Do you have crooked teeth and want to fix them? Adult braces are a great way to straighten your teeth. You can use braces on adults of any age, and they’re not just for kids anymore. Get all the facts before making a decision.
You deserve to know everything before going through with this procedure. Keep reading to learn even more!
What to Expect
Adult braces usually take around 12-18 months before they’re off, and the cost of adult braces is generally more expensive than younger patients.
You might think that this would make you less likely to get braces as an adult, but consider this: having teeth straightened as an adult can actually be shorter than if you got them when you were a kid.
Adult braces are also less noticeable than traditional braces, so don’t feel embarrassed.
Here are a few tips that will help you prepare for life with braces as an adult:
1) Remember That It’s a Good Decision!
It might take time for you to get used to the idea of being an adult with braces, but remember that it’s not just something that can help improve your teeth.
If you have crooked or crowded teeth, then you know how difficult they are to clean and maintain. Braces will give you gorgeous teeth when you complete treatment!
2) Be Patient
Even though adult braces can take less time, don’t get discouraged if they take longer. You might need an extra month or two for your treatment to complete depending on the severity of your problem.
Remember that it’s worth waiting for! Your teeth will thank you later.
3) Be Open About Concerns With the Orthodontist and Staff
Don’t be afraid to call if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan. They’re there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about anything.
4) Take Care of Your Braces
Even though you probably brush and floss on a regular basis, make sure that you pay more attention to your teeth during your treatment period. Remove any food particles stuck in the brackets every night before bed.
Braces are an important investment. Keep them healthy by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly during treatment.
But now that we’ve gotten some of the realistic expectations out of the way, here are some of the most common myths about braces, debunked.
Myth 1: Getting Braces as an Adult Is a Pain
This couldn’t be further from the truth!
While it’s true that wearing adult braces will take some getting used to, you should also know that they cause less discomfort than traditional braces because they don’t have those rubber bands.
They may still make eating and talking more difficult, so we suggest making sure you’re prepared before getting this procedure done. For example, you need to get used to wearing a mouthguard with adult braces, and if you have sensitive gums, you may want to order the gum comfort kit.
Myth 2: Wearing Adult Braces Is Embarrassing
Adult types of braces are actually less noticeable than traditional ones, so there’s no reason to worry about wearing them in public!
You also don’t have to feel self-conscious about your teeth if you aren’t ready to tell your friends and family that you’re getting braces. This is important because it’s relatively common for adults to have a metal retainer in their mouth, which is what adult braces wrap around.
Myth 3: Adult Braces Are Very Noticeable
There’s no doubt that traditional braces are easy to notice, but it’s actually not too different from adult braces.
While adult braces may be slightly harder to spot, it’s definitely not like having a sign on your face. And if you want to get them done and don’t want everyone to know yet, we suggest getting the clear appliance.
Myth 4: Adult Braces Cost More Than Child Ones
Adult braces might be a little expensive, but it’s not because they’re designed for older people!
The price of traditional and adult braces is around the same, so there’s no need to worry about paying any extra money if you get them done at a younger age. This is important to know because older adults may be able to get discounts on their treatment. This could be a potential benefit to keep in mind.
Myth 5: Taking Care of Adult Braces Is Difficult
Adult braces can be a little more challenging to take care of than traditional ones, but not by much!
Don’t forget that you’ll need to brush and floss daily while wearing these. Also, while adult braces don’t have those stretchy bands like the ones for children, you still have to wear the rubber spacers that come with them.
For example, you need to pop the rubber spacers into your mouth, and then push down on them with your tongue so that you can actually move the brackets.
Myth 6: You Can Straighten Your Teeth Instantly
There are some ways that you can make your teeth look straighter, but there is no way you’ll be able to straighten them in one visit.
While wearing traditional braces may take around 10 months to fix your teeth, adult braces can take as long as 18 months. So if you want adult braces, we suggest keeping in mind that you’ll be living with them for a while.
It’s important to have the right expectations for your treatment to avoid disappointment.
Myth 7: You Can’t Eat What You Want
Eating is a little harder with adult braces, but it’s not impossible.
If you’re looking to clean your teeth while wearing these, try using a straw instead of a spoon. Or you could just cut your food into small pieces before eating them, especially if they’re big or hard to bite.
For example, if you’re trying to eat corn on the cob, cut it into bite-sized pieces before cooking them. This will help prevent you from accidentally biting down on the metal brackets.
Inquire About Adult Braces Today
Now you know the truth about adult braces!
They’re not too different than traditional ones, and they can help you achieve the smile that you’ve always wanted. If you want them, you should know that it’s perfectly normal for an adult to get these appliances if they believe it will benefit them in some way.
Contact us today to get started.