Orthodontic treatment, commonly known as braces, uses specialized appliances to align teeth and correct bite discrepancies. These tools apply gentle, consistent pressure to shift teeth into more functional and aesthetically pleasing positions. While historically used for severe malocclusion that impairs chewing or speaking, a growing number of adults and teens now seek treatment for purely elective reasons. This pursuit of a straighter smile, driven by aesthetic goals, is a valid reason to begin orthodontic care.
Distinguishing Medical Necessity From Aesthetic Choice
The decision to get braces “on purpose” means the primary motivation is aesthetic, contrasting with cases where treatment is necessary to prevent long-term functional damage. Medically necessary orthodontics addresses conditions like severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites that interfere with breathing, chewing, or cause chronic jaw pain. Untreated, these issues can lead to increased tooth wear, gum disease, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Cosmetic orthodontic treatment focuses primarily on improving the visual appearance of the smile, such as correcting minor crowding, closing small gaps, or leveling slightly uneven teeth. In these elective cases, the patient’s underlying bite function is typically healthy. Because the need is aesthetic rather than functional, dental insurance coverage is usually limited, often offering little benefit for purely cosmetic alignment. This distinction is important, as the patient will likely be responsible for the majority of the treatment cost.
Orthodontic professionals recognize the psychological and social benefits of an improved smile and are increasingly willing to treat minor alignment issues electively. If your teeth are healthy but simply not aligned to your preference, your aesthetic goal is sufficient justification to proceed with treatment. The industry has adapted to offer discreet options for adults seeking an intentional change.
Steps to Begin Orthodontic Assessment
The first step toward obtaining braces is ensuring your overall oral health is sound, usually through a routine check-up with your general dentist. Existing issues, such as untreated cavities or active gum disease, must be addressed before orthodontic appliances can be placed. This preparation ensures a healthy foundation for the teeth that will soon be moving.
After confirming good dental health, schedule a consultation with a certified orthodontist, a specialist with additional years of training beyond general dentistry. You do not need a referral, but seeking a specialist ensures expertise in tooth movement and bite correction. During this initial appointment, clearly articulate your cosmetic goals so the orthodontist can design a plan tailored to your specific aesthetic desires.
The diagnostic phase requires the orthodontist to gather comprehensive records of your current dental structure. This typically includes panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to assess jaw structure and root positions, along with digital scans or physical impressions to create precise models of your teeth. Photographs of your face, smile, and teeth are also captured to help the specialist plan the necessary movements and track alignment progress. The orthodontist uses this data to map out the movements required to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome.
Selecting Your Treatment Plan and Committing to Care
Following the assessment, you will review the proposed treatment plan, which includes selecting the type of appliance that best fits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Treatment Options and Costs
The choice of appliance affects both visibility and financial investment:
- Traditional metal braces are the most durable and affordable option, typically ranging from $3,000 to $7,500 for comprehensive treatment.
- Ceramic braces offer a less noticeable appearance using clear or tooth-colored brackets, usually costing between $4,000 and $8,500.
- Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are popular for cosmetic cases because they are nearly invisible and removable, costing between $3,000 and $9,000.
- Lingual braces are custom-made and placed on the backside of the teeth, making them completely hidden. They are the most expensive, often ranging from $8,000 to $13,000.
Time Commitment and Maintenance
Committing to orthodontic care requires a significant time investment, with treatment duration typically lasting between 12 and 36 months, depending on complexity. You must attend regular adjustment appointments, usually every four to eight weeks, to allow the orthodontist to advance the wire or switch aligners. Excellent oral hygiene is mandatory throughout the process to prevent staining and decay around the appliances. After the active phase is complete, a long-term commitment to wearing a retainer is necessary to prevent the teeth from shifting back, which is known as relapse.