I’m an Adult – Is It Too Late to Get Braces?
In short, no – absolutely not. It’s never too late to get braces because the types of issues that braces are designed to correct can easily manifest themselves at any age.
Yes, younger people may indeed have higher rates of success – or at least they may achieve their desired results faster – because their mouths, jaw, and teeth are still developing. Having said that, you can never “age out” of the possibility of getting braces and there’s absolutely no time like the present to consider this form of treatment for yourself.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Generally speaking, braces range from between $3,000 and $8,000 or more in the United States – although this will be heavily impacted by a wide array of different factors. The specific issues that you’re trying to correct will certainly impact the amount of money you have to pay, as will the total length of treatment – the two of which are closely related.
The specific type of braces you choose will also impact the price, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each one to decide which is most appropriate given your needs.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the person, as it will be heavily impacted by exactly what it is you’re trying to correct. If you’re only concerned with the aesthetic benefits of braces (meaning you’re just trying to correct some gaps in your teeth or teeth that are too far apart), you’ll be able to achieve this far faster than you would if you also had a significant jaw issue to deal with.
Having said that, most people can expect to wear their braces for about two years on average. Your dental professional will go over all of this with you well in advance of the beginning of your treatment, taking care to make sure you know exactly what to expect.
Which Braces Should I Get?
This is yet another answer that is ultimately going to depend on the individual, as there is no “one size fits all” decision that will achieve the same results equally well for all people. But again, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed or feel like you could make the wrong choice. Your dental professional will go over absolutely everything with you in great detail, all so that you can make the most accurate and informed decision possible moving forward.
How Do I Care For My Braces?
Ultimately, caring for your braces is easy – you just have to keep a few key things in mind. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal, you’re also going to want to floss in between the brackets to remove anything that may be present after you eat.
There are also certain types of foods that you’re going to want to avoid for the duration of your treatment. These include any foods that are particularly tough like hard candies or hard pretzels and any foods that are particularly chewy like pizza crusts and similar items of that nature.
What Are the Benefits of Braces?
The most immediate benefit of braces is also, for many people, the most important: you finally experience the joy that comes with having that perfect smile you’ve always seen for yourself. The self-confidence boost that comes with this alone is more than worth the decision for most people.
But a lot of people don’t realize that your oral health is also tied very closely to your overall health – especially as you age. So not only can corrective dental procedures like braces help improve your quality of life, but they can also help prevent issues like high blood pressure and even heart disease from manifesting themselves later on.
How Are Adult Braces Different From Childhood Braces?
Overall, the technology at the heart of adult braces is not that different from childhood braces. It’s just that because a child’s jaw is still developing, they may see the desired results faster than an adult who has stopped “growing,” so to speak.
Are There Different Types of Braces?
Generally speaking, there are a few different types of braces for you to choose from depending on your needs. At Dressler Orthodontics, these include:
Regular Metal Brackets
Here, you’re talking about a series of metal brackets that are placed on your teeth that are then connected via wires. The strength of those wires is then what pulls the teeth into position over time.
Ceramic Brackets
Instead of metal brackets, ceramic brackets are made out of a ceramic material (hence the name) that is far more discreet than other options. It’s close in color to that of your natural teeth, which means that most people probably won’t realize you’re wearing them at all.
The Dressler Difference
At Dressler Orthodontics, we understand that you lead a busy life – which means that we want to help you find the best treatment that fits not only into your lifestyle but into your budget as well.
Dr. Dressler and his team text with patients regularly, all in the name of answering questions and addressing concerns in a way that cuts down on the need for in-office appointments. Dr. Dressler does on average of 40% fewer in-office visits for patients with braces than his competitors – and rest assured that this is very much by design. As a virtual orthodontist, you can also do virtual visits for your regular check-up appointments as well.
Still, at Dressler Orthodontics, patient convenience and care come first. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering the excellent care you need, with the affordable services you deserve, absolutely no exceptions.
