Orthodontic treatments are often part of a tween or teen's life -- it's estimated that around three-quarters of young people between the ages of 10 and 13 will suffer some dental problem that requires intervention through braces, a retainer, or the removal of extra teeth. However, in some cases your parents may have been unwilling or unable to pay for braces during your teen years. In other situations, you may have already had orthodontic treatment but wore your retainer only haphazardly and suffered alignment setbacks as a result. What should you do if you find yourself entering adulthood with teeth that still need braces? Read on to learn more about your adult orthodontia options, as well as some ways you can help pay for the treatment you need.
What are your options when it comes to adult braces?
Advances in dental technology mean that you now have more options than ever before to correct your teeth in a non-invasive and unobtrusive way.
Unlike traditional metal braces, which require your dentist to glue brackets to your teeth and connect them with metal wires, invisible braces are made of a thin plastic tray molded to fit your mouth and slowly straighten your teeth over time. This tray can be removed to allow you to brush your teeth, eat or drink, or even nap -- although most dentists will recommend you keep this tray in for at least 22 hours per day.
These invisible braces can now be used for teeth that require serious straightening. You'll need to have your tray reshaped a few times during the straightening process so that it can do all the work needed, but should be able to get rid of your braces and enjoy straight, white teeth in just a couple of years.
For teeth that have reverted to their original positions after once-successful orthodontic treatment, having a retainer installed behind your teeth can help guide them into place and keep them there permanently while remaining invisible to everyone but your dentist. Because this retainer is glued to your teeth (rather than running through glued brackets like braces) and can be hard to remove, you should only choose this option if you're OK with having this retainer for a long period of time.
How can you pay for the orthodontic treatment you need?
If you're working for an employer who provides dental insurance, look over your benefits closely. You may qualify for a certain amount of orthodontic coverage each year, and by staggering this coverage you may be able to get an "extra" year's worth of funds for braces. For example, getting braces in December and continuing treatment the next year and into the following January can help you take advantage of 3 years' worth of dental insurance benefits over the course of just 14 months of treatment. If you're marries and your spouse has dental coverage and you don't, you'll want to look into his or her plan to determine whether the additional monthly insurance cost could pay off by saving you money on braces.
For those who don't have dental insurance, many dentists offer a cash payment discount or low-interest financing option. By saving up enough to put down an initial payment on the treatment you'll need, you should be able to pay for the rest of your orthodontia with low monthly payments that amount to far less than a car payment or even the per-month cost of a new cell phone. Because the appearance of your teeth can impact so many areas of your life -- from your job hunt to your self-confidence on the dating scene -- it can be important to prioritize needed orthodontic treatment over other expenses.
Visit a site like http://www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com for more information.
Share28 December 2015
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