Not every person has the luxury of getting orthodontic treatment as a child or young adult. If you are an adult with misaligned teeth or other oral abnormalities, you may be considering consulting with an orthodontist. You may be wondering if–as a full-grown adult–it is worth suffering through the potentially awkward “braces stage” that your middle school buddies recovered from years ago. Or perhaps you are worried about financing braces. No matter where you are in your orthodontic journey, here are several tips before getting braces as an adult.
Know Your Options
Unless it is your style, you won’t need to get multi-colored metal brackets to correct your teeth. Fortunately, there are a variety of options. A popular option, especially among adults, is Invisalign®. Rather than using metal brackets and wires, as used in the traditional type of braces you are probably most familiar with, Invisalign® uses plastic aligners which are practically see-through. Invisalign® is a great option for adults who want to maintain a better aesthetic while also gently improving their smile. Fortunately, Invisalign® rarely takes longer than traditional braces to correct teeth and is about the same price. That said, before you make a decision about what type of braces you want, be sure to consult with our orthodontists concerning all the pros and cons of each option.
Be Realistic and Honest
If you are considering braces–Invisalign® or traditional–it is essential that you are honest with yourself about your lifestyle. For example, many adults choose Invisalign® for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, but Invisalign® isn’t for everyone. If you know that you would not be good at remembering to wear your Invisalign®, you may want to opt for traditional metal braces which are attached to your teeth. Furthermore, if you have major dental issues that you would like to solve, Invisalign® may not be the best option for you. Lastly, before you commit to the financial and physical obligations of orthodontic treatment, you must be honest with yourself about your dental hygiene. If you still haven’t committed to taking good care of your teeth, you may first need to formulate some good, dental hygiene habits in order that your orthodontic treatment is successful.
Take a Look at Finances
Orthodontic care can place a hefty financial burden on some people. Therefore, it is essential that, as an adult, you take a look at your finances and plan accordingly for any and all orthodontic expenses. Fortunately, many insurance companies help cover Invisalign® or braces; however, if you are in a situation without insurance or without coverage for orthodontic treatments, you may need to take the time to save up for your treatment. Furthermore, if you end up having more serious problems with your teeth that require surgery, you could be spending more than you initially planned.
Orthodontic treatment on misaligned teeth comes with many benefits: improved oral health, a boost of confidence, and even enhanced digestive health. Nevertheless, it is understandable why many adults are tentative about getting braces. If you still have concerns about getting braces as an adult, be sure to consult with an orthodontist.
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