When you think of patients with braces, teenagers often come to mind. After all, many of us had braces as teenagers, right? But what you may not know is that adults are one of the fastest-growing demographics for orthodontic treatment. New treatment options, financing feasibility, and the need to relieve pain or difficulty chewing from misaligned teeth (like crooked teeth or crowded teeth) are some of the reasons why adult orthodontics is growing so rapidly.
As an adult, you may ask yourself, “Am I too old for this? Aren’t my teeth set and unmoveable now?” The answers are no and no! You’re never too old to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Your teeth can be straightened even as an adult, so getting braces as an adult will work just as well for you now as when you were a teenager!
At Kanning Orthodontics, we’re experienced in working with adult braces patients. We can offer suggestions on the best treatment available to you, and we can help you with financing and care for your braces or clear aligners. Let’s explore what adult orthodontics offers!
Adult Braces Options
We realize that many of our adult patients are hesitant to get orthodontic treatment because they may have the image of walking around with a “mouthful of metal,” and some orthodontists use these types of braces for adults. However, today’s orthodontics offers many options beyond just traditional braces. In fact, at Kanning Orthodontics in Kansas City, MO, our products are clear, which dramatically reduces visibility on your teeth.
During your consultation with us, we will go over the braces options for adults and our recommendation for the best braces for adults.
We offer 3M Clarity Advanced braces. These ceramic braces have the strength and straightening power of traditional metal braces but with clear brackets that blend in with your teeth. The result is braces with just as much straightening power but far less visible than traditional metal braces.
If braces don’t appeal to you, we have another option that has become very popular with adult patients — clear aligners. Our Clarity Clear Aligners are custom-designed to fit your teeth perfectly. The clear material is nearly invisible, but it provides moving power similar to braces. You can achieve the smile of your dreams without a single bracket glued to your teeth!
Problems with Braces in Adults
While it’s true teeth move easier in children, it’s still possible to reshape your smile as an adult. Today’s treatment options allow the power and efficiency to move your teeth into their proper positions. Orthodontic treatment in adults may have a bit longer treatment time than if you were a child or teenager, but your results will be just as amazing!
The type of treatment will determine the restrictions you may face. For example, there are certain foods you can’t eat while wearing braces, including gum, hard candy, sticky/chewy candy, or popcorn. But braces can correct just about any orthodontic issue.
Clear aligners can be removed, so there are no food restrictions. However, they may not be ideal for more severe orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will be able to lay out your best options and will be able to help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.
Orthodontics for Adults Near Me
You may think that adult orthodontics will increase the cost of braces or clear aligners compared to orthodontics for teenagers, but that’s not necessarily the case. Treatment costs are on par with that for teenagers. Like their treatment, the cost mainly depends on the level and length of treatment and the orthodontic appliances needed. Either way, we can help you find the best way to pay for your treatment.
Kanning Orthodontics will work with your insurance company to determine how much of your treatment they will cover. Most dental insurance policies today cover most, if not all, of treatment. We also accept payments through a Flex Spending Account (FSA). We offer affordable financing plans made to fit your budget for those without dental insurance.
It’s easy to get started with Kanning Orthodontics in Kansas City, Missouri and Liberty, Missouri. We are not only an orthodontist for children and teens, but an orthodontist for adults too! You can start here on the website with a free virtual consultation, or you can contact us by phone to set up your free, no-obligation, in-person consultation.
Remember, you’re never too old to have the smile of your dreams and improve your oral health over the long term. It’s far easier than you think!