A 2014 survey by the American Association of Orthodontists found that 27% of all US and Canadian patients seeking orthodontia are adults. Most state their biggest regret was not getting braces sooner.
There are many reasons why adult braces are becoming more popular. For some it’s cosmetic but often there are myriad health reasons for getting braces as an adult.
And while some worry about the cost, there are affordable options. If you’ve ever wondered whether getting braces as an adult was an option for you, keep reading.
We’re sharing everything you need to know about braces for adults.
The Benefits of Adult Braces
Many adults find that getting braces as an adult is much easier than it was when they were children. And you’re not just stuck with metal bands in your mouth. Adult orthodontia comes with more options than ever.
Smiling is Good for You
One huge reason for getting braces as an adult is that you end up with a beautiful smile. Many adults are afraid to smile because they are embarrassed by their teeth.
Not smiling forces you to miss out on a lot of great parts of life like taking photos with friends and family or laughing at a funny joke. There are also a plethora of health benefits that stem just from smiling.
It’s a shame to miss out on life because of something that’s easily fixable.
Braces Help Fix Potential Oral Health Problems
Your teeth can still move, no matter how old you get. And if you have other oral health problems, moving teeth are a big warning sign.
Those with a crossbite or misaligned teeth are at an increased risk for plaque and food buildup between your teeth. And that can lead to some serious issues like gum and periodontal disease.
You’re also at an increased risk for wearing down your tooth enamel, tooth decay, and even gum and bone loss.
Getting braces helps realign your mouth so you can brush and floss more easily, which helps prevent oral health problems.
You Can Avoid or Alleviate Other Health Problems
While overly crowded, misaligned teeth can cause some serious oral health problems, they’re not the only health issues. Teeth and mouth problems also cause painful problems like TMJ.
TMJ causes earaches and headaches. Also, if you struggle with your bite and can’t chew properly, it’s possible to end up with gastrointestinal problems. Problems with your gut can affect your overall health as gut health is directly related to your immune system.
The Cost of Adult Braces
How much do braces for adults cost? That largely depends on your age, the condition of your teeth, what type of braces you get, and how long you need to wear them for.
Check With Your Insurance
However, you should assume braces will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Most braces are worn for an average of two years.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to keep costs down a bit. First, always check with your dental insurance to see if they’ll pay for your braces.
Ask Your Dentist About Payment Plans
You can also speak with your orthodontist to see if they offer payment plans for your orthodontia. Most orthodontists are more than happy to help you find a way to pay.
Take Out a Loan
Check online or with your bank to see if you can get a personal loan to help you pay for your braces. Just make sure you can afford to make the payments.
Also, make sure you find a loan that doesn’t come with an astronomical interest rate. You don’t want to pay just as much in interest as you do for your actual braces.
Look for Dental Assistance Programs
Check with your state to see if there are any dental assistance programs available to you. There may be a not-for-profit organization out there willing to help you out.
You can also look for free clinics run by medical and dental volunteers.
Visit a School Clinic
If you live near a dental school, there’s a good chance they are open to taking on patients. While the students perform the work, they’re heavily supervised by faculty members throughout the process.
Most schools charge far lower rates since the school only needs to cover the cost of materials and equipment used.
Helpful Hints for Adult Patients
If you’re going to get braces, you should know how to properly care for yourself and your braces. The more care you put into the process, the better the outcome you end up with.
Attend All Your Check-Ups
Make sure you go to all of your regularly scheduled check-ups. While it’s easy as an adult to put things off, but you don’t get the same results if you skip visits.
Avoid Certain Foods
There are certain foods you’re better off avoiding when you have braces. Foods that are crunchy can get stuck in your braces.
Sticky or gummy foods also wreak havoc on your braces. Make sure you know which foods to avoid additional problems.
There are also certain foods that are best like berries after you’ve had your braces fitted or tightened. Especially since your mouth may be feeling quite tender. These foods make chewing less painful while helping you maintain your health.
Pay Attention to Brushing and Flossing
You’ll probably want to become more diligent with your brushing and flossing while you’re wearing braces. It’s much easier for food to get trapped between your teeth and even in your braces.
Make sure you get into the habit of brushing and flossing while wearing braces so you don’t end up with more problems after have them taken off.
Why You Should Choose Us
While healthy teeth and gums are serious business, we still like to have as much fun as we can around here. We also love to give back to our community as much as we can.
If you’re looking for the best place to get your adult braces, look no further. Our testimonials say it all. Which is why you should click here to schedule your appointment.