Table of Contents

  • Dental Insurance
  • Do You Need Adult Braces?
  • Invisible Braces
  • What Is An Orthodontist?

      • Do You Need Adult Braces?

      Not that long ago, you'd only see braces (orthodontics) on teenagers. These days, though, you're just as likely to see them on adults as on children. Why are braces for adults so popular?

      There are two main reasons:

      1. Braces weren't an option as a child. Let's face it, braces cost money and not all parents whose children need braces can afford to pay for orthodontic treatment. As adults, those children can often afford to pay when their parents could not.
      2. Mouth changes due to aging. It's not unusual to lose bone density as you age. Some of this is due to normal aging processes, but it can also be due to untreated dental problems like periodontal disease. Anything that affects the density of the jaws can lead to teeth problems like overcrowding.

      Unlike teenagers, however, many adults are unwilling to consider traditional metal braces, especially those in image intensive professions. In those situations alternative corrective mechanisms like "invisible" braces or lingual braces are sometimes (but not always) an option.

      If you have a tooth that's being crowded out by other teeth or you have an unattractive smile, your first step is to visit your dentist for an assessment of the problem. If the problem merits treatment, you'll be referred to an orthodontist for further consultation. The orthodontist will discuss the options that are available and develop one or more treatment plans for correcting your teeth. At that point it's up to you — perhaps after consulting your insurance plan — to decide if you'll proceed or not.

      The information and links on this site will provide you with background information to use in discussions with your dentist or orthodontist, so be sure to check out the other pages.