Perhaps you never had braces as a youngster or needed to remember to use your retainer regularly, causing your teeth to shift. Adults seek orthodontic treatment for various reasons, and if you're thinking about it, you're not alone!  

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the proportion of adults over 18 who use braces increased by 14% between 2010 and 2012. Over a million adults in the United States and Canada now have braces.  

"We're more worried about our appearance, and we're more concerned about keeping our teeth," says AAO president DeWayne McCamish, DDS, MS.  

Despite the growing number of adults seeing the orthodontist, there are still many myths regarding wearing Invisalign or obtaining braces as an adult. Here are seven frequent ones we're addressing with facts.  

I'm too old for braces or Invisalign, and therapy won't be as effective as it could be.  

Is it too late for me to get braces? This is the question that many patients ask their dentists, and the answer is no! A healthy, confident smile has no age restrictions. There are numerous advantages to adult orthodontic treatment, which we will describe momentarily. The truth is that whether you're 16 or 60, the forces from braces or Invisalign guide your teeth into place in the same way. There are, of course, advantages to receiving treatment while the jaw is still growing and developing. Even in a bone abnormality, there are techniques to fix the issue in older people. Treatment options include crowded teeth, crooked teeth, spacing or gaps, relapse after previous orthodontic treatment, overbites, buck teeth, and deep bites.  

Another thing to remember is that compliance is critical to any treatment's success. Because adult patients are usually responsible and committed to their treatment, they follow recommendations and wear the aligners, rubber bands, or post-treatment retainers on time, which enhances their outcomes.  

If you get braces as an adult, you will be in treatment for years.  

As a field, orthodontics is constantly evolving and progressing. Both braces and Invisalign have experienced significant engineering and material advancements, and they now apply a small amount of force over time rather than a significant force in a short time as they used to. This has been demonstrated to move the teeth into place more quickly and with less discomfort. Your dentist can plan your treatment from every angle because of advancements like digital x-rays and digital scanners that enable digital 3D treatment planning.  

Moreover, the length of time you will wear braces depends on the type of braces you choose, the crookedness of your smile, and other things. Adults typically wear braces for 18 to 26 months. As your teeth respond to therapy, your dentist will modify your braces every few weeks. After removing your braces, your dentist will fit you for a retainer to help your new smile align.

Metal bracing is a must.

Nowadays, dentists provide a wide range of orthodontic alternatives for adults, children, and teenagers, to guarantee that you are entirely satisfied with your treatment choice. Adults are often excellent candidates for cosmetic treatments such as transparent braces and Invisalign. Clear braces function similarly to traditional braces, but they are composed of a composite material that mixes in with your smile, making them less noticeable. Previously, you had to be concerned about staining and breaking, but the clear braces eliminate staining and are incredibly durable. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are nearly undetectable and custom-made to suit your teeth. Even if you opt for metal braces, they are much smaller and sleeker than previously. Modern braces will not give you the stereotypical "metal mouth" appearance.  

Orthodontic therapy for adults is inconvenient.  

As previously said, dentists can straighten your teeth faster and more pleasantly. This, however, means you'll have fewer appointments, and your visits will be easier. Dentists nowadays are equipped with high-tech computerized systems, innovative diagnostic equipment, and therapy alternatives.  

Straight teeth are just cosmetic. Thus, treatment isn't worth the money.  

Yes, wearing Invisalign or getting braces as an adult will improve the appearance of your smile and can even take years off your appearance. However, there are numerous other advantages to wearing braces for adults that go far beyond the visual benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which improves your oral hygiene and lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Because gum disease is linked to disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature labor in women, there is a clear link between oral health and general health. Furthermore, by enhancing the function of your teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can:  

• Assist you in breathing, speaking, and chewing properly.  
• Reduce irregular tooth wear.   
• Make protruding teeth less vulnerable to harm.  
• Balance bite relieves headaches and suffering in the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.  
• It makes room for dental implants in circumstances where teeth are lacking.  
• Improve your self-esteem and self-confidence!  

Adult braces and Invisalign are very pricey.  

Braces are not as pricey as you may believe. Braces can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $7,000 for the average adult. Your dental insurance may cover the costs if you require braces for reasons other than appearances, such as preventing dental decay or improving your speech and eating habits.  

It is essential to check with your insurance company to see if orthodontics is covered; many dental plans do. Numerous medical financing firms provide payment arrangements if you do not have dental insurance. The cost of adult braces varies according to the type of braces used. Lingual braces are frequently more expensive than regular braces. Your dentist will recommend the best braces solutions for your oral needs and budget.  

Remember that while braces are an investment, they pay off throughout your life. According to research, people are showing biases to perceive adults with crooked teeth as unsuccessful. This might have an impact not just on your personal life but also on your work.  

Dental insurance does not cover adults and cosmetic solutions such as Invisalign or clear braces.  

Traditionally, insurance supports orthodontics for people 18 and under; however, policies have developed, and there is now dental insