Braces are one of the best orthodontic treatments for children who want to grow up with straight teeth. But did you know that many adults are now turning to braces to correct their teeth, jaws, and other oral issues? Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as being too old for braces. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists report that a quarter of current orthodontic braces patients are adults.
Unsure if braces are right for you? We here at Albany Country Braces are happy to explain a few key facts about modern adult braces treatment in order to help you make your decision. Learn about modern braces options, treatment time, and more to help you decide if adult braces are right for you:
Fact #1: Braces are more affordable than ever
One of the reasons why many adults are now considering braces despite not getting them when they were younger is due to the cost. Fortunately, modern innovations and treatment options have made braces more affordable than ever. While total cost will still vary, braces treatment may be as little as $3,000 to $5,000.
You may spend even less depending on your insurance coverage. While state insurance and Medicaid rarely cover adult braces, many employer and individual dental insurance plans do offer coverage for adult braces. Be sure to consult your orthodontist and your insurance company to find out if braces are a covered option for you.
Fact #2: There many braces options to choose from
Many adults skip braces because they don’t like dealing with the bulky, ugly traditional metal brackets. If you don’t mind paying extra, you can enjoy braces treatment but hide what you’re wearing with modern clear and ceramic colored brackets. While they are still visible, they are much harder to see compared to older traditional brackets, making it more comfortable for adult patients who want to straighten their teeth.
If you want to avoid metal brackets altogether, you should consider clear aligners. Aligners are removable trays that gently straighten your teeth like braces, but are translucent so others can hardly tell you’re wearing them. You can also take them out when you need to eat, play sports, or perform a major speech at work. If you want straighter teeth but hate how braces look, you should consult your orthodontist about clear aligners.
Fact #3: Length of treatment can vary
The one major negative to getting orthodontic treatment done as an adult instead of as a child is the treatment time. Braces work in conjunction with child growth, allowing for accelerated treatment time. Because adult jaws are largely settled, treatment times will usually take longer, and may even require some surgery to correct severe issues.
For the average adult patient, expect between 18 to 36 months to complete braces treatment. Maintaining your oral hygiene, attending your scheduled appointments, and following all of the instructions provided by your orthodontist can accelerate treatment time.
Get adult braces from Embrace Orthodontics
Are you a resident of Delmar, New York? Whether you need braces for yourself or your children, consider getting treatment from Embrace Orthodontics. Our team is happy to provide braces for patients of all ages, including clear aligners for those who want to avoid traditional braces. If you want to learn more about how braces can improve your smile, be sure to ask about our digital impressions 3D modeling software so we can show you how your smile can improve.
Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you here at Embrace Orthodontics.
From improved oral health to an enhanced appearance, braces offer many undeniable benefits.
Braces can correct misaligned teeth and bite problems, making it easier to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They also improve the appearance of your smile by straightening crooked teeth, closing gaps, and correcting other cosmetic issues. Braces can even improve digestion by aligning your teeth and jaws properly.
How do you know if you need braces? In this article, we’ll cover the basics, along with what to expect from your orthodontic visit.
When to Consider Braces
The decision to get braces should be made in consultation with an orthodontist who specializes in correcting misaligned teeth and jaw problems. However, some signs may indicate that braces may be necessary, such as:
- Crowded or crooked teeth: If your teeth are crowded or crooked, this can affect your ability to bite and chew properly and may also make it difficult to keep your teeth clean.
- Overbite or underbite: An overbite or underbite occurs when the upper or lower teeth protrude too far in front of the opposite teeth. This can lead to issues with chewing, speaking, and even breathing.
- Gaps between teeth: If you have large gaps between your teeth, this can affect your bite and make it difficult to chew properly.
- Jaw pain or clicking: If you experience jaw pain or clicking, this may indicate a problem with your bite or jaw alignment that can be corrected with braces.
- Speech problems: If you have difficulty speaking properly due to misaligned teeth or jaws, braces may be necessary to correct the problem.
Generally, it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. We typically see patients around the ages of 8 and 9 whose adult teeth are not fully showing. However, the adult teeth are visible on x-rays and from there, the orthodontist can evaluate them.
