Many adults with dental problems feel like they missed their chance to have braces once they reached the age of 18. Lately that is not the case. I have run into many adults with braces to correct their smiles and constantly wonder if I should do the same thing. Adult orthodontics has become more popular than ever, with more orthodontists ready to cater to the older crowd thanks to the advances made in the field. Yet many adults wonder about the benefits and risks associated with adult orthodontics. Common questions include; “Do I have to have metal braces?”, “How much will it cost?”, and “How long will I have to wear braces?”. While I can’t answer all of these questions, I can offer some of the benefits and risks that are associated with adult orthodontics.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
There are many benefits of adult orthodontics whether you’re seeking to correct bite or jaw problems, crooked or crowded teeth, or the regression that can happen after having braces as a child. For many adults, this will be the first time in braces to treat these problems. Treating these problems can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease which can lead to better maintenance of your dental health. Adult orthodontics can also reduce headaches and jaw pain that can be associated with jaw and teeth placement.
There are many types of braces if you are concerned about having mouth full of metal as an adult. Many orthodontists offer ceramic braces, which are made of a clear porcelain and only the wire can be seen. There is also the option of lingual braces, which are like the traditional metal brackets except they are on the backside of your teeth. Only you know that they are there. Depending on the severity of your problem, some orthodontists offer the invisible aligners, like Invisalign. There is also the option of the traditional metal brackets, which can be fairly inexpensive compared to the other options, but many adults seeking braces tend to shy away since they are very visible. Yet some adults don’t care. It all comes down to the options available to you, and your orthodontist will help you find a treatment that makes you feel comfortable.
Many adults wonder how they would even pay for the braces. Not to worry. Some insurances will cover a portion or all of the orthodontic treatment. If your insurance company will not, many orthodontist offices have payment plans that they can set up with you. Most payment plans will consist of a down payment and then a set amount each month until the treatment is paid off. In any case, the investment turns out to be a small one since you will be improving your health.
After treatment is finished, and for some people it’s during, many people feel an increased sense of confidence. They come out of treatment with a great smile and the feeling that they just did something great for their health. Most adults go into getting braces with the support of their family and friends also. I’ve also seen whole families with braces, kids and parents, offering their support to one another. Just remember- adult orthodontics is the one thing you’re doing to better your health.
Concerns Associated With Adult Orthodontics
As with anything, there is some bad that comes with the good. I would like to think that the improvement of health would be enough to cast the bad aside when considering getting orthodontic treatment, but there are some legitimate concerns with adult orthodontics. These concerns should not make any adult shy away from getting braces, but they are good to know about so there are no surprises.
There is going to be the pain factor that is associated with braces. If you wonder what it might feel like to ask a few of the local teenagers. Some say that they have pain every month when they go in for an adjustment and some claim that they don’t experience any pain. Adult orthodontics also comes with more time spent in braces than teenagers. The teens mouth has not quit growing and is therefore more malleable making any orthodontic treatment easier. Since the adult mouth is already done growing, you could spend a few more years in braces than the typical 2-4 years.
Along with a possibly longer time frame in braces, there may not be some options available to adults as there are teens. Most orthodontic appliances are made to be used in a younger person’s mouth since it is still growing. Those same appliances would not work in a mouth that has already finished growing, and sometimes the only option could be jaw surgery. Most orthodontists will try and find a way to fix teeth with surgery being the very last resort. It just depends on how flexible the adult patient is and what they would be comfortable with.
Some adults that have had orthodontic treatment say that they have had cases of regression or tipping of their teeth after treatment. These problems seem to be rare, but in some instances most adults have to go back into a second round of braces or a permanent retainer. This is on a case by case basis though, most adults don’t have a problem once their orthodontic treatment is over.
Another concern is the time it does take for all of the appointments to the orthodontist and their regular dentist. In most cases, it is just an hour at the orthodontist every month and then the usual dental check-ups done by the regular dentist. Some adults take the whole day off of work for their orthodontist appointment to allot for the pain they may feel for the rest of the day and how long the appointment may take. Anyone can allot time for appointments and get their work schedule moved around them as long as their place of employment knows in advance. Sometimes there may be surprise appointments for broken orthodontic appliances or unusual pain, but the time used for appointments should not be of any concern.
The most important thing an adult considering orthodontics can do is weight out all of their options. Consultation appointments can be set up with as many orthodontists you would like. This way you can see the differences in treatment, costs, and how much time it would take. At these consultations, it’s important for the adult to ask as many questions as possible so they will feel comfortable with the decisions they make about their orthodontic treatment. Your health and confidence are the most important factors to consider. Remember, you are the one that is going to make the ultimate decision when it comes to adult orthodontic treatment.
Sources:
http://www.archwired.com/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/you-and-your-dentist/are-you-too-old-for-braces.aspx
