In the U.S., more than 4 million people wear braces, and 25% of these people are adults.
When it comes to orthodontic treatment for children, families can expect to spend thousands of dollars over the course of treatment. Adults spend less on orthodontic care, as insurance providers sometimes cover procedures under specific conditions. This is why people who wear orthodontic appliances during adulthood typically spend hundreds rather than thousands of dollars throughout the treatment.
In this article, we will look at the most common signs of adult orthodontic treatment, as well as the average cost of braces for adults.
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What are Braces?
Most of the time, braces are used to help close gaps or straighten out crooked teeth. Brackets are attached to your teeth by a wire that runs through the braces. Together, the brackets and wire put pressure on your teeth to move them just a little bit so that they become straight and in the right place.
These days, braces are made from different materials. You can even get one that is less noticeable than the others. Sometimes, adults and young teens go for braces with different colors.
Individuals can choose the colors which express their unique styles and personalities. However, others prefer clear braces which are invisible.
Who Needs Braces?
The dental braces are often recommended for people with crooked teeth. This means the teeth are crowded and protruding. Dental braces are necessary for them to be straightened.
Braces are also required for those with gaping teeth. When there is a massive gap between the teeth, wearing dental braces can help close the space by crowding the teeth a little.
Malocclusion means that the teeth of the jaws don’t meet properly when one bites. It can either be an underbite or an overbite. For individuals with malocclusion, dental braces can be the right solution too.
Overbite is when the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much in a vertical direction. An underbite is when the bottom teeth touch the top teeth vertically.
Benefits of Wearing Braces
When it comes to dental braces benefits, there can be a number of them. The dental braces can help in correcting various problems. They are commonly used to straighten teeth that have grown in different directions to realign them.
Moreover, braces can be used to address teeth overcrowding; this problem happens when the teeth are too close to each other. Such can be a huge problem that needs to be fixed. This is because when the teeth are too close together, it can be harder to brush and floss, which can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
By addressing dental problems through wearing braces, one can have more self-confidence. When one has crooked teeth, it becomes harder to smile.
Also, it becomes too difficult to chew with a closed mouth when one has a severe overbite. Having such a problem can make it difficult to socialize. Once these dental problems are corrected, you will be happier to interact with others.
How Long Do You Need to Wear the Braces?
The length of time required to wear braces varies depending on the misalignment’s severity and the orthodontist’s chosen treatment plan. In most cases, adults will need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months. You will be visiting the orthodontist frequently throughout the course of treatment to check on the progress of the treatment.
What is the Cost of Braces for Adults?
The average braces cost can vary greatly depending on the type of braces, the severity of the misalignment and the length of time the braces are worn. Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are also the most affordable. However, the cost of braces can range from $2,000 to $6,000 for traditional metal braces.
Clear ceramic braces are less visible than metal braces but are more expensive, costing on average $4,000 to $8,000. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces, using clear aligners to straighten teeth gradually. The average cost of Invisalign is $5,000 to $6,000.
There are also other dental treatments like veneers which can be expensive too. You may compare veneers vs braces, what they are for, and how much they cost.
How to Save on Dental Braces
There are ways to save on dental braces. One way to save on dental braces is to get them through your dental insurance.
Many dental insurance plans cover braces for adults. Another way to save on dental braces is to get them through a discount dental plan. Discount dental plans offer discounts on dental services from participating providers.
Make sure you ask about the payment options and discounts you can have before going for this treatment to save some on the cost. Do a little research or ask friends or relatives who have worn braces in the past so that you can have more information.
Planning to Get Dental Braces?
If you want the proper treatment for your crooked or gaping teeth, or you probably have an overbite or underbite, then it is best to see an orthodontist to check your teeth. Any of these problems can be treated by wearing dental braces.
You are well aware of how your dental problem affects your smile and confidence. By knowing the cost of braces for adults, you can prepare financially to get this kind of treatment for your misaligned teeth.
If you want to know more about treatments for other dental problems, then make sure you read other articles on our site.
