If you think braces are only for the awkward teen years, think again. Almost half of all orthodontic patients today are adults. Whether they missed out on orthodontia during their teen years or have just started having tooth-crowding issues, many adults are choosing to get “wired” in hopes of improving their smiles.
If braces are something you are considering, here are some tips to help with your decision:
- Ask your dentist to refer you to a good orthodontist. And don’t stop there. Ask your family, friends and coworkers if any of them have recommendations, or horror stories. Picking the right orthodontist will make the process much less painful.
- Take price into account. Orthodontia can cost thousands of dollars, and you may end up shouldering that cost yourself depending on what is covered by your insurance. If your are seeking braces primarily for cosmetic reasons, it could be difficult to get insurance to pay.
- Worried about looking like a gawky teen in the workplace? You aren’t alone. Braces have come a long way in recent years, and, depending on your unique issues, you may qualify for invisible braces, or ceramic braces that are a better match for your teeth. But if you are trying to correct a major overbite, you may still require rubber bands. Check with your orthodontist to see what your options are.
- Get ready for some changes. Braces impact your everyday life, from giving up on some of your favorite treats to taking extra time to properly clean your braces each day.
Following these steps should put you on the right track for making your big braces decision. And if you decide to go for it, know that you aren’t alone. The number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment is only expected to grow!
