Our team at Tilghman Orthodontics believes everyone should have the opportunity to work toward the smile they deserve. As you get older, you may wonder if adults are still good candidates for braces. The answer is yes! Our incredible team is eager to help new patients begin their smile journey. Read on to learn about why braces are still worth pursuing throughout adulthood, what braces we offer, what to expect throughout treatment, and other frequently asked questions.
Why Wear Braces as an Adult?
Adults are just as eligible to receive braces as children and teens are! Some may believe that adults can no longer undergo orthodontic treatment, but they actually make up over a quarter of all those seeking to realign their smile. Besides the incredible aesthetics and boost of confidence that comes with perfect teeth, many benefits come with care that affects your overall health.
Protect Your Oral Health
Keeping up with your oral health and hygiene routines becomes easier with straight teeth. Over time, braces will eliminate the hidden areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with your toothbrush, allowing you to polish each surface thoroughly. Brushing and flossing your teeth each night may seem like minor tasks, but maintaining these routines can improve their function and promote long-term health.
Improve Your Well-Being
Pursuing braces treatment as an adult can even provide benefits that impact your general health. Smooth digestion from being able to chew and digest food properly, protection from gum disease due to more efficient oral health habits, and eliminating speech impediments are just a few examples of how straight teeth can protect you from seemingly unrelated health issues. You have the power to stop these issues from taking over any aspect of your life and proactively work toward improving yourself.
Your Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a traditional yet reliable option that continues to advance each year and help our patients comfortably transition their smiles. This appliance is crafted from high-quality stainless steel. Thanks to modern orthodontics, metal braces appear smaller than ever and remain a cost-effective option. They excel in strength and durability, providing long-lasting orthodontic treatment that will preserve your teeth for years to come.
Clear Braces
Made of ceramic, clear braces provide a nearly invisible appearance while offering the same reliability as metal braces. Our adult patients who prefer a discreet appliance can rely on it to blend in with their teeth and not disturb their day-to-day appearance throughout treatment. Using tooth-colored brackets, they use the same technology as modern braces, so you know your smile goals can be achieved.
What To Expect Throughout Treatment
Free Consultation
At Tilghman Orthodontics, we call your initial appointment a free consultation. During this time, Dr. Tilghman and our incredible team will take various diagnostics of your teeth to learn as much information as possible to make an expert diagnosis and a unique treatment plan to achieve your smile goals.
We will take x-rays, capture digital photos of your teeth, and create a 3D model of your teeth and gums. Dr. Tilghman will go over all the details, including the best appliance for your case, your budget, aesthetic concerns, and if any steps need to be taken before starting.
During Treatment
Upon deciding on your appliance and crafting unique components, our team will place it on your teeth. Depending on which you choose and your current oral health, follow-up appointments will be scheduled every four to six weeks so we can tighten the wires, make other adjustments as necessary to ensure efficient results and inform you of ways to keep your plan on track.
You may not notice it, but your teeth move every single day. Braces are simply used to guide that movement and ensure they don’t shift too far. Once they have reached their ideal positioning, your braces will be removed, and our team will walk you through each step to prepare for post-brace care.
Post-Treatment
Tilghman Orthodontics provides each patient with a pair of retainers to keep their teeth in place after removing their braces. This last appliance slows down the movement of your teeth and allows them to adjust to their new positioning. Most patients wear their retainers daily for the first six months, then can switch to nightly use afterward. Dr. Tilghman will provide exact instructions for your case when you come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Braces Hurt?
Luckily, braces do not hurt! Some discomfort or pressure on your teeth after initial placement or a wire tightening is entirely normal, as that is how they can shift into your perfect smile. This should go away on its own within a couple of weeks. If it continues to bother you, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Your comfort is our top priority, so we will do what we can to ensure your treatment remains so.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
On average, treatment lasts between one and three years. Your exact treatment time will fluctuate according to the following factors: your appliance choice, the work you want accomplished, and your current oral health. Some patients may take longer or shorter, depending on the severity of their case. Our team can provide you with a more specific timeframe during your free consultation.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Tilghman Orthodontics offers both metal and clear braces. Before insurance, the former costs between $3,000 and $7,000, while the latter costs between $4,000 and $8,000. Our office strives to keep care affordable for all patients in our community by providing flexible payment plans, third-party financing options, and in-house, interest-free financing. Talk with our team during your free consultation to create a plan that works best for your budget.Â
Your Smile Journey Starts Here!
Tilghman Orthodontics is passionate about providing high-quality treatment to all those who begin care with us. You can rely on Dr. Tilghman and our expert team to help you achieve the smile you deserve. We provide free consultations at our practices in Berlin and Salisbury and proudly serve the surrounding communities. Schedule your appointment and get started today!