Adult Braces – 8 Myths About Getting Adult Braces

Adult Braces – 8 Myths About Getting Adult Braces

A common misconception is that adults should have straight teeth. That is why most people feel apprehensive about the thought of reaching out to braces orthodontics when they are older. However, seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult should not worry you because some of the misalignment causes are beyond our control. Finding the appropriate solution for them is the best action you can take regardless of your age.

Advancements in the orthodontics industry make it possible for more adults to get alignment assistance regardless of the cause. Statistics show that the number of grown-ups using braces or Invisalign is increasing. Whether the teeth are overlapping, have wide gaps between them, or do not have a proper arrangement, you can get them fixed.

Below we explore some common myths about getting orthodontic treatment as an adult and provide answers to questions like, is it too late to get braces? We also delve into adult braces, what you need to know about costs and effectiveness.

1. Wearing Metal Braces is the Only Solution

Long gone are the days when metal braces were the only option. Nowadays, other alternatives like ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign aligners are available. They are less noticeable and as effective as metal braces, meaning you do not have to worry about the issues associated with conventional braces.

Clear braces – Invisalign or clear aligners are custom-made for every patient and are not visible like metal braces. They function the same way, are durable, and do not stain. You can use them as you go about your routine. Invisalign aligners are also removable; therefore, you can eat without worrying about food getting stuck around them. Additionally, they’re effortless to clean.

Lingual braces – Lingual braces use metal brackets, with placement at the back. That means you can smile without them showing, and they can still move the teeth into the correct position.

Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces also function like traditional wires, but their brackets and wires have the same color as teeth. That reduces visibility, making them perfect if you want a subtle alternative.

At Molson Park Clinic, we consider all factors, such as your comfort and maintenance of the dental braces, when making recommendations. You can choose the most comfortable option for your lifestyle. Remember, even metal braces are smaller now and more visually appealing than before.

2. Treatment for Older Patients is Ineffective

If you think braces are only for children, you are not the only one. Most people think orthodontic treatment only works in teenagers, but that is not the case. The treatment can be as effective in adults as it is in children.

Braces work by pushing teeth in one direction. Applying pressure on one side of the tooth causes the root to press against the alveolar bone. With time, a section of the bone close to the root disintegrates. That allows the tooth to move to the desired position. New bone structure develops to occupy the available space on the other side of the root allowing the teeth to remain straight even after you stop wearing braces.

That mechanism works best when the dental structure is still developing. That does not mean it will fail in an adult. We can create a treatment plan that works whether you are in your 40s or 60s.

3. Orthodontic Treatment is Purely Cosmetic

It is true that having straight teeth improves your smile and makes you look good, but that is not the only reason for using braces. Most of the benefits extend beyond outward appearances and can influence your wellbeing. For instance, aligned teeth are easier to clean than crooked ones. That makes them less susceptible to gum disease, decay, and other issues likely to arise from such problems.

Orthodontic work for adults also has benefits such as boosting confidence and increasing productivity, allowing you to chew food properly, and creating room for other treatment options like dental implants. Alignment also reduces the rate at with teeth wear off and vulnerability to injury that can be high with protruding teeth.

Orthodontics prevents a wide range of dental problems and promotes oral hygiene, giving you peace of mind.

4. The Procedure is too Expensive

Orthodontic treatment is not as expensive as most people think. The prices usually range according to the procedure you need and the duration of the braces. Most dental clinics also allow patients to create a payment plan that does not overwhelm their finances. For instance, you can arrange with the orthodontist to make monthly payments for the period you will be using the braces. Insurance cover can also reduce the amount you pay from your pocket.

It is important to remember that investing in orthodontic treatment is worthwhile. It prevents many dental issues that can cost you a lot of money to rectify.

5. Results Take Too Long

One of the common questions we hear from patients is, do braces take longer for adults? The answer is not necessarily. The orthodontics industry has advanced significantly over the years, creating room for better resources and procedures that deliver results faster. Both the engineering field and materials for braces have improved remarkably. Orthodontists use less force on the teeth over an extended period. The technique delivers quicker results than before. The option also causes minimal discomfort to patients.

Improvements in the imaging sector and innovations in the dentistry industry also allow doctors to plan treatment effectively. The visual information enables them to consider all angles while considering precision and efficiency.

You may end up wearing the braces for a few months, one year, or more, depending on the issue you aim to rectify. Types of braces also determine the treatment period, with some taking a shorter time than others. We can estimate your duration when you come in for a consultation.

6. Braces Cause Extreme Discomfort

If you think about braces, you may picture the conventional metal braces that were oversized, ugly, and most likely painful. That image may leave you wondering, are adult braces worse?

You do not have to dread getting braces because modern braces have undergone modifications that make them more comfortable. They are less visible, nonobtrusive, and with fewer brackets. Most orthodontists still use stainless steel brackets, but others prefer clear or gold brackets and wires.

You may also wonder, do braces look bad on adults? Not necessarily. Unlike traditional braces that are easier to spot, current options are more discreet. They are also available in multiple colors such as clear, neutral, and white, making it easier to select one that blends with the natural teeth.

7. Insurance Does not Cover Such Procedures

Many insurance plans exist for dental procedures. Some cover cosmetic dentistry and others focus on treatment only. Discuss your options with your employer to determine the limit of your cover.

In some cases, insurance can pay for adult braces specifically, but other times they pay for orthodontic treatment. That means you may have Invisalign treatment under the same cover as traditional braces. Discovering the insurance limit before the consultation can also speed up the claim process. The clinic can file the claim during the early stages of the procedure to avoid problems later.

8. Braces Cause Pain and Inconvenience

Since braces force teeth to move in a different direction, they can cause slight discomfort during the first few days after installation. However, they are not painful. The discomfort level has also reduced significantly over the years. Innovations ensure the wires do not affect the sides of the mouth.

Another popular misbelief is that braces can hinder proper feeding habits. Traditional metal braces were more challenging because food would get stuck between the brackets and the wires, but that is no longer the case. Options like Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them off when eating then put them back on afterward. You can enjoy any food like corn on the cob and steak, as long as you remember to clean the aligners before wearing them again.

Other misconstrued problems with braces in adults are about the inconvenience. You do not have to go for frequent visits when you have braces. Our clinic can schedule appointments according to your schedule to ensure you do not interfere with your routine. Be assured the teeth-straightening process is painless, enjoyable, and convenient for every adult.

Schedule an appointment

So, is having braces as an adult embarrassing? Nothing is embarrassing about seeking orthodontic treatment or having braces when older. We can help you choose the most comfortable option to ensure your social and professional interactions stay the same as you work on improving your teeth arrangement and bettering your smile. Contact us today if you are thinking about getting braces. We will determine if you qualify for them and develop a plan no matter how old you are.