Dental braces aren’t only for tweens and teens anymore. One in four orthodontic patients are adults.
Some never had their teeth straightened when they were younger. Others need some realignment after several decades. Still, others want to show better smiles on Zoom calls.
For these reasons and more, adult orthodontic treatment is on the rise, and adult braces in Philadelphia are a common sight.
Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar helps patients, including older adults, in West and Southwest Philadelphia access adult braces that are high quality, effective, and affordable.
Some Older Adult Orthodontic Benefits To Consider
Are braces worth it for older adults? Absolutely. Straighter teeth are only the first, most visible benefit. Others include:
Improved Oral Health
Crooked teeth or misaligned bites increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues. Adult braces help reposition teeth and correct bite problems, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent future complications.
Enhanced Overall Health
Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew food, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, correcting bite problems can alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and other discomfort misalignment causes.
Increased Self-confidence
By straightening teeth, adult braces can provide a boost in self-confidence. People can smile with pride again and feel more comfortable in professional and social settings.
Common Dental Braces Options for Adults
Dental braces options for adults extend beyond traditional metal brackets and wires.
When considering adult braces in Philadelphia, as elsewhere, you have several options available to suit your needs and preferences. Each has its own pros and cons to consider.
Traditional Metal Braces
Conventional metal braces are tried and true. Metal brackets bonded to the front surface of teeth with wires gradually move them into the proper position. Whether you have crowded teeth, gaps, or an overbite, metal braces provide precise control over tooth movement.
Orthodontic advancements have made metal braces smaller and more comfortable than ever. However, their metal components can still occasionally cause discomfort and irritation.
Metal braces also require extra diligence to keep clean. The brackets and wires easily trap food particles, which can lead to decay-causing bacterial buildup. Your orthodontist for adults can give you special tools and techniques for cleaning braces effectively.
Ceramic Braces
Like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces are fixed to the teeth and gradually shift them into the proper position. However, they’re made from a clear or tooth-colored material and are less noticeable than their metal counterparts.
Ceramic braces are a great way to straighten teeth without drawing unnecessary attention to your smile. On the other hand, they are more prone to staining and discoloration.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are completely hidden from view. Orthodontists place them on the back surface of the teeth. They don’t interfere with your smile in any way. Adults who feel self-conscious about wearing braces often find this benefit especially appealing.
Because of their unique placement, lingual braces may take more time to get used to than traditional braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene can also take more effort.
Invisible Braces
Clear aligners are custom-made and virtually invisible. Because they are removable, they let patients eat and drink without any restrictions.
While convenient and comfortable, aligners only effectively treat mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment or crowding. Additionally, they require high levels of patient compliance and discipline because patients must wear them 20-22 hours per day.
Self-ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces work similarly to traditional metal braces but don’t require elastic ties to hold the archwire in place. Instead, the brackets have small clips to hold the wire, allowing for quicker adjustments and potentially shorter treatment times.
Because they use these specialized brackets and wires, self-ligating braces tend to cost more than traditional braces. The brackets are bulkier and may more easily irritate the lips and cheeks. And self-ligating braces may require more frequent visits to the orthodontist for adjustments.
As you weigh various dental braces options for adults, consult with an orthodontist for adults. Your orthodontist will assess your situation and help determine your best treatment plan.
Comparing the Costs of Adult Braces Options in Philadelphia
How much does it cost to get braces in Philadelphia? Costs vary depending on your specific needs.
Generally, traditional metal braces are the most cost-effective option. Self-ligating braces tend to be slightly more expensive. The delicate, high-quality material used in ceramic braces raises their price.
Similarly, invisible braces are more expensive not only because of the high-grade material used but also because the treatment involves a series of fully customized aligners—sometimes as many as 30 sets. Lingual braces tend to be the most expensive because applying them is complex and time-consuming.
But remember: Adult braces are a long-term investment in your oral and overall health. The benefits of orthodontic treatment go beyond aesthetics. Straighter teeth also improve oral hygiene, reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and correct uncomfortable bite issues.
The first step in determining your exact cost is scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist for adults. The orthodontist can conduct an exam and discuss your treatment options and costs with you in detail.
PDM at PHMC on Cedar Helps Philadelphians Access Affordable Adult Braces
If cost concerns have kept you from investigating adult braces in Philadelphia, talk with our experts at PDM at PHMC on Cedar, located at 54th Street and Cedar Avenue in Cobbs Creek.
PDM doesn’t provide orthodontic treatments at 54th and Cedar itself. But our dentists there can examine your teeth and help you access the treatment you need at PDM’s campus at 240 South 40th Street.
We will also work with you to make your orthodontics as affordable as possible.
Our fees are already lower than those of most private practices because we’re an educational clinic of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
We accept most dental insurance plans, including all Medicaid plans offered to residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
And we offer financing to patients who qualify through third-party provider CareCredit. Fixed-rate options range from 24 to 60 months, as well as a six-month “no interest if paid in full” plan.
Don’t let misaligned teeth keep you from having the oral health benefits and confidence that come with a straight smile. Contact us online about scheduling your appointment or call 855-887-9229.
