Would you like to know how to get braces when you don’t need them?
Not a lot of people are born with naturally straight teeth. A few crooked teeth are the norm for most people. Even if your teeth generally look okay, you might still be thinking that you can benefit from using braces.
Sometimes your teeth look perfectly fine. But then, if you take a closer look in the mirror, you might notice a small gap, some crowding on the side, or maybe one tooth that just seems off. These are things that people will not notice right away but may bother you.
Some people will tell you that you are overthinking things and that you do not need braces. Maybe your family dentist will tell you that you do not really need them. But what if you really want to get them? Is that possible?
Well, fortunately for you, there are ways to fix your minor problems and it will not be a waste of money! Before, orthodontic treatments like braces can be very expensive but nowadays, you will be surprised how affordable they can be.
And if you only need to do very minor adjustments, then you do not have to spend the whole amount that people usually spend on their braces treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get braces when you don’t need them.
Cosmetic braces
If you want to know how to get braces when you don t need them, the answer is cosmetic braces! This is a popular solution for adult patients who want to improve their smile without having to deal with the metal mouth look of traditional metal braces.
If you want braces for a minor issue then you should consider cosmetic braces. They are an alternative cosmetic treatment compared to traditional metal braces in a way that they are more pleasing to look at.
As the name implies, it has something more to do with vanity than the treatment itself. Cosmetic braces are best for people who do not really have a significant orthodontic issue and focus more on just improving how your teeth looks.
Cosmetic braces also work well with minor to moderate orthodontic issues. The typical dental issues that can be remedied with cosmetic braces include realigning crooked teeth, protrusive, and slightly rotated teeth, closing up tooth gaps, and minor issues of overcrowding.
As an adult, making first impressions matter and the way your teeth looks greatly impacts that first impression. The advantage of cosmetic braces is that it is less discreet so you do not have to be conscious about wearing them.
And of course, cosmetic braces is a cheaper alternative since it can fix minor orthodontic problems quickly. The lesser treatment time can save you a lot of money.
How long do you have to use cosmetic braces?
Just like orthodontic braces, the treatment time will vary from one adult patient to the next. Generally, the more work you need, the longer you will have to wear braces.
Generally, if it is just a mild case of misalignment, you can wear braces for less than 6 months. For moderate to almost severe cases, it can take as long as a year.
As an adult, your teeth and jaw is already set so it will take time and more force to realign your teeth. You should get a consultation to know for sure.
Cosmetic braces vs. traditional braces
Appearance
Traditional metal braces involve a lot of metal wires and brackets and they are very visible. Cosmetic braces are more discreet by using tooth-colored or clear materials. This makes them less obvious and more pleasing aesthetically.
Effectiveness
Traditional braces have more moving power compared to cosmetic braces. This is why if your orthodontic issue is severe, a cosmetic dentist will refer you to an orthodontist so that you can get orthodontic braces instead. Cosmetic braces work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Treatment time
Since you only have a mild to moderate orthodontic issue, the treatment time will definitely be shorter compared to the treatment time of metal braces. And since the treatment time is shorter, you can save on the cost as well.
Cost
We can not totally assure you that cosmetic braces will cost less than traditional braces. There are different types of cosmetic braces and what type you choose will play a huge factor in the cost. Some types will cost more while others will cost less.
Types of cosmetic braces
Here are the cosmetic braces options that you can choose from. Each one has their pros and cons as well to help you decide which one is best for you.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces work the same as metal braces – the only difference is that they use clear or tooth-colored brackets so they are less noticeable on your teeth.
Ceramic braces are a good choice if you need the strength of fixed braces but you want it to be more discreet.
Pros
- Less visible than metal braces.
- Move teeth faster than clear aligners so it is great if you have crooked teeth or crowded teeth.
Cons
- More expensive than traditional braces.
- More prone to staining.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces work like traditional braces but the difference is that they are fixed to the back of your teeth instead of on the front. Since they are behind your teeth, it is almost invisible, making them a more discreet option for you.
Since they are situated behind the teeth, tongue pain and general discomfort have been an issue. But these days, the lingual brackets can be customized to be smaller and smoother to minimize these problems for an extra cost.
Pros
- Nearly invisible since they are situated behind the teeth.
- Very effective when it comes to treating bite problems.
Cons
- Comes with a significant amount of discomfort during the first few weeks.
- Has a longer treatment time compared to traditional braces.
