Over a million adults choose to begin orthodontic treatment every year. As we age, changes often occur to our teeth and the alignment of our teeth. Sometimes these changes create dental problems. Virtually all orthodontic offices offer a complimentary first evaluation visit. It might be important to determine if orthodontic treatment can increase the longevity of our aging dentitions.
1. Orthodontic Treatment May Not Take As Long As You Might Think
Many adults assume they will need an extensive time frame to correct the alignment of their teeth. This isn’t necessarily the case. The length of treatment completely depends upon the goals set forth in your particular treatment plan. Minor corrections take less time, major corrections take more time. Your timetable will vary depending on the complexity of your dental issues. After the initial examination, your orthodontist will have a better idea of how long your particular treatment will take.
2. Dental Insurance Can Sometimes Help You Pay for Your Treatment
One thing many people wonder about before starting orthodontic treatment as an adult is whether dental insurance will help cover some of the cost. The details regarding what dental insurance will cover depend on your policy. It is possible that orthodontic treatment is included in your coverage. Sometimes a patient will think that their dental issue “is cosmetic only,” and often they will assume there will be no insurance coverage. In fact, “cosmetics” is almost never the sole purpose for adult orthodontic treatment. Often we will find underlying periodontal or tissue support concerns. We also find bruxism or heavy enamel wear due to “tooth grinding”. Sometimes we find areas of the teeth that have “chipped” away (called abfractions) due to poor tooth alignment and poor tooth function. The best thing to do is check your insurance plan to see what benefits are available to you. Your dentist and orthodontist will assist in showing you some of the underlying causes of poor tooth alignment, tooth shifting, or changes in the bite relationship.
3. Aligned Teeth Improve Your Oral Health
It’s easy to focus on how wonderful aligned teeth look. It is also easy to overlook the many oral health benefits that aligned teeth provide to the patient. Misaligned teeth or “crowded teeth,” very often increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Teeth that do not function properly often “wear down” or chip away. One of the many goals of straightening teeth is to provide a more stable bite, better chewing surfaces, and teeth that are well supported in bone and gum tissue.
4. Traditional Braces and Clear Aligners are Options
Technology has come a long way over the last few decades. In the past, the only option to move teeth would have been traditional “braces.” Today, there are a multitude of treatment options. There are customized appliance options, ceramic or clear braces, and a whole assortment of clear aligner companies who provide “aligner trays” to move teeth into position. When you set up a new patient evaluation appointment with an orthodontist, all of these options will be considered for you. Every person is unique, therefore every treatment plan and type of appliance is tailored specifically to YOU! Talk to your orthodontist to determine your best option.
5. The Results are Worthwhile
I doubt that anyone regrets straightening their teeth. Once treatment is complete, and you compare the before and after status, you will know that the time and money spent on orthodontic treatment was well worth it. Straight teeth can increase your confidence and set you on a path of smiling much more often. More smiling absolutely improves a day! No matter how old you are, a straighter smile can make a positive difference.
About the Author
Dr. Frances Hamman graduated from Creighton University in 1991 (DDS), and from Case Western Reserve in 1993 (MS Orthodontics). She served on active duty in the United States Navy and has been blessed to live in many places and treat many patients from all walks of life. Washington Consumers Checkbook magazine recognized her as one of “Washington D.C.’s Top Orthodontists”. Her mission is to offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Smiling is Key to Life. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hamman at Sensational Smiles Orthodontics in Ripon, visit her website or call (920) 748-7130.
