Braces For Adults. Never Too Old For Dental Braces
October 30th, 2008
Many people associated braces with kids and teens. However, they are becoming increasingly popular among adults as well. These great orthodontic tools can help correct bite problems and give you a beautiful, straight smile no matter how old you are.
In fact, braces for adults are touted as the most effective way to permanently improve your teeth and your appearance. So, if you want to improve your smile, take the time to learn more about braces for adults.
Qualified Orthodontist for Adult Braces
Braces for adults are great option for many people. The first step to adding these dental tools is to find a qualified orthodontist. Virtually all orthodontists now treat adults as well as children. However, if you do not know of any qualified professionals in your area, you can usually ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Upon speaking with an orthodontist, you will receive a full assessment of your smile and any bite problems that need to be addressed. Then, the orthodontist will lay out braces for adult treatment plan. This information is invaluable to deciding whether or not braces for adults are right for you. Without a personal assessment, it is difficult to understand all of the factors that will impact your braces experience.
Cost is one of the most daunting aspects of braces for adults. Depending on your dental insurance coverage and the nature of your orthodontic problem, you may be able to get partial coverage for your costs. However, keep in mind that braces for adults will generally run around $5,000 depending on the length and intensity of treatment. Costs also vary based upon the type of braces you choose.
There Are Several Kinds of Braces for Adults Available
The most traditional option is fixed braces. These attach to the front of teeth, which are moved by manipulating connective wires. Fixed braces usually take between nine months and two years to fully work. After this time, the adult braces are removed and the patient is left to wear a retainer, which is usually barely visible, for some period of time determined by an orthodontist.
Fixed braces are the most visible type of braces. This makes them somewhat unpopular among people who fear the stigma associated with their appearance. Thankfully, a few other options are available for adults.
One popular variation on fixed braces for adults is ceramic braces. These are manufactured to be a similar shade as a person’s teeth. Subsequently, ceramic braces are less noticeable.
Another fixed braces for adults option is lingual braces. These are fixed to the back of teeth and are nearly invisible. However, such braces for adult can be more painful and uncomfortable than traditional fixed braces.
Finally, there are new, clear braces for adults that are not fixed to the teeth. These braces for adults are worn for at least eighteen hours per day and removed during meals. Every few weeks, the braces are exchanged for a new, modified set. While invisible braces are effective, they generally only work for people with mild to moderate bite problems.
You are never too old for braces. People of any age can benefit from these devices and achieve the beautiful smile they have always dreamed of. So, if you are unhappy with your teeth, make it a point to see an orthodontist and ask about braces for adults.
Categories: Teeth
It’s anyway a little scary to wear braces after 21. It makes you look strange, though braces for adults may be invisible. It’s better.
hi,
uk resident. once teeth is corrected will that be it as u mentioned retainers need to be worn. also how long do u need to go to the denist to make adjustment/tuning to braces. meaning do i go every 2,3 or 4 weeks for adjustments. and how long will these adjusment take i.e 10-15mins.
thanks.
I had my first braces at 58, including pink and purple elastices, and had to wear them for about 2 years, wearing retainers during the night now.
It was well worth it!
My teeth started crowding and I developed a lisp.
My teeth don’t look like the teeth of a teenagers and show some age-related yellowing, but I will not have them whitened or plated.
They are so much straighter now!
My smile looks better and they function better.
Yes, I have to go for check-ups every few months, but it has been well worth it and I don’t mind.
Being able to chew properly is most important especially as one gets older.
All your health goes into your body through your mouth!
Properly functioning teeth are therefore very important.
Very few people made comments when I was wearing braces. The overall result is worth the inconvenience!
Thanks cc. I’ll be 50 in 2 months and have always felt that crooked teeth detracted from my ever-present smile. I was concerned about starting so late and if getting braces would create dental problems.
Your post has motivated me!
:)
Nice to hear!
I do not experience more or additional dental problems.
I had old fillings checked and some replaced beforehand. Your dentist and orthodontist will co-ordinate the treatment and recommend what is best.
I find brushing, and especially flossing, to be much easier now, and this in turn assists in keeping gums healthier.
One bracket was fixed to a tooth with a crown and I was worried that the crown may come off when the bracket was removed. But it was no problem at all. The crown stayed put and is still there.
I still wear my retainers most nights. If I don’t wear them for more than two or three nights the teeth shift and the retainers are harder to put in again.
When you get the braces you will experience some pain for a while, and may need to eat soft food.
But the pain will go away. Your orthodontist will explain everything, including how to brush teeth and gums while wearing braces.
I carried a ‘sawn off’ tooth brush, a collapsible cup, and some toothpaste (in a lip balm pot) in my handbag, so I could keep my teeth and wires clean during the day after eating.
That was the most annoying bit, food getting caught in the wire.
When my braces came off I had the feeling that all teeth were wobbly and were about to fall out.
But they definitely don’t!
Make it as a birthday gift to yourself.
You’ll love your new smile!
Re: “wobbly teeth”
This is only temporary. The teeth will settle and be stable. Nothing to worry about!
I guess that after being shifted and held in place by wires the feeling of instability is to be expected.