Wondering about getting braces as an adult? You might think, It’s too late for me to get braces, or perhaps feel ashamed or disappointed about straightening your smile at your age.
If you find yourself in one of these groups, stick with us until the end of this article—we’ll show you exactly why you’re wrong.
4 Things to Know Before Getting Dental Braces for Adults
To exactly know why you’re wrong, let’s take a closer look at dental braces for adults. Here are 4 key points to know before starting treatment:
1-You Have Options
When it comes to dental braces for adults, you have two important options: traditional braces and clear braces. Traditional braces consist of brackets and wires, fixing in place, while clear braces are removable, clear, thin, plastic-like trays (like Invisalign).
Clear braces are a good option for minor to moderate dental issues, and braces are perfect for even the most severe cases. However, when your orthodontist recommends you getting braces, you still have options to opt for ceramic braces or traditional ones. The function clear dental braces for adults (ceramic braces) is just like traditional braces unless they consist of tooth-colored brackets, making them less visible.
2- Dental braces for adults cost
In Canada, the cost of braces varies depending on several factors, primarily the type of braces you choose.
In general, the cost of braces for adults ranges between $3,000 and $7,000. Please notice this is an estimated cost; the exact cost highly depends on factors like the complexity of your dental issue, the duration of your treatment, the location and experience of your orthodontist, and so on.
Key points about traditional braces cost in Canada
- Average range: $3,000-$7,000
- Factors affecting price: Complexity of your dental issue, the length of your treatment, the experience and location of your orthodontist.
Clear Dental Braces for Adults (Ceramic Braces):
In Canada, the cost of ceramic braces for adults typically ranges between $4,000 and $8,000. Overall, the cost of ceramic braces is generally higher than traditional braces.
Key points about ceramic braces in Canada:
- Prices range: $4,000-$8,000
- Reason for higher cost: Ceramic materials are typically more expensive than metal.
- Benefits: Less noticeable than metal braces, making them popular among adults
Invisible dental braces for adults—Invisalign
In Canada, the average cost of Invisalign treatment for adults can range between $2,000 and $8,000, depending on factors like the complexity of the case, the experience & location of your orthodontist, and the duration of your treatment.
Note: For a more complex issues, you should expect higher costs between $5,000 and $9,700.
Key factors:
- Case complexity: minor dental issues may cost less, while more complex cases cost higher.
- Location: Overall, orthodontic treatment for adults can significantly vary in different provinces; with in areas like Toronto, the prices are generally higher.
- Orthodontist’s experience: A highly experienced orthodontist may charge more for the treatment.
3- Insurance Coverage
Some dental insurance has plans to partially cover your orthodontic treatment, helping you reduce the out-of-pocket cost. To know about your insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider.
Here, at York Orthodontics, we offer many flexible payment plans, like monthly or weekly installments, to make your orthodontic treatment more affordable.
4- Length of orthodontic treatment for adults
On average, orthodontic treatment for adults can range anywhere between 14 to 33 months. However, adults who have braces on their teeth (metal or ceramic) should generally expect a longer treatment duration. This is because adults are no longer in their growing years, and their bones are denser. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean it’s too late to get braces as an adult.
The duration of treatment varies depending on your genetics, how fast your body responds to the treatment, the complexity of your dental issues, and many other factors, which are beyond the scope of this discussion.
FAQ
Braces on teeth don’t cause weak teeth if you maintain good oral hygiene. However, if you’re careless with your oral hygiene, food and plaque can get trapped around your brackets, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which ultimately leads to demineralization of the enamel.
Demineralized enamel is considered weakened enamel, as it cannot resist cavities like healthy enamel. You can prevent this issue easily with extra care, attention to your oral hygiene, and improvements to your daily routine.
We recommend our patients use a daily fluoride mouth rinse to help keep their teeth mineralized and healthy during treatment with any type of braces.
At an appointment meeting with your orthodontist, you’ll undergo a dental exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for braces on your teeth. During this examination, the health of your gums and the overall oral condition of your teeth and mouth will be carefully evaluated.
In general, you’re a good candidate for getting braces if you have any of these orthodontic problems:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Overcrowding
- Speech impediment
- Excessive space between your teeth
Note: If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or multiple cavities, orthodontists may ask you to visit a dentist to address those issues first.
In the first days of getting braces, you probably experience some sort of soreness. Typically, it goes away after a short while. Over-the-counter painkillers can help you alleviate the discomfort.
Using floss threaders or dental tape, gently floss above the wire at each tooth. Carefully floss between each tooth and pull it out afterward, taking care not to tug on the wire. Alternatively, you can use an interdental pick, which resembles a tiny tree and allows you to clean between teeth more thoroughly.
Avoid chewy or sticky foods like nuts, caramel, licorice, or gum, as they can get stuck in your brackets and potentially damage them. Instead, opt for softer foods. If you’re eating fruits like apples or vegetables like carrots, be sure to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier consumption and to protect your braces.
The Bottom Line
Don’t allow age to hold you back from the smile you desired. Always remember, orthodontic treatment for adults isn’t just cosmetic; it’s related to overall well-being.
Thanks to our considerable advancement in orthodontic technologies and techniques, you have many options to choose from, the less visible options that people hardly notice you get braces.
