Many individuals who need braces will get them in their childhood. It is most common to have an experience with braces before adulthood, but many adults also go through the struggles of having to deal with braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 4 million Americans wear braces. It is a common practice to get braces to rectify crooked teeth. The experience of braces as an adult differs greatly from the experience one might have with them as a child.
Do the Types of Braces Affect Timeline?
There are five major types of braces. When you get braces, you will get metal braces, ceramic braces, self-litigating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. The different types of braces can affect how long you need to wear them. However, everyone’s experience with braces differs greatly due to their response to treatment. The severity of your dental problem has the most significance to the length of time you will need to wear your braces. For some individuals, invisible liners and self-litigating braces are quicker than metal braces, but for some, metal braces will be the quickest. As an adult, you can expect braces to take three years or longer to rectify the problem you are having with your teeth. According to Humana, adults wear braces for 3 to 4 years, while children wear them for about 2 years.
What are the Types of Braces?
There are five major types of braces. When you get braces, you get either metal braces, self-litigating braces, lingual braces, clear aligners, or ceramic braces. The type of braces you receive will depend on your dentist’s perception of which kind will be more effective for you. Many adults choose clear aligners because they are discrete.
Does Age Affect the Length of Time for Braces?
Age plays a part in how long you wear braces to fix your dental issues. Adults usually wear braces for about 3 to 4 years, while children commonly wear them for about 2 years. It is recommended that it is best to get braces as a child if you need them, as wearing them as an adult will simply take longer.
How Long Will I Wear Braces as an Adult?
As an adult, you can expect to wear braces for 3 to 4 years. Some types of braces might need to be worn longer than others, but the time you have your braces heavily depends on the severity of your dental problems. The more corrections your teeth need, the longer you will have to wear your braces.
Should I Get Dental Insurance Before Braces?
It is a good idea to consider dental insurance before considering braces. Orthodontic services are billed monthly after down payment. If you want to offset the high cost of braces, you can apply for dental insurance. Most plans will help you to cover the cost of braces. This treatment is an expensive one, and dental insurance will help you to handle the financial aspect of this process.
What Aftercare is Important Once Braces are Removed
When you have your braces removed, it is important to follow proper aftercare. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush would be best. You should also have that toothbrush replaced every 3 to 4 months. It is also imperative that you wear your retainer every night to maintain the results of your braces.
Final Thoughts
Getting braces as an adult is an important part of taking care of your health. The process lasts longer and can be inconvenient. You should consider what braces you want to use to fix your dental problems with the guidance of your orthodontist. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, you typically see your orthodontist every 6 to 10 weeks throughout treatment. If you have any questions, you can turn to them.
