If someone needs braces during their life, there’s a good chance they got them as a child. However, there are over a million adults in the US who are currently receiving orthodontic care, including braces. If you didn’t have the opportunity to get braces as a kid, you can still get them now and be in good company! Your oral and dental health is important, so if a medical professional recommends braces, you should listen to them, no matter your age. If you’re still on the fence about this important decision, we can help. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about getting braces as an adult so you can make the right choice for your health.
You Have Options
If an orthodontist tells you that your teeth need treatment, you shouldn’t panic and immediately worry about braces. There are several types of orthodontic treatments, including braces, retainers, and Invisalign. Depending on how much correction your teeth need, you may be able to choose between those options. Braces and Invisalign are very similar; the main difference is how visible the first is over the second. So even if your orthodontist recommends greater correction than a retainer can provide, you may still be able to choose an invisible option.
They Won’t Last Forever
Many adults hear that they may need braces and worry that they’ll be wearing them for years on end, ruining family photos and special occasions. In reality, the average length of braces in adults is around two years. While you may need them for less or more time depending on the amount of correction your teeth need, two years is a reasonable expectation for most people. Two years may sound like a long time. However, that’s only two experiences of certain holidays and annual occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, so you don’t need to worry about them that much. And you can choose your brace colors at each adjustment, which allows you to partially take charge of your teeth’s aesthetics in the meantime.
Costs Vary
Most people who need braces as adults didn’t get them as kids because they were too expensive. Unfortunately, the cost hasn’t changed. Many health and dental insurance plans don’t cover adult braces unless your teeth are negatively affecting your health, and even then, they don’t fully cover the treatment. However, many orthodontists are aware of these steep prices and offer payment plans and other forms of financial help so you can take care of your teeth without breaking the bank. Research the orthodontists available in your area, talk to your insurance provider, and check about other forms of financial assistance if you want braces but know you can’t afford them.
There’s a lot of information you need to know about getting braces as an adult. Knowing that you have options, how long you’ll probably have braces, and how much they cost are the most important facts adults have to face when considering braces.
