers and night guards after getting your braces off, those appliances can interfere with some types of orthodontic treatments. You should always speak with an experience adult orthodontist near me before getting any kind of permanent treatment done on your teeth. Your dentist can refer you to one who specializes in adult patients and can help determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for orthodontics.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign® as an adult?
The short answer is, yes. While Invisalign® is most commonly prescribe for adults, teens and children of all ages, it’s also appropriate for some adults over age 18. The Invisalign® system was created to help patients align their teeth even if they have irregular bites or don’t have adequate dental insurance to cover traditional orthodontics. Plus, there are benefits adults can enjoy from aligning their teeth that people in other age groups might not experience—such as a boost in confidence and an increase in job opportunities. So how do you know if you’re a candidate for Invisalign®? Read on to learn more about adult orthodontics and whether or not you could benefit from having your teeth straight with clear braces.
The costs involved with braces as an adult
Because braces are mean to straighten teeth rather than simply improve their appearance, adult orthodontics is more involve than traditional Invisalign treatments. Adult orthodontics also carries a higher price tag: At around $10,000 for full treatment, adult braces are almost 10 times as expensive as Invisalign, according to data from PlanScore. In addition to being a major financial investment, braces aren’t really an option for people with chronic health conditions or who have trouble remembering their appointments.
That said, if you can afford it and have time to dedicate to your treatment plan – and if you’re over 18 – there are definitely orthodontists near me adults would benefit from getting professional care right away. As we age, our teeth start to shift into new positions. Over time, our jaws lose some of their strength and resiliency, making them less effective at supporting our teeth. If we don’t do something about it now, these issues will only get worse as we get older.
Adults tend to take better care of themselves than teens do; they also have better jobs that make dental insurance coverage easier to obtain. If you’ve been putting off adult orthodontics because of high costs or inconvenient scheduling – stop! There’s no need to suffer in silence when relief is just one phone call away! If you’d like more information on how adults can get help with their crooked smiles and misaligned bites, please contact us today!