What Happens at an Orthodontic Visit
At an orthodontic visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your oral health, examine your teeth and jaws, and discuss any concerns you may have about your teeth and bite. The following are some of the steps involved in an orthodontic visit:
- Examination: The orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaws, and bite to determine if any issues require treatment.
- X-rays: X-rays may be taken to get a better view of your teeth and jaws and to help the orthodontist develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Digital Scan: The orthodontist may take scans of your teeth which will be used to help the orthodontist determine the best course of treatment.
- Treatment plan: Based on the examination and x-rays, the orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.
- Discussion of treatment options: The orthodontist will discuss the treatment plan with you and explain the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
- Cost estimate: The orthodontist will provide you with an estimate of the cost of treatment and discuss payment options.
- Follow-up: After your initial orthodontic visit, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Overall, an orthodontic visit is an opportunity to get a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and discuss your options for improving your smile and bite. The orthodontist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.
Orthodontic Treatment in Delmar, NY
Having braces is not just about improving your smile; it’s also about improving your overall dental health! At Embrace Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontic treatment to align and straighten teeth to improve appearance and form, and function by correcting malocclusions and other imperfections of the teeth and jaws.
Your first visit will begin with a consultation with Dr. Palermo to review the best treatment alternatives for your orthodontic care. Our team will explain the treatment process and will be happy to address any questions you may have regarding your treatment plan. To get started, contact us at [df-phone-number1 dflink=”true”] for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.
Clear aligners are the latest technology in orthodontic treatment. They are an alternative to braces that are effective for many patients. There are a few different brands of clear aligners on the market, Invisalign being the original and most well-known.
If you’re thinking of choosing clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment, consider the pros and cons to help you make the best decision for you.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are made of plastic that is molded to the shape of your teeth. A series of aligners are created that have slight variations in the shape so that the teeth will be gradually shifted into the proper position. You wear each aligner for about two weeks, then switch to the next aligner in order. Once you have worn all of the aligners according to your orthodontist’s instructions, your teeth should be in the desired position.
Pros of Clear Aligners
The following are benefits of clear aligner systems:
- Discreet. Clear aligners are virtually invisible on your teeth. The clear plastic fits snugly to your teeth so that it can’t be in most cases. You can straighten your teeth discreetly without changing your appearance.
- Comfortable. The smooth plastic aligners won’t irritate your tongue or the insides of your cheeks and lips. And clear aligners shift your teeth more gradually so you’ll experience less discomfort overall.
- Convenient. Clear aligners are removable for eating and cleaning your teeth. There are no food restrictions and no special brushing or flossing tools required to keep your teeth clean.
- Efficient. Clear aligners can shift your teeth into the proper position in 6-18 months.
Cons of Clear Aligners
There are some disadvantages to clear aligner systems:
- Not everyone is a candidate. Clear aligner systems work best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If you need significant adjustments made to your teeth, clear aligners may not be effective.
- Aligners can be lost. It is easy to lose your aligners unless you store them in the case provided and keep track of it.
- You may forget to wear your aligners. If you don’t wear your aligners enough the treatment will not be effective or may take longer. It is recommended that you wear them for at least 22 hours a day.
- You can’t eat or drink while wearing your aligners. You should not eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners. This means if you’re a frequent snacker or sipper, clear aligners may not be best for you.
Are Clear Aligners Right For You?
If you’re wondering whether or not clear aligners are the right orthodontic treatment for you, the first step is to schedule an evaluation. Embrace Orthodontics can evaluate the current position of your teeth and determine whether or not clear aligners would be effective in your case. We can discuss the pros and cons with you as well to help you make the best decision for you or your child.
To learn more, call 518-439-9339 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Do I need to clean my aligners?
It is important to clean your aligners daily. Brush them with clear, unscented soap and a soft bristled toothbrush that is different from the one you use on your teeth. Clean your aligners and your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
Why do some people need braces?
There are some adjustments that clear aligners are not capable of making. If teeth need to be rotated or moved up or down in the jaw, braces may be needed. Severe bite misalignment may also require braces.
