Considering Adult Braces? 4 Things You Should Know
Posted on: 29 September 2015
If your parents decided not to get you braces as a child, you could be finding yourself wanting to finally get them as an adult to fix your crooked teeth. Thankfully, braces are not just for teenagers. Before you decide to look into braces later in life, you should be aware of these 4 things about them.
You Might Not Be Able To Get Invisalign
Part of the appeal of getting adult braces may be that you want the kind that are unnoticeable to others. Be aware that you might not be able to get Invisalign, because preexisting dental work may not make it an option for you.
The biggest problem is if you have a preexisting dental implant. An implant cannot be moved, and could cause the Invisalign process to not be completely effective. Your orthodontist will look at the placement of your existing implant, and determine if it needs to be moved. If the implant can stay where it is at, you might still be a good candidate for receiving Invisalign.
Insurance May Limit The Kind of Braces You Can Get
Braces are expensive, and chances are you will try to use your dental insurance to cover part of the bill. Unfortunately, this may limit the kind of braces that you can get. Certain types of braces, like lingual braces, require the orthodontist to receive special training for installing them. It's possible that the dentists in your insurance network do not have the training to install lingual braces, which limits your options.
Always take your insurance network into consideration, and do research to find out the kind of braces an orthodontist can install.
Expect To Wear Your Braces For Awhile
Braces are not something that you will be done with within a few months. Be prepared for the reality that your braces will need to stay on for quite some time before they can be removed. It's common for braces to be worn for anywhere between 12-20 months. Some people have a goal of getting their braces taken off by their wedding, so keep this time frame in mind.
You'll Need To Use A Retainer Afterwards
Once your braces are removed, you'll still need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting. A retainer is typically used for the first 6 months after braces are removed, but will be required while sleeping beyond that for several years.
Still think braces are right for you? Meet with an orthodontist for a consultation. A dental office like Wallington Dental can give you more information.
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