Adult Braces vs. Braces for Children: Key Differences
While the process for adult and teenage braces is the same, there are a few slight differences in treatment.
Orthodontic treatment for adults usually takes slightly longer than for children, because adult bones are fully developed and less supple. Adults can also have additional orthodontic work to consider as well, such as crowns or bridges. But don’t worry, these issues are generally minor.
Distinct from most adolescents, adults need a solution that fits their lifestyle. They may need more discrete options than teenagers, for example, due to professional concerns. This is why we offer numerous options for working professionals.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take for Adults?
Treatment time depends on a number of factors, the most important of those being your unique dental situation. Cases of severe misalignment generally take longer to treat than mild cases.
The type of braces chosen is also a factor. In general, self-ligating braces are often the fastest, followed closely by traditional metal and ceramic. Clear aligners often take the most time but offer other advantages.
You can expect to spend about 12 to 24 months in braces, but these treatment times may be shorter or longer for your unique case.
Benefits of Adult Braces Beyond Aesthetics
As mentioned above, there are many comprehensive benefits of braces outside of aesthetics. The largest is improved overall health. Improved oral health leads to improved overall health.
Braces also help prevent future dental issues, offer better function for chewing and speaking, and give better prospects for long-term dental health.
You can be confident that when you choose braces, you’re not just making an investment in your looks. You’re also making a good decision for your body and your health over the long term.
How Painful Are Braces for Adults?
We’re going to be honest, braces are not the most comfortable medical procedure. You may have to change how you eat slightly, and there can be a short adjustment period.
But most people don’t find them painful at all. Most people experience mild discomfort rather than pain, especially after initial placement and adjustments.
After wire-tightening or getting a new tray, you can expect some tooth soreness for two to four days and potentially some possible soft tissue irritation from the brackets. There really isn’t much else, and most people find the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
Most often, these issues can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications, orthodontic wax for brackets, eating soft foods for the first few days, and by applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth.
During the course of treatment, discomfort will also generally decrease as treatment progresses and the mouth adjusts. Clear aligners typically cause less discomfort than traditional dental braces.
If you do have any significant pain, you should report it to your Carson City adult orthodontist who will see you right away.
How To Care for Your Braces and Oral Health During Treatment
Caring for your braces during treatment is much the same as caring for your normal teeth — brush at least twice daily, in the morning and at night, and floss in the evenings.
You’ll have to pay some special attention to flossing, but your orthodontist may assign tools that can make things a bit easier, such as super flossers or water flossers.
If you have braces with brackets and a wire, you’ll also have to be careful with what you eat. You should avoid chewy foods, like chewing gum, as well as hard foods that may break the wire, like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy.
What Is the Cost of Adult Braces in Carson City?
Like duration of treatment, cost of adult braces varies widely and is also determined by your unique situation, how misaligned your teeth are, and the type of braces you and your orthodontist have chosen.
When it comes to different types of braces, some generalizations can be made:
- Traditional metal braces are usually the most modestly priced option.
- Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive than traditional metal.
- Self-ligating braces are more expensive still.
- Lingual braces are among the most expensive.
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are often the most expensive.
You can discuss options with your orthodontist, but at Absolute Dental, we will always give you a clear breakdown of price. We also offer many different ways to pay, accept almost all major insurance carriers, and offer payment plans. We want to ensure that no one goes without treatment due to cost.
Does Insurance Cover Adult Braces?
While elective orthodontic treatment isn’t always covered by insurance, sometimes procedures with clear medical value are covered. Our orthodontists can help you understand the options available, and you can learn more by contacting your insurance carrier for even more information.
If your insurance does not cover braces, we want to ensure everyone has access to treatment. We offer many ways to pay, including our innovative Smile Saver program, and payment plans that make orthodontic treatment reachable for just about anyone.
Getting Started: Your Adult Braces Journey at Absolute Dental
Getting started has never been easier — simply make a consultation appointment at Absolute Dental. You can call our office in Carson City or make an appointment online.
At your initial consultation, the orthodontist will inspect your teeth and possibly take diagnostic images, like X-rays, or make impressions of your teeth.
During the appointment, the orthodontist will discuss your concerns and goals with you. You can ask any questions you may have, and your orthodontist can help you decide on a style of braces that will be best suited for your lifestyle.
Once these initial questions are taken care of, you can then schedule a return appointment to get started with your treatment.
