Are you too old for braces? No! Braces and orthodontic care is appropriate for people of all ages.
The fact is, it’s never too late to invest in a smile you’re going to love. Adult orthodontics is a way to straighten your smile, correct your bite, prevent health issues, and improve your self-esteem.
But there are a few things that are different about getting orthodontic care as an adult. If you are thinking about adult orthodontics in Lexington, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
You Have Options
For most children and teenagers who are getting orthodontic care, there is typically one true pathway: braces. Traditional braces work efficiently and most kids love getting to pick out color combinations for rubber bands.
As an adult, you have more options. Your treatment decisions should be made in conjunction with your dentist and orthodontist. Not all treatments will work for everyone’s individual situation.
But in general, many adults have the ability to choose between traditional braces and clear aligners. There are pros and cons to each, but many adults prefer Invisalign because it’s less noticeable to others. But for low visibility, ceramic braces are also a good option.
Ceramic brackets are one type of traditional braces. But you can also choose from the common metal brackets and highly efficient Damon braces.
However, there are some things that only traditional braces can fix. It helps to have an idea of which treatment option you prefer, but feel free to leave it up to your orthodontist’s discretion. Consult a Lexington orthodontist right away if you have questions!
You’ll Need to Make Time For Care
What can I expect from braces as an adult? One of the biggest things that adults should anticipate is the time commitment.
Adults are very busy, and it can be difficult to schedule regular appointments with an orthodontist. But you should be prepared to visit your provider every couple of weeks or every month. So make sure you find an orthodontist that can work with your schedule.
The one exception to this rule is if you choose Damon braces, which are self-litigating. Because they tighten themselves, you won’t have to make as many appointments.
Additionally, be sure to anticipate emergency appointments. It happens–everyone loses an aligner tray or accidentally breaks a bracket. That’s normal, and something that you will have to plan around.
On a daily level, make sure you allow extra time for brushing and flossing. Dental hygiene is just as important as ever but can be made trickier with traditional braces. This brings us to our next point, which is that dental health factors may impact your treatment.
Dental Health Factors May Impact Your Treatment
Getting braces as an adult can be a little different than for children, largely because of dental health history.
Adults sometimes experience dental health conditions that are less frequent in children. Gum disease is one of those ailments, and it may alter the course of your orthodontic treatment.
By no means will dental ailments like this prohibit you from seeking orthodontic care. But many orthodontists in Lexington prefer that you deal with issues like this first before you begin treatment with braces or aligners.
Remember, practicing good dental hygiene is always important. Make sure you are willing to invest time in proper hygiene routines before you begin treatment. That way, you can be sure you’ll take care of your smile in the long term.
There are many other dental issues that adults face that adult orthodonture can help you fix. For example, veneers are an easy solution for stained or cracked teeth. Children don’t usually face issues like this, but adults often need this kind of orthodontic care.
Additionally, an adult’s mouth and jawline are fully grown. With children, braces have an easier time guiding teeth because their jawline is still growing. As an adult, be aware that your fully developed jaw may cause your treatment to take slightly longer.
You’ll Have to Watch What You Eat
Everyone who embarks on treatment with traditional braces has to hear this advice, but it bears repeating for adults. To avoid breaking a bracket or snapping a rubber band, it’s imperative that you choose what you eat carefully.
Hard candy, caramels, and other chewy things are not feasible during your treatment. Even things like hard bread can result in an emergency orthodontist appointment. Be wary of catered work lunches, and always make sure you have meal options that won’t endanger your treatment plan.
Plan Ahead for the Cost of Orthodontic Care
Many adults get turned off by the cost of orthodontic care before they’ve even found out the details of their options.
Whether you opt for traditional braces or clear aligner trays, you should plan to spend about $5000-6000. While braces usually cost less than Invisalign, they typically take longer. So the total cost of your treatment will depend on the details of your exact situation.
Additionally, many orthodontists in Lexington have payment options that can work for you. All you have to do is inquire about the details.
Adult Orthodontics: Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
The fact of the matter is, there’s no age too old for orthodontic care. Though braces have long been associated with children and teens, that just isn’t the reality any longer. Adult orthodontics can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
You have a lot of options for orthodontic treatment as an adult. And now that you know what to expect from the process, you are ready for a consultation with an orthodontist in Lexington. Contact us today to get started!