If you want a straighter smile and your teenage years are already behind you it’s not too late to consider braces.
Can you get braces over 20? Over 40? Over 60? Yes, yes, and yes!
In fact, there is no upper age limit for when braces can be used.
However, the thought of getting braces at any age may be intimidating. How much will they cost? How long does treatment take? How will they look?
In this article, I will explain more about the benefits of braces, a guide to the costs involved, and what to expect if you do decide to get braces as an adult.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used for adult patients for a range of dental issues including:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Bite alignment issues
Braces can not only boost your confidence by way of straighter teeth, they also have many functional benefits to help improve your overall dental health.
Aesthetic & Cosmetic Benefits
The primary motivator for many people who consider braces is the appeal of a straighter and more attractive smile.
What you may not realise though is there can be a host of other cosmetic benefits as well including:
- Improved facial structure and shape
- Enhanced jawbone and cheekbone definition
- More balance between teeth and face
All of these cosmetic benefits help increase self-esteem and confidence which has a flow-on effect in everyday life and especially in social settings. There can even be a direct connection between orthodontic treatment and improved mental health.
The aesthetic and cosmetic benefits are only part of the story though. Braces can also result in many functional benefits as well as benefits to overall health.
Functional Benefits
When your teeth are properly aligned they are easier to clean which makes it less likely you will have issues with cavities or gum disease down the track. When it’s easier to floss and brush your teeth you might also be more inclined to do it more regularly. That’s why I also consider braces as a preventive dental treatment and preventing other dental issues can save you financially as well.
When braces are used to correct a misaligned bite, that will protect teeth from uneven wear. Perhaps more importantly though, better bite alignment means reduced jaw strain and for some people that can resolve issues like headaches. What’s more, an aligned bite will help with enhanced chewing ability and can even improve speech clarity in some cases.
Addressing functional issues with braces can result in improved oral health which often has a direct connection to improved overall health and wellness.
How Do Adult Braces Work?
Braces work the same way in adults as they do for younger patients. The pressure applied by braces over time will move teeth into a more desired position.
This is where your dentist can advise you on the best type of braces for your needs.
Metal Braces
For more significant movement of teeth in the most efficient way, traditional metal braces will likely be the preferred orthodontic treatment.
Metal braces are made from high quality stainless steel brackets used in combination with wires to guide teeth movements. While metal braces are the most visible type of braces, they can be used to help achieve results more quickly and efficiently than other options.
If the visibility of braces is a concern, there are several other options to discuss with your dentist.
Ceramic Braces
Very similar to metal braces by way of function, ceramic braces can be made with either clear or tooth coloured brackets.
That makes them less noticeable visually but ceramic braces will cost more. However, the difference in cost may only be in the order of 10-20% higher than metal braces.
Lingual Braces
Again similar to traditional metal braces in terms of function, lingual braces are fitted to the back of the teeth. Because they are placed at the back of the teeth they are almost invisible from outside the mouth.
Lingual braces will generally require additional adjustments during the treatment period.
Since lingual braces are custom-made for each patient, and require extra adjustments, the total cost of lingual braces can be significantly higher than traditional metal braces – in some cases as much as double the price. Lingual braces are not commonly used and quite frankly they are difficult to manage which is why they are only available at a handful of orthodontists.
If you want a less visible orthodontics option than clear aligners might be for you.
What About Clear Aligners Instead?
Clear aligners such as Invisalign have grown in popularity in recent years. Traditional braces and clear aligners serve different roles in orthodontics.
If your teeth only require minor movement or alignment then clear aligners might be sufficient.
While clear aligners are perfect for precise minor movements of teeth, they are not as efficient as metal braces for major teeth alignments.
Clear aligners are custom-fitted transparent trays that apply a gentle pressure on teeth to gradually move their position. In addition to their appeal for being quite inconspicuous, the trays are removable for eating and cleaning which makes them a popular choice for adults who want minimal lifestyle disruption.
The aesthetic appeal and convenience is great but clear aligners may not be possible when major alignment changes are needed.
The cost of clear aligners is often similar to traditional metal braces. However, they do not offer like for like in terms of orthodontics so you will need to discuss with your dentist if clear aligners are suitable for your desired dental outcome.
