Let’s Make the Jump to Adult Braces

If you’ve been contemplating adult braces for some time, your interest probably stems from the desire to get your pearly whites straightened out. Braces, not matter your age, have the potential to provide you with more benefits than a perfect smile, though. Aesthetics aside, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can bring about a host of dental problems if left untreated. By making the jump to adult braces, you’re not only investing in your confidence, you’re investing in your long-term health and wellbeing.

In picking an orthodontist to provide your treatment, you’ll want a dental staff with flexible hours that fits your busy schedule, as well as extensive knowledge on adult braces and the various treatment options available. You’re in luck! Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry also welcomes big heroes from across the Rio Grande Valley. Our dental services go beyond pediatric care as we provide orthodontic treatment options for adults in our surrounding communities. Meet our dentists and see why we are the right pick for your journey with adult braces.

Now is the Time

Investing in adult braces for cosmetic reasons is understandable and a good reason on its own. But, you should consider the numerous dental and overall physical health benefits you might gain from your treatment. Whether you never had the opportunity to get braces as a child, or your dental issues developed in your adult years, addressing your orthodontic issues now is the way to go.

Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws can lead to an increased risk for dental issues and headaches among other things. Click To Tweet

Sure, you’ve heard all the horror stories about how painful and inconvenient braces can be, but a small period of discomfort now can prevent major oral issues down the road.

Your Treatment Options The types of orthodontic treatment options available today have evolved significantly since the years of bulky metal braces. Adults can wear braces confidently without being inconvenienced too much in their work, social, and personal lives. Check out the latest orthodontic treatment options for adults.

Metal Braces. Those bulky silver brackets that you dreaded as a child are a thing of the past. Metal braces are now less invasive while still being cost effective. This traditional option allows you to witness your progress much more easily as your orthodontist makes adjustments throughout the course of treatment. One small metal bracket is set to each tooth with an ultraviolet light and a single wire is attached to the brackets across your teeth. The thickness of the wire will vary as your treatment progresses.

Ceramic Braces. These clear, or nearly clear braces, are just like metal braces but with one major advantage for those who are more self-conscious – they are designed to blend in with your teeth. Just like metal braces, a wire is adjusted to your brackets and moved as your teeth alignment improves. The perk about ceramic braces is that they are much less visible while still offering some color options with the bands around the brackets. If you opt for the clear or pearl bands, these braces are pretty inconspicuous, even from a short distance.

Lingual Braces. This latest treatment option is gaining popularity among adults looking to invest in orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces are also small, but they are placed on the back of the teeth. Smaller wires are used to adjust the teeth throughout treatment. These braces may be invisible to the naked eye, but the pain and discomfort is still similar to regular braces. Though eating bread is difficult when you’re wearing any form of braces, keeping food from sticking to lingual braces can be quite a challenge.

Invisalign. If you’re looking into adult braces, there’s no doubt you’ve heard or done some research on the clear aligners known as Invisalign. It is one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options for adults and there’s no need to guess why. These clear aligners are made of a thin plastic material and are worn about 22 hours a day to help gradually adjust the teeth. Most people do see results within the first few trays. Invisalign providers create a series of clear trays based on your initial alignment of your teeth. The orthodontist will design the trays to shift over time as your teeth straighten. Every two to three weeks, the trays are switched out. The trays are almost impossible to see by anyone looking, as they resemble a regular clear retainer. They also have the benefit of being less messy than traditional braces. Also, because you can remove the trays when you eat, floss, or brush your teeth, there are no leftover food particles poking out of your braces.

Investing Time and Money

Let’s get into two of the most common questions asked about adult braces. How much? And, how long? Both the treatment time and cost of braces are highly variable.
The average length of treatment for adult braces is 12 to 24 months. Click To Tweet
Treatment time depends on the type of braces you choose, the state of your teeth and bite prior to treatment, and your orthodontist’s recommendations. The average cost of braces is some $3,000 to $6,000, and that will range depending on the area where you are seeking treatment and the type of braces you choose. Ask your orthodontist about a dental discount plan or payment plan as most dental insurance plans do not cover braces for those over 18 years of age.

As a brave, big hero, you set the example for all little heroes. So, stop contemplating if adult braces are right for you. Take action and get those pearly whites in order. The Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry team will be at your side every step of the way ensuring you are comfortable with your orthodontic treatment until the day your perfect smile is revealed. Check out what sets us apart from the rest, and give us a call us today at any one of our three locations in the Rio Grande Valley to schedule your appointment for adult braces.