5 Reasons Adults Should Consider Starting Modern Orthodontics

Posted on January 17, 2022

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We know how it goes. There is always something else that is more important than investing in braces for yourself as an adult. From car repairs or purchases to school trips and club sports to buying a home or moving up to a new one, there is no shortage of adult concerns that keep you from getting the smile you always wanted. Something else is always taking precedence over exploring the possibilities with modern orthodontics for yourself as an adult. 

 

However, this year might be a great time to reprioritize adult braces for yourself, and we have five reasons why.

  1. You have more time on those teeth than you think. Many older adults, those in the mid to late 40s and early 50s, believe they are getting too old for braces. They figure if they haven’t fixed their teeth problems by now, it’s too late. However, this is not the case. The determining factor for initiating modern orthodontic treatment is the health of your teeth and gums, not your age. With Life Expectancies in the US around 79 years old, there are quite a few more years on those teeth than you think. So, ensure that your gum health is in good order, meaning free from gum disease and that your bones are robust enough to withstand the forces that orthodontic treatment applies, and go for it. 
  2. Your insurance might cover some of the cost. There is a chance that your dental insurance policy covers adult braces. Not all of them do, so you should review your policy benefits, exclusions, waiting periods, and annual maximums because many policies only cover orthodontic treatment for individuals under 18. However, some policies do not limit coverage to minors, and there can be adult orthodontic benefits ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for adult orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure if your policy covers adult orthodontics, call our office, and see if we can help you determine what you have available. 
  3. You can use pre-tax dollars to pay for care. Using pre-tax dollars is an excellent way to help alleviate the cost of adult orthodontic care. For example, you can use savings accounts like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for treatment, which you fund with pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket dental expenses. In 2022, HSAs have a contribution limit of $3,650 for 2022 for individuals and $7,300 for families, and FSAs have a $2,850 contribution limit for 2022. However, there are some other considerations when paying for modern orthodontic treatment this way. For example, you must have a High Deductible Health Plan to contribute to an HSA. Also, you must spend all of the FSA funds by the end of the year (plus a grace period), or you surrender those funds back to the employer. (However, the carryover amount from the FSA for 2022 is $570.) 
  4. Straighter smiles are more than cosmetic. Having a straighter smile is an excellent benefit of modern orthodontic treatment as an adult, especially with all the on-camera meetings that are a part of life today. However, it is not the only benefit of adult orthodontics. Fixing problems with how your teeth come together prevents complications with your oral health over time. Decay is more common in misaligned teeth because they are harder to clean. Gum disease is another common side effect for not fixing misalignments in the teeth, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth and bone loss. Also, gum disease is linked to higher risks for other systemic conditions in the body.
  5. More smiling leads to better health. There are few drawbacks to smiling more in your life. When you feel confident about your teeth and smile, you are more likely to show them off in your beautiful smile. However, there is more to smiling than showing off your orthodontic investment. Studies show that smiling can improve self-esteem and facilitate more positive relationships in your life. In addition, it can improve your mood and the moods of other people. Smiling also releases neuropeptides, tiny molecules that help your neurons communicate. In other words, smiling sends the message to your body that you are happy. Perhaps best of all, smiling is contagious, and we can all use a contagious condition that is more cheerful these days. 

 

What do you think? Are you ready to smile more and feel better in 2022? Is it time to move that adult orthodontic treatment on your priority list? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. We might be able to make 2022 the year you get the smile you always wanted. 

 

 

Sources:

 

Mayer, Kathryn. “HSAs, FSAs, and 401 (k)s 11 numbers to know for 2022.” Hrexecutive.com. 22 December 2021. Web. 14 January 2022. < https://hrexecutive.com/hsas-fsas-and-401ks-11-numbers-to-know-for-2022/>. 

 

Ellis, Rachel Reiff. “Straight Talk About Braces for Adults.” Webmd.com. 14 January 2022. < https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/straight-talk-about-braces-for-adults#1>

 

Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE, COI, Debra. “Braces in Adults.” Healthline.com. 2 May 2017. Web. 14 January 2022. < https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-health/adult-braces>. 

 

“Healthy You in 2022.” www3.aainfo.org. 4 January 2022. Web. 14 January 2022. < https://www3.aaoinfo.org/blog/healthy-you-in-2022/>. 

 

Stevenson, Sarah. “There’s Magic in Your Smile.” Psychologytoday.com. 25 June 2012. Web. 19 April 2019. < https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile>.