Braces for adults: indication, price, pain, invisibility

 No longer just reserved for children, orthodontics is also for adults and gives impressive results. Today there are different types of dental appliances with even invisible walls! 

Braces: when to wear them? 

When the teeth are misaligned, they overlap or lack space, only a device can rectify the situation. " The growing interest in this discipline is mainly due to the fact that the devices are more and more discreet ", explains Pr Lorelle, doctor of dental surgery, a qualified specialist in dentofacial orthopedics.

Braces for adult

Who to consult?

In the lightest cases, a dentist is qualified to treat the problem but when the intervention is complex, he will refer his patient to an orthodontist. 

Which device to choose?

Lingual orthodontics

Thanks to lingual orthodontics, we can't even distinguish your braces! " The device is no longer placed on the outer surface of the teeth, but inside ", explains Professor Lorelle. The only problem: this "invisible" orthodontic treatment is 4 to 5 times more expensive than conventional equipment. The treatment is also of longer duration with this type of device. 

Ceramic rings

The bands placed on the teeth can be made of transparent ceramic, and they do not turn yellow. Only some wires are still metal, but the whole has become almost invisible. Be careful though, these rings are often fragile, so it is imperative to be careful. You should also expect an additional cost of around €170 per semester. 

metal rings

These traditional rings are not very popular among adults because they are not very aesthetic. And yet, this model remains one of the most effective but also the least expensive. In addition, treatment is generally faster with this type of dental appliance. 

Invisible braces

This device looks like a transparent shell that covers the teeth. Removable appliance, it is suitable for conscientious people because it must be worn as much as possible to correct their teething problem. Another good news, it is 90% effective if the person is rigorous and wears it very often. Its price is comparable to other dental appliances. Be careful, it cannot correct all teething problems, discuss it with your orthodontist.  

How long do you have to wear it? 

The duration of the treatment will depend on the problem to be corrected. This can range from 6 months to two years. Then, it is necessary to consolidate the result with a retention wire or a gutter. 

The disadvantages of braces

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the problem to be corrected. For a small problem, it can last 6 months, but in general, it lasts at least 2 years and the adaptation is sometimes long:

• The tongue may be injured by continuous contact with the device.
• Speech and eating may also be disturbed.

Price and reimbursement 

Braces cost an average of €672 per semester. But there are strong variations depending on the region: count 523€ on average in Finistère, against 972€ in Paris. This can even go up to €2,000 in some Parisian firms! Count 120 to 250€ more per semester for more discreet ceramic bands: the lingual appliance, meanwhile, is billed between 1,300 and 2,000€ per semester. 

It is therefore essential to inform yourself well before starting orthodontic treatment, especially since it is not covered by Health Insurance beyond the age of 16, however, many mutuals offer reimbursement.

Is it painful? 

Initially, a  period of adaptation is necessary to get used to your braces. Some pain may appear at the beginning, these are quickly relieved by taking analgesics.