Each of us has some problem with our teeth and jaws, be it crooked or missing teeth, small jaw or large one, or maybe you’re dissatisfied with your smile. That’s why so many people decide to visit orthodontist near me for adults and receive the proper treatment to fix their dental issues. Still, not all orthodontic treatments are created equal and each of them comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. To help you figure out which one you should choose, here are four most popular treatments for adults and their features.
What is an orthodontist
An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in dentofacial growth and development. The word ortho is derived from Greek and means straight, so an orthodontist specializes in straightening crooked teeth by moving them with braces. Often times, orthodontists will assist patients with wisdom teeth removal as well, but it's not always required. Sometimes corrective jaw surgery is necessary to complement braces as well. Orthodonists must have at least four years of dental school before they can specialize; however, most go through five or six years of education. There are over 200 different accredited programs throughout North America, making choosing one relatively easy if you're looking for an approved program nearby you.
Why you need an orthodontist
You will need an experienced and qualified practitioner in order to get your braces. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed several years of specialty training and focus specifically on issues relating to malocclusion, or improper tooth alignment. There are a number of different methods that can be used by an orthodontist to straighten teeth, including traditional metal brackets with wires attached, clear plastic aligners or a combination of both. Any dentist can apply braces; however, when it comes time to remove them it is important to see an expert who specializes in extractions as necessary (i.e., adult braces). In addition, some patients may require additional treatments after their initial orthodontic work has been completed and only an experienced professional will be able to provide them with your options.
How to find an Adult Orthodontist
Unfortunately, adult orthodontics have a bad reputation as being painful and expensive. However, many dentists are open to working with adults and now there is a wide variety of treatments available that are painless and affordable. The most important thing to do is find an orthodontist who will work with you one on one. This can be difficult if you live in a small town or otherwise don’t have any options close by. It's vital that you find someone who will take into account your personal situation, rather than pushing their services on you.
How much does an adult braces cost
The cost of braces for adults varies by severity of alignment and other factors. On average, braces cost about $4,500 to $6,000 per adult. Keep in mind that if you are older than 18, your insurance will likely not cover orthodontics and you may need to pay out of pocket. Considering all of these variables can help ensure that you get a price estimate specific to your needs. That way, you can feel comfortable knowing what’s included in your quote without having to worry about any additional costs when it comes time to pay up.
Is Invisalign better than traditional braces?
What are they made of? There are a variety of materials used to make braces today, depending on their purpose. Those used on children's teeth tend to be made of stainless steel, while those meant for older patients can be made out of other metals, such as nickel-titanium. Some adult patients prefer ceramic brackets and wires, because they look more natural than metal. They can also withstand high temperatures in microwave ovens, making them suitable for those who want to heat food in their mouth or bring a meal to work.
How long does it take for adult braces to work?
You’ll need to go in regularly to keep up with your new braces. (If you miss a visit, it can mess up your progress.) Your teeth may not shift as quickly as they do when you’re younger. But if you have a good orthodontist, he or she will help your teeth straighten and line up more quickly than before. They’ll also do what they can to make sure that your bite lines up correctly—which is something that might take time even after everything else is perfect.
Some additional questions about adult braces
Is it necessary to get braces as an adult? Is Invisalign better than traditional braces? Which one is more expensive? Orthodontists recommend that children receive braces to correct improper tooth alignment by their midteens. Adults often have crooked teeth too, however, and many are choosing to straighten them through traditional or clear aligners. When getting braces at any age, it’s important to go through a professional. An orthodontist can evaluate your smile and show you which treatment option is right for you. Orthodontists recommend that children receive braces to correct improper tooth alignment by their midteens. Adults often have crooked teeth too, however, and many are choosing to straighten them through traditional or clear aligners.
