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More Baby Boomers Getting Braces
Adult orthodontia is big business. More
40-something year old parents have finally gotten all
their children out of braces and now it’s their
turn. Some middle-agers are just now becoming metal
mouths because they are at a point in their life when
they can finally afford it. Still others opt for the
wires because after starting over after a divorce they
are finally ready to get that gorgeous straight smile!
If you’re considering taking the
plunge yourself, here are a few bits of information
you should know before making a decision. There are
basically three types of braces moms and dads are opting
for: standard metal, clear brackets and invisible. The
standard ones are the most cost effective and you can
even change the color of your rubber bands like all
the hip, cool kids are doing. Clear brackets are a bit
larger in size than the metal ones. Depending on your
bite you may not have enough room to get the clear ones
on your lower teeth, at least not initially. The wires
are still metal and you can see the braces on your teeth,
they’re just not as noticeable. Drawbacks are they
are slightly more expensive than the metal brackets
and when it comes time to take them off, it’s takes
a bit more effort and is consequently a little more
uncomfortable. Lastly there are the invisible braces
which go behind your teeth, not on the front like most.
It takes a while longer to correct your smile and is
the most expensive type.
Speaking of expensive, you should on
plan on spending about $4,000 for your braces. Clearly
you will find some orthodontists who will do it for
less, and some for more. It really depends also on the
length and severity of treatment. If you have orthodontia
insurance coverage, some plans cover up to 50% of the
total costs. Most orthodontists will allow you to make
monthly payments. You’ll be required to put a down
payment on your new beautiful smile.
One thing you may not hear during your
initial consultation, yet other adults who have gone
before you will testify to is that when you initially
get your braces put on your teeth – it hurts! It
hurts a lot and for along time! With children they tell
them it may be a little uncomfortable for two or three
days and to take Ibuprophin as needed for pain. That’s
not the case with adults, although they may give you
the same instructions. Think about it. Children who
get braces have their permanent teeth for generally
three months or three years. Those big teeth haven’t
become too accustomed to hanging out in their current
location.
Adults, on the other hand, have had
those permanent teeth affixed in their mouth for 20-35
years prior to getting braces. They don’t move
as easily or as willingly. One mother shared that she
was glad she had left over heavy duty pain meds from
her c-section five years prior. She lamented that she
felt like an elephant was sitting on her head for 10-days
straight. Further, she continued she’d rather go
through another 52 hours of labor than to get braces
put on again.
This is not to frighten you. It does
get much easier and you even forget you have them on.
When you get adjustments every eight weeks or so, you’re
normally a little tender for 24-36 hours, and aspirin
does help. The severe pain is just initially when you
first get them on. Ask for pain meds. Do not let them
tell you to take a few Tylenol and you’ll be fine
in three days. You’re in for a rude awakening if
you believe that.
But in no time at all, average 18-24
months you will have a Hollywood smile and it will have
all been worth it! Open wide – who’s next?
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