Did you know that over one-third of American adults aren’t content with their smile?

Braces for adults might seem frivolous since this dental treatment is often for children and teenagers. But the truth is that it’s becoming a necessity. If you haven’t had the opportunity to get braces when you’re younger, now is the right time.

Don’t dismiss braces yet.

With this guide, you’ll learn about adult braces and various options associated with it. That way, you’ll get the best ones for your teeth. Read on and find out how this dental treatment improves your smile:

1. Metal Braces

When people think of braces, this option is what comes to mind for most people. These adhere right to your teeth, with only orthodontists able to remove it after finishing the treatment. To make your teeth shift, the orthodontist makes the wires around the braces tighter, forcing it to shift.

When using metal braces, you can’t consume certain foods and drinks. After all, you must not get anything stuck to it. Worse, you must be careful when cleaning since it might break.

Depending on your treatment plan, you might end up wearing braces for 3 years or more. But the tradeoff is it can treat tooth alignment and bite issues. It will work for almost any orthodontic situation.

2. Clear Braces

Clear braces for adults are perfect since they can seem invisible at first glance. You can choose between clear plastic, ceramic, and porcelain. When you wear them, it’s almost impossible for your colleagues to notice them.

Clear braces are permanent attachments to your teeth. Only orthodontists can remove them after finishing the treatment. It also comes with the same food and drink restrictions, but you must also think about potential food stains.

3. Invisalign

Invisalign gained lots of popularity in recent times, especially with adults. It’s a treatment that uses plastic aligners, making it discreet and clear. You can remove these without orthodontic assistance.

That means you can remove it while eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth. As your teeth shift, you must switch out these aligners every two weeks. This depends on how much progress you make.

With Invisalign, you have a universal option for treatments. It can handle more complex orthodontic cases. Read this guide to know how does Invisalign work with your dental health.

4. Ceramic Braces

Over 4 million Americans wear braces, with its ceramic variant is a hybrid choice for adults. It uses clear ceramic brackets and metal wires. Together, you’ll have less conspicuous braces while retaining some of the benefits of its metal counterpart.

That means you have braces working like traditional ones without drawing attention to them. If you want something reliable but less noticeable, ceramic braces are the best. But its only drawback is that you’re likely to get stains from food and beverage.

This option comes with some restrictions. You must also be diligent when cleaning them and watching what you eat regularly.

Adult Braces Treatment Duration

This treatment often needs 1-3 years to complete. It’s always better to consult your orthodontist to have a more accurate estimate. They will give a comprehensive timeline during your first consultation, adjusting it as necessary on the succeeding appointments.

Orthodontists will check and track your teeth position whenever you visit. This will let them decide when the treatment concludes. In typical situations, removing your braces won’t cause pain.

You need not make special preparations for the appointment. You’re likely to love the pressure reduction after getting rid of the braces.

The most important thing to remember is to be patient. After a few years without braces, the memory of the treatment duration will become hazy. But the greatness of your smile will always stay with you.

Adult Braces Cost

Depending on the type of braces, the cost will have significant variations. The severity of your orthodontic problem also determines the final price tag. The average price is anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000.

To save money, ask your dental insurance provider. In most cases, your policy will cover a lot of these costs. Otherwise, ask your orthodontist if they have dental discount plans available for you.

Another thing to remember is to stick with the same orthodontist during treatment. It might be unavoidable at times, but if you can maintain connections with your current one, do it. It’s always more troublesome to move to another clinic while finishing your braces.

You must pick orthodontists carefully since you’ll sign a contract with them. Negotiate the terms of the contract in case you must move or switch to others. Most of the time, you can agree on the amount of money owed for the treatment received.

After this, you have to work on a treatment plan with your new orthodontist. This equates to a new contract with its guidelines. Sometimes, you’ll get a continuation of treatment, but most won’t agree to it.

That’s why you’re likely to start the treatment from the beginning. It’s the same regardless of whether you already had your braces for a while. That’s why if you can delay moving out, do so.

How to Brush and Floss with Braces

When you’re wearing braces, brushing and flossing can have a different feel. The good news is that your dentist can teach you methods of working around the brackets. They’re also likely to recommend interdental brushes, which are special cleaners designed for this treatment.

Interdental brushes look like miniature pipe cleaners. It has the perfect fit between the brackets and wires. With this, your teeth get cleaned while dislodging any trapped food particles.

Also, a good practice to adopt is using an antiseptic mouthwash. This ensures you clean the nooks and crannies your toothbrush can’t reach. Do this after every meal to make the most out of its cleaning power.

Get Braces Today!

These are things you must know before getting adult braces. That way, you know which treatments work best for you. It also helps you know what to expect once you get this orthodontic procedure.

But why stop here when there are other dental concerns to learn about? Pick up all the dental guides you need by checking out more of our posts right here!