More adults turning to braces to straighten teeth

More adults want a perfect smile and they are willing to pay for it, but braces for grown-ups can be more expensive and more time consuming than some may realize.

“After my daughter got her braces and my step daughter got her braces I just decided to join the group,” said Lisa Ackerman, who is part of the more than 1.2 million Americans aged 18 and up wearing braces, according to research by the American Association of Orthodontists.

“Adults are living longer, and as a result, they’re more aware not just of their dental health but their overall health,” said Dr. DeWayne McCamish with the American Association of Orthodontists.

Braces won’t go on and off as quickly for adults as they might for children.

“Some problems are more complex and require longer periods of treatment and require even multi-disciplined treatment,” said Dr. McCamish.

Patients can expect to pay about $5,000 for orthodontic work, but the price increases for each additional treatment.

Other options for straightening teeth include Invisalign clear braces, which cost about the same as traditional braces.

There are less expensive do-it-yourself kits that can be found online, but they are not recommended by orthodontists.

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