Braces for Adults: What You Should Know

You are never too old to perfect your smile, even when you are a grown up. If you want to see a new you, straightening your teeth or fixing a bite issue is a great idea. Adults have a variety of options for braces and other things to consider.

Are you a good candidate for braces?

Make an appointment with your dentist to find out. they can tell you if orthodontics is the best option for your issue, and can address any other concerns you may have.

What are your options?

• Traditional metal orthodontic appliances will likely be the less expensive option, but there are other choices that are less noticeable but are more costly.
• You can look into clear ceramic braces which are still worn on the front of the teeth. These blend in with the color of your teeth.
• Lingual braces have brackets on the tongue side of your teeth. This keeps them out of sight.
• Invisible braces, like *invisalign or * clear correct are a series of aligners that are also removable for eating and brushing. Not everyone is a good case for the invisible braces. The Dentist or Orthodontist determines that on a case by case basis.
• We also offer a 6 month smile option – this is a limited orthodontic treatment for the front 6 teeth only. This is not to correct the bite, but can offer an improvement in the esthetics of your smile. Again, this is a case by case basis to determine if you are a candidate for 6 month smiles.

How much does orthodontics cost?

Check with your insurance company to see if adult orthodontics are covered by your plan. Usually dental insurance does not cover orthodontics for adults. Prices vary, so contact us or an orthodontist for a consultation and a price quote.

How long will the treatment take?

Treatment for adults typically takes longer than it does for children. The bone in your jaw is denser the older you get. This makes the teeth harder to move so it takes longer. On average, most adults will wear braces anywhere from a 1 and a half to 3 years. Like children, adults will have to wear a retainer for some time after the braces are removed.

Finally, we recommend that wearing your retainers at night long after your treatment is finished. This helps you maintain that beautiful smile for many years and prevents teeth from shifting back.