Braces…Again?

Long Beach, CA – As you get older, you may notice your smile shifting. Just as our bodies change over time, so do our teeth. While teeth shifting is natural and happens to everyone, it may have you considering orthodontic treatment. Even if you’ve had braces before, you may want to consult an orthodontist to see how orthodontic treatment could correct your smile. So, what do you need to know about getting braces for the second time?

Countless adults seek out orthodontic treatment, a lot of them for a second time. In fact, adult patients make up 50% of our patient population at HD Orthodontics. Many of us may have undergone treatment in our adolescent years, but if you weren’t diligent about wearing your retainers, it is likely that you’ve seen teeth shifting. The good news is that there are so many options to choose from today to make your second time in treatment as smooth as possible.

Types of braces

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, and we continue to see great advances in treatment modalities. While metal braces are still commonly used, you can find a host of more aesthetically pleasing options if you’re looking for more discretion during your treatment.

• Metal braces have evolved so much in the past 30 years. The metal we use today is much lighter and more effective than ever. Stainless steel brackets are cemented to the teeth, and flexible nickel titanium (Niti) wires are connected to the braces to gently guide the teeth into their ideal positions.
• Ceramic braces work the same way metal braces do, but the brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic so they blend in much better. The clear elastics that hold the wire in place can stain easily, however, so patients do need to pay close attention to their diets and oral hygiene. 3D printed clear braces have also been developed by Lightforce to fully customize your smile via a completely digitally designed treatment plan. Customized braces enable faster treatments, less adjustments and a more precise treatment result. 
• Damon self-ligating braces are metal braces, but they use a slide-door mechanism to hold the archwires in place rather than elastic ties. Because there are no elastic ties and the teeth can slide freely along the wire with minimal friction, the teeth can move more freely and comfortably with less discomfort and no staining.
• Lingual braces are metal braces, but they are invisible to others because they sit on the tongue side of the teeth. They are completely customized to your smile and can be a great option for patients who want discretion during treatment. Your treatment will be digitally designed by your orthodontist, so the wires and brackets are programmed unique to your mouth to get you from your initial malocclusion to your beautiful smile result. 
• Invisalign consists of clear aligners that fit directly over the teeth. Each patient will receive a series of aligners for the upper and lower teeth, with each set calibrated to achieve a certain tooth movement. The aligners are very discreet and also removable, so you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Invisalign is a great option for adult patients who want discretion, flexibility with their lifestyle and are willing to commit to wearing the clear aligners 20-22 hours a day.

How long will braces take the second time?

While we can’t give an exact timeframe for your treatment, the good news is the second time in braces is usually much faster than the first. In general, if bite correction is necessary, treatment will take longer than if there are just minor alignment discrepancies, crowding or spacing that need to be corrected. If no bite correction is necessary, adults receiving treatment for the second time typically see their smiles take shape anywhere from 9 to 18 months. With more moderate alignment discrepancies or bite correction, treatment times average at 18 to 24 months.

How much will braces cost the second time around?

The cost depends on many factors, including the type of orthodontic treatment you choose and the length of treatment time. The exact cost will depend on your unique malocclusion, but the average cost is typically between $4,000-$7,000.

If you are considering braces for a second time, HD Orthodontics treats patients of all ages. Setting up your consultation is easy – simply call our office at 562-283-6590, and we’ll be happy to schedule your complimentary consultation on a day and time that is convenient for you. At this appointment, we’ll walk you through what we believe are your best options for treatment, discuss financials, and answer any questions you have. Your road to an improved smile is just a phone call away!