Not just for kids and teens anymore, today, plenty of adults are taking that extra step and getting dental braces, too. Whether to correct longstanding dental concerns such as occlusions or to simply improve appearance, there are many improvements and advancements in dentistry and orthodontics today, making braces an option for anyone who needs them.
There are many new options available for people of any age to have their teeth corrected, giving them not only a beautiful smile, but also the health benefits that go along with straight teeth and a correct bite.
An Overview of Dental Braces
Orthodontic braces first and foremost correct crooked teeth, which is what most people think of when braces are mentioned. By pulling the teeth into more correct positions using brackets affixed to the teeth and wires that get tightened over time, it is possible to gradually ease teeth into new, more normal positions.
It does take a long time - sometimes years - but the lasting results are well worth it. Typically, braces are applied on teens and children since their teeth are still forming, but today there are braces available for anyone wishing to take care of dental concerns by straightening their teeth.
Not only do braces help improve someone's appearance, but they also correct a long list of dental problems that can be caused by having crooked teeth or a bad bite. Problems like premature enamel wear, excessive tooth decay in areas that cannot be reached to clean, occlusions, crowded teeth and jaw misalignment due to teeth and others can all be addressed over time with dental braces, which have been in use since the time of Hippocrates. Even the ancient Greeks knew that straight teeth were not only more beautiful, but promoted better health!
Dental Braces for Adults
Braces have a stereotype of being only for kids for a few reasons. Years ago, it was thought that it was only possible to improve the alignment of teeth and correct dental problems with braces while a person was younger and their teeth were still growing in and maturing. This has since been proven false, with the fact being that even mature teeth can be repositioned and bone growth can continue, helping to keep adjusted teeth in their more correct position.
Also, because of how bulky and ugly braces used to be, there were not many adults interested in wearing them. Considering a typical older person's day includes being at work much of the day, as well as dealing with many different people in a variety of personal and professional situations, braces were frequently deemed uncomfortable for the wearer, with most choosing to simply leave their teeth the way they were.
However, not only has it been found that it is completely possible to adjust adult teeth, the health benefits derived from correcting dental problems can make it worthwhile at any age. It may take longer for mature teeth to ease into their new positions requiring older people to wear their dental braces longer than younger people, but the benefits still outweigh the downsides.
This is especially so considering the great, new orthodontic products available today that can correct while the wearer - or anyone else - hardly even knows they are in place like clear braces, braces worn under the teeth instead of over them and snap-in retainers that can be worn certain times of the day and left off others.
Braces are More Affordable Than Ever Today
The price of braces from the past tended to be quite high in comparison to similar procedures today. This is yet one more reason why many adults have not dealt with their own dental concerns, especially if there were children in the family who needed braces, too. The good news is that despite the great improvements in orthodontics over the past two decades, the price of dental braces has not risen very much at all.
While there is a wide range of cost depending on the procedure and type of braces, orthodontics today can cost between $3,800 and $8,000 for most people. This is not that much of an increase when considering that 20 years ago dental braces could cost as much as $5,000 - which was a huge expense to most families!
Whether you have a child who may need braces, or you are an adult that has been told in the past that your dental issues could be taken care of with corrective orthodontics, this could be a great time to consider consulting with your dentist or orthodontist about getting dental braces.
Many dental insurance plans cover these procedures since they understand the potential risks of dental problems. Most dental office offer payment plans as well, to help everyone out there get the dental care they need. Add to that the fact that it no longer has to be embarrassing for an older person to wear braces and there is no better time than the present!
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