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Can I Get Braces As An Adult?

28 June 2016 by Christy Long

Even if you're an adult, you can still get braces even if you've never had braces before, if you have had braces before, or if you have had any dental work like crowns or fillings. Braces are not always used just for cosmetic reasons; they can fix jaw and joint problems, as well as over/under bites and crowded teeth. However, your experience as an adult will be a little different than a child getting braces.

Will Past Dental Work Make It Harder?

Past dental work like fillings, crowns or gum disease doesn't make it impossible, but it may make it harder depending on how serious the problem is. For example, if you have cavities that haven't been filled yet, you will need to do that before you can get your braces on. Likewise, if you have any problems with your gums, such as bleeding or inflammation, your gums need to be healthy first. In other words, your teeth and gums need to be in the best possible shape before you get braces put on.

Having fillings may also impact what types of braces you can use. For example, ceramic braces have weaker foundations than metal braces, so you'll probably be told that a metal bracket is your best choice. Alternatively, if you qualify, invisible braces are also good for teeth with fillings. Further, invisible braces make it easy to get a new filling if necessary because there are no brackets stuck to your teeth.

How Long Will It Take?

Your teeth are still capable of shifting as an adult, but you will likely have braces on for longer than you would if you had them as a child. The possible exception is if you had braces before and just want to do some touching up. Expect to have braces on for at least a year and a half, potentially double that if your teeth need to move farther.

Will My Insurance Cover It?

Dental insurance tends to cover braces for children and not adults because it is seen as preventative treatment in children whereas it is seen as cosmetic treatment for adults. However, there are a few ways your insurance might help pay for your braces even if you're an adult.

If your braces are seen as a necessary part of treatment to correct a problem like an over/under bite or other jaw issue, your insurance may cover at least some of it. If not, you can look for an individual dental plan or a discount plan. These don't technically qualify as dental insurance, but are rather payment plans within certain dental networks to help lower the cost of many procedures. If you have a dentist you like, ask them about such a plan. Alternatively, you can search for a plan and see which dentists are in that network. You can get on a plan even if you already have dental insurance, so don't let that hold you back.

Are There Any Other Considerations I Should Make?

If your teeth and gums are in good shape, if you can afford your treatment and your dentist or orthodontist says you're ready, you're good to go. One thing you should definitely consider, however, is time. Having braces means regular checkups with your dentist and orthodontist, so make sure you have the time to do this. A lack of care could cause your treatment to take longer, or could cause more severe problems down the road, like cavities from lack of professional cleaning.

For more information, contact a dental clinic like Wallington Dental.

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