Adult Orthodontics in Chesterfield, MO
Monarch Valley Dental offers teeth whitening, veneers, and other ways to help each of our patients get a better smile. If improving your bite or alignment is part of your smile improvement plan, you may benefit from adult orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic procedures are not only for teens. Find out the many ways you as an adult can get a new, more beautiful smile with orthodontic care.
Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?
Orthodontic treatments improve the smiles of people of all ages, even adults. Did you know that some problems with teeth alignment or bite may worsen over time? The American Association of Orthodontists reports that adult teeth often shift in the mouth, so you may develop problems over time that never plagued you in your youth. Common changes to the teeth adults experience include:
- A gap opening between the front teeth
- Crowding of the bottom teeth
- Bite problems or pain from a misalignment of the jaws
- Reversion of alignment from previous orthodontic treatment
A course of adult braces may help correct the above issues. Orthodontic treatment can also prevent additional problems, such as cavities between overcrowded teeth or jaw pain from misalignment. However, since each patient has a customized treatment plan created for them, only an adult orthodontist can tell you whether you need braces and the type that will benefit you the most.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Effective in Adults?
Teenagers are not the only ones who benefit from orthodontic treatment. Adults, too, can improve their smiles by wearing braces.
Braces work well, regardless of age, to straighten teeth and fix bite misalignment. Both clear aligner braces and traditional metal braces have the same function and goals. These procedures aim to improve the smile by slowly pushing teeth into the correct positions. Adults typically require longer treatment times with braces than teens because their teeth require more force and time to move.
Since teeth naturally try to move back to their original positions, you will likely need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile.
I'm an Older Adult, Is Getting Braces Worth It?
Braces have no age limit. As an adult, you can enjoy the many benefits of orthodontics:
- A more beautiful smile with straighter teeth
- Reduced damage caused by a misaligned bite
- Correction of overcrowded teeth
- Fewer cavities caused by crowded teeth
- Greater ease of flossing with well-spaced teeth
- Fixed alignment problems that come back even after wearing braces as a child
You are never too old to get a better smile with orthodontic treatment.
What Is the Orthodontic Treatment Time for Adults?
While orthodontists know that treatment time for adults lasts longer than for teens, they cannot give universal timeframes that apply to all adults. Each patient has a personalized treatment plan based on their specific smile needs.
In some cases, you may need additional dental procedures before starting your initial treatment with braces. Regardless of the total time, you'll need to visit the orthodontist every six to eight weeks for progress checkups. At some of these visits, the orthodontist may make adjustments to the brackets of your braces. Talk to your orthodontist about the number of visits and adjustments you may need for a customized timeline for your care.
How Much Do Braces for Adults Cost?
Orthodontics for adults tends to cost more than those for children. Children's mouths accommodate braces better because they are still growing. Adult mouths require more intensive treatments to move the bite into alignment.
The average cost for braces can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Several factors play roles in how much you will ultimately spend for braces, such as:
- Age
- Type of braces used
- Whether you have insurance coverage
- Treatment time
- Orthodontist's experience
- Degree of correction needed
Compared to when you were a child, as an adult, you will better recognize the importance of having a beautiful smile.
Are Braces Painful for Adults?
Wearing braces comes with manageable levels of discomfort. However, as an adult, you won't feel any more pain wearing braces than you would have if you had gotten the braces as a child.
In most cases, the greatest levels of discomfort occur on days with adjustments. Three to five days after the adjustments, pain gradually eases and disappears.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you may use the following methods to ease temporary discomfort from braces:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- Eat soft foods
- Rinse with salt water
- Place orthodontic wax over metal brackets that irritate the mouth
- Apply over-the-counter oral anesthetics
- Place a cold compress on your face
If pain persists or is severe, talk to your orthodontist.
Are Their Alternatives to Traditional Metal Braces for Adults?
Most people think of traditional metal braces when they hear about orthodontics, but this is only one option from an adult orthodontist. Clear aligner braces, sometimes referred to by the brand name Invisalign, serve as an alternative to traditional braces.
Clear aligners use nearly invisible trays instead of metal brackets to hold your teeth in place. Many adults who qualify to wear clear aligner braces enjoy the freedom to remove the trays when they eat and take care of their teeth. Doing so makes the process of wearing Invisalign more convenient than braces, which may require dietary changes and special dental care.
Invisalign clear aligners correct many of the same issues that metal braces fix: misaligned teeth, gaps in teeth, overcrowded teeth, and bite problems. However, only an orthodontist can tell you whether Invisalign or metal braces better serve your smile needs.
Get Your Best Smile with Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Chesterfield, MO
Monarch Valley Dental offers orthodontics for adults in a comfortable, relaxed environment. We use the latest technology to augment our extensive experience to ensure that each of our patients gets outstanding results. We want to help our patients become the best versions of themselves by giving them their best smiles. Find out how we can help you.
Contact us to schedule a visit and let us know about your smile goals. Our team of dental experts can help you achieve those through cosmetic dental and adult orthodontic treatment. With the help of our expert team, you can have your best look with a better smile.