The Cost of Adult Braces
The typical price of adult braces in Brisbane is $3,000 to $12,000. Ok, that’s a big range but as mentioned earlier, there are quite a few types of braces, each with their respective price range.
Traditional metal braces will likely be in the lower half of that price range with lingual braces often towards the upper half.
Some other factors influencing the cost of braces are:
- Complexity of the case
- Treatment period required
- If there is a need for additional procedures
- Quality of technology and materials
- Expertise and experience of dentist
I will publish another article soon with a detailed look at the cost of adult braces in Brisbane. Stay tuned!
Payment Plans
Orthodontics treatments such as adult braces often require significant financial investment. At Underwood Dental Care we offer payment plans to help make braces more affordable for more people.
There are a range of payment plans
Health Insurance
Your health insurance may cover at least some of the cost of braces if you have coverage for orthodontic treatments or major dental.
We always recommend chatting with your health fund because policies even within the same health fund can vary significantly in terms of coverage. Waiting periods may also apply if you have only recently joined a health fund or switched your level of coverage.
If you do have coverage for orthodontic treatments then it will likely cover any type of adult braces recommended by your dentist including traditional metal braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign).
Adult Braces Before and After - Real Cases
It might be helpful now to have a look at some real cases to get an idea of the difference braces can make, even in adulthood.
Although it’s hard to demonstrate in pictures the functional benefits of improved bite alignment, you will no doubt appreciate the visual appeal of straighter teeth.
What to Expect if Getting Braces
If you are feeling a bit intimidated about the thought of getting braces, you’re not alone. It’s very common but I find that explaining to patients what’s involved with braces is enough to put most people at ease.
If you are feeling anxious, it might also be helpful to know that modern orthodontics treatments are not only more effective than in decades gone by, but they are also more comfortable.
Consultation & Planning
At your initial consultation you can discuss your goals as well as all of your options with your dentist. In some cases a specific treatment may be required to achieve the desired outcome while in other cases it may come down to personal choice due to lifestyle or budget preferences.
At Underwood Dental Care you will be provided with a quote for your recommended orthodontics treatment at your consultation. Our dentists use state of the art technology for planning orthodontics treatments so you can visualise the end results you can expect if you choose to go ahead.
If you decide that braces are a good treatment option for you, we then prepare everything you need, including all custom made components, ready for your fitting.
If you get to this step, you’ve already made it through the toughest part of getting braces and that’s making the decision to do it. We’ll take care of all the planning and all you need to do is come back for the fitting.
Fitting & Adjustments
Your braces will be expertly fit and the appointment to do this generally only takes 30-60 minutes. Here is a bit more info on what to expect when getting braces.
After that you will be told the best way to care for your specific braces at home and we’ll organise some follow up appointments to check progress and make any adjustments as needed.
Choosing a Great Dentist for Adult Braces
To get the best outcome with your braces, find a dentist who is experienced in adult orthodontics, including planning and fitting braces for adults. It can be helpful to read reviews and see if other patients enjoyed their experience.
A great dentist not only has the skills to carry out treatment but will also explain all your options to put you at ease, and make sure you are comfortable and confident with the recommendations provided to you.
A customised plan is required to get the best results with orthodontic treatments so be wary of any dental clinic that gives a fixed price prior to a consultation. Keep in mind that many dental clinics advertise a “starting from” price when it comes to an orthodontic treatment such as braces.
If you are already considering braces and you would like a second opinion, you are welcome to visit us at Underwood Dental Care and get our honest advice and recommendations on the best treatment option for you.
Making the Decision to Get Braces
Hopefully you can appreciate there are many benefits to getting braces, even as an adult. If a more attractive smile for personal or professional reasons is your primary motivation, that is completely fine!
I’ve been fortunate to help plan and fit braces as an orthodontic treatment for many adult patients and I have seen firsthand the difference it can make for people not only in terms of dental health, but overall health and wellbeing.
Want to see what braces can do for you? Book a consultation at Underwood Dental Care today!
Article by Dr Ben Thai (Principal Dentist at Underwood Dental Care)
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