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I'm finally getting braces at 52! My dentist is trying to sell me the Invisalign but after doing my homework I think I'd prefer standard metal braces. I think he's also going to try to sell me on getting veneers instead of braces and I'm deffinitly not into that - oy - they have to be replaced every 10 years or so - I'm looking at retiring and I need a permanent solution. Plus I'm paying out of pocket for all this. So my first question is - are metal braces the most cost effective as compared to other solutions? Are ceramic more expensive? Thanks for your input!
Some orthodontists charge more for ceramic braces, although some will offer top ceramics to adult patients for the same cost as metal. Invisalign isn't generally suitable if your teeth are badly misaligned or if you have major problems with your bite.
Is your dentist going to do the orthodontic work on you, or are you getting other consultations? It might be worth shopping round a little if you haven't already done so. As you say, veneers have a limited life and only improve the appearance of your front teeth.
Congratulations on your decision to get braces, Kathy, and welcome from one 50-something to another! There are a number of 50-plussers that post here, so you're not alone.
I also am just about ready to start my own braces journey. I've gotten a great deal of inspiration and knowledge from the stories and posts here, and I'm sure you will as well.
50+ from Illinois here. Braces went on at 53, uppers taken off in April, lowers still on and I'm about to turn 55.
I'm getting implants to replace missing teeth (baby teeth with no permanent teeth behind them - it's hereditary) and will probably get some veneers to fix things that the braces couldn't, like some discoloration.
I had sapphire (clear) uppers and metal lowers. There's a lot of discussion on the board about clear vs. metal brackets. I was very happy with my clear uppers and got only one unsolicited comment in the 18 months I had them (from someone in Litchfield National Park in Australia).
If your dentist is trying to "sell" you on Invisalign, have you seen anyone else for a consultation? Have you gone to an orthodontist yet?
