Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

When people think about orthodontic treatment for adults and its appliances and procedures, there’s a tendency to think about the braces that kids and teenagers wear. Now, it’s true that braces are one form of orthodontic appliance, and it’s also true that many teenagers do end up wearing braces in order to correct or improve their teeth positioning. But it’s also important to keep in mind that orthodontic treatment applies just as much to adult orthodontics.

When it comes to getting braces, age does not matter. As a matter of fact, adults make up 20% of the population of people wearing braces globally. There are a variety of reasons why adults opt to get their teeth properly positioned. Some adults do it because they were not able to afford the costs back in their childhood days, while others do it to gain the confidence that people with nice teeth have.

Childhood Dreams, Adult Realities: Orthodontic Solutions

Let’s face it: In the past, not everyone could come up with the money for orthodontists’ services. When we watch television and see the celebrities we idolize, we always have this dream about looking good just like them when we grow up. When we were teenagers, we were always told by our parents and teachers to brush and floss our teeth right after every meal. However, as times have changed, there are instances where we could no longer follow that ritual we once did, and so it has caused infection and misalignment—this is where braces come in.

Many of the orthodontic problems that plague kids and teenagers are also present in many adult orthodontics. This can be the case for a number of reasons. Perhaps these problems were present in their younger years, and for certain reasons, the problems were not corrected back then. Or it’s also possible that they did already have teeth which were nicely positioned, but then some sort of injury, accident, or other event took place that shifted or knocked the teeth out of position. Whatever the reason, the good news is that orthodontists have the expertise and equipment needed in order to fix orthodontic problems faced by adults.

In every aspect of your everyday life, you may see adults wearing either traditional, ceramic, Invisalign™, or Incognito™ braces. Yes, there is a lot to choose from, as dental practitioners believe that treatment is specific to every person. When you visit your dentist for a consultation, you will be offered different options for treatment. Keep in mind that every treatment option has its own pros and cons, so you have to listen well as your dentist discusses each one with you.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults: A New Era of Acceptance

When you start to consider the idea of orthodontic treatment for adults, take a look around you. You will see that you would not be the only adult in active orthodontic treatment. The rise of social media could attest to that. People in all corners of the world now post shoutouts and photos of their new braces on social networking sites to trend online.

Getting braces as an adult is no longer embarrassing but rather something that is socially acceptable. In fact, even famous personalities have their teeth straightened to improve their smile!

One of the things that many adults think about is that they would prefer for any appliances to be relatively unobtrusive or invisible. It’s not hard to understand why. Over time, people have developed an impression of braces and other dental appliances as something that young people tend to get. So there are many adults out there who would rather not make it easily apparent that they have braces or other dental appliances on. In the case of adult orthodontics, there are many ways orthodontists can do this.

One way is simply to use materials which are less visible or which blend into the background of the teeth or mouth, like adult ceramic braces. This is particularly important when it comes to fixed and permanent orthodontic appliances that cannot be removed, such as braces, which are attached directly to the teeth. Unlike your imagination, braces are not limited to metal materials. There are also braces which are made from other materials, such as ceramics, or braces which have been designed precisely to look lighter and less visible. The advantage here is that you are getting the full effect of wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance, which will help to shift your teeth into better positions, while also not having to worry about other people noticing that you have braces in your mouth.

Another way that this can be done is by simply making use of removable appliances, such as Invisalign. The upside to these removable appliances is that they can be taken out, if necessary. So if you are going to give a big presentation or if you have a big interview, then you can remove the appliance so that your teeth look unadorned. The downside, though, is that these appliances tend to be suitable if only smaller shifts or changes in the teeth are required. If you need to make some major changes in tooth position, there’s a good chance that you’ll need a more permanent dental appliance.

Why Adult Orthodontics Is Worth Considering?

For those who don’t know, as we age, our teeth can change position. In effect, we may become unable to clean our teeth properly or even find our smile no longer appealing to others. In a lot of ways, adults say that getting braces is worthwhile: it can help one get a job faster, it helps improve your total oral health, and that beautiful smile can turn a sad face into a happy one.

Getting braces is one way for every adult to gain the confidence that they were not able to achieve before. Imagine applying for a job, and when you look in the mirror, you see that your teeth are crooked. No matter how you hide it, it may somehow affect the outcome of the interview.

Take note: it is never too late to get braces, even as an adult. So, if you are aiming for that pearly white and perfect smile, go and see your orthodontist. With the development of braces over the last 15 years, you now have the chance to choose the treatment available depending on your taste; in short, you are the boss.

In the end, the important thing to keep in mind is that there are many orthodontic options for adults. So even if you wouldn’t be comfortable with visible braces in your mouth, that shouldn’t prevent you from seeing your dentist or orthodontist and asking about your options. Thanks to advances in materials and design, there are a lot of alternatives out there. You can ask your orthodontist about these. Take a look at some samples, photos, and demo products so that you can see what these appliances look like. Then ask your orthodontist if these types of products can be used to fix your particular problem or situation.

Adult Orthodontics Cost

Now, it’s good to look around at the prices. Something that may make a lot of people hold back from receiving the treatment.

Before exploring the costs, please note that these are only the estimated costs. To know the exact cost, it’s better to consult directly with your orthodontist.

The average cost of Invisalign for adults:

In Toronto, Invisalign cost can vary depending on the severity of individual dental problems, the duration of treatment, and the experience of an orthodontist. However, the typical cost of Invisalign can range from $3,000 to $8,000.

The average cost of adult ceramic braces:

Like Invisalign cost, the cost of ceramic braces depends on individual complexity, the experience of an orthodontist, the duration of treatment, and other factors. Generally, the cost of adult ceramic braces can range from $4,000 to $8,000.

The average cost of adult metal braces:

The complexity of the case, the orthodontist’s experience, location, and type of metal braces (traditional braces, self-ligating braces, and lingual metal braces) all impact the total cost. But the estimated costs based on the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) are:

• The average cost of traditional braces: $4,000 – $6,000 CAD
• Self-ligating metal braces (e.g., Damon, SmartClip): $5,000 – $7,000 CAD
• Lingual metal braces (e.g., Incognito, Harmony): $6,000 – $8,000 CAD

Keep in mind that all these are rough estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific needs and the orthodontist you choose.

It’s also worth mentioning that we at York Orthodontics offer many flexible payment plans, including monthly or weekly installments. These plans ensure that the cost of orthodontic treatment won’t be a burden on your shoulders and that you experience a smooth, enjoyable journey.

Adult Braces Options

To wrap up our discussion, let’s take a look at the different options available for adult orthodontics at York Orthodontics:

• Traditional Metal Braces: These are the most common type of braces and are made of stainless steel materials. They are durable and effective, but they may be more noticeable than other options.
• Clear Braces: These are similar to traditional metal braces but have clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires, making them less noticeable.
• Ceramic Braces: These are made of ceramic materials and are designed to blend in with the color of your teeth. They are more expensive than traditional metal braces, but they are a popular choice for adults.
• Invisalign: This is a clear, removable aligner system that is custom-made to fit your teeth. It is a popular choice for adults who want a discreet and convenient orthodontic option.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Adult Braces:

• Aesthetics
• Comfort.
• Cost
• Convenience
• Treatment Time

Ultimately, the best adult braces option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Your orthodontist is the only one who can tell you which treatment options are right for you.

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