Invisible braces
Invisible braces or clear aligners are transparent aligner trays that you wear over your teeth. It has the big advantage of being nearly invisible and removable.
Because you can take them off anytime, you do not have to worry about dietary restrictions or talking with a lisp when you have a big presentation at work.
Pros
- It is nearly invisible. People can’t tell if you have them on.
- No major lifestyle changes when it comes to your eating habits and dental cleaning routine.
Cons
- Works best only for mild to moderate dental issues.
- Easy to lose if you are not careful every time you take them off.
Other cosmetic dentistry treatments to consider
In case cosmetic braces are out of your budget, here are other cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help give you a better smile.
Teeth whitening
This is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve your smile. You can get a professional treatment from your dentist’s office and you can also DIY at home with teeth whitening products you can buy over the counter.
Dental veneers
Veneers are thin, customized porcelain shells or resin that will cover the surface of your teeth. They are not a remedy but a cover-up and a quick fix to change the color, size, shape, or length of a certain tooth.
Dental crown
Dental crowns are also called caps and they are made to fit over a damaged tooth. Dental crowns are often used to hold a cracked tooth together or to cover discolored or misshaped teeth.
Dental bonding
A tooth-colored, putty resin will be applied to your tooth and will be hardened through laser or ultraviolet light. This putty will then be shaped, trimmed, and polished to help improve and repair misshaped, cracked, or chipped teeth and tooth decay.
Dental implants
In this treatment, the tooth roots will be replaced with a titanium replacement as the foundation for a replacement tooth. This can be painful for some but it is also the most secure tooth replacement treatment that you can get and it lasts longer.
Dentures
Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. You often see seniors using them as they are a no-fuss solution for when they start losing their teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are cosmetic braces covered by insurance?
This will depend on what type of insurance policy you have. Braces would fall under orthodontic treatments so you should check if you have coverage for orthodontics.
If you have coverage for orthodontics, then your braces can be partially covered by your insurance. Some plans will cover half the cost while some have a specific amount that they can cover.
But if you do not have orthodontic coverage, then your insurance will most likely decline your claim. The only exception to this rule is if you can prove that getting braces is a medical necessity.
The only way to know for sure is to contact your insurance provider and ask.
How do you get braces when you can’t afford them?
There are a lot of ways to make braces more affordable to you aside from insurance.
You can pay with your HSA or FSA account. Some products and dental offices also offer payments through installments so all you have to worry about at first is your downpayment, then make monthly payments after that.
You can also take out a loan from credit companies but take note that they usually do a credit check and come with a high interest rate.
Is it too late to get cosmetic braces as an adult?
It is never too late to get braces. Although the ideal age to get braces is during puberty since all the baby teeth are gone and your mouth, jaw, and teeth are still in development.
But as an adult, getting braces is still possible. In fact, some people who get braces when they were kids can still get them as adults. Even those who have perfectly straight baby teeth can end up with crooked teeth later on.
This is because as you age, your teeth will naturally shift in place. This is why an orthodontist will tell you to wear a retainer after getting treatment.
More adult patients are seeing their dentist and orthodontist and it is now becoming a norm. As adults, they are at that stage where they fully understand the impact of having good teeth.
There is no age limit when it comes to getting braces. Anyone can be a candidate! Even senior citizens can get them if they want to.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic braces?
If you only have a mild to moderate dental issue then your family dentist can put you up for cosmetic braces. It is also the best option for those who want to be discreet about it.
But take note that you need to have good oral hygiene before you get braces – whether it is cosmetic or traditional braces. Your dental health must be good before you will be considered as a patient for the treatment. This means no tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.
If you have dental issues, you will be asked to deal with them first before you get braces. Your adult teeth must be in good condition before you use braces. This is because it will be more challenging to brush and floss your teeth once you have braces on.
Conclusion
Getting braces for cosmetic reasons is your choice and it is a valid one. Feeling great about your smile is important when it comes to your self-esteem and self-confidence. Improving your smile and gettng straight teeth is a good-enough reason for you to need braces.
Feeling self-conscious about your teeth or your smile can hold you back from so many things in life. If you are bothered by the way your teeth look, it will limit you from opening your mouth and showing your teeth to others. This means less smiling, talking, and eating out. These things can easily get in the way of you enjoying life.
After all, you are not stepping on anyone’s toes when you push to get braces – even when you do not really need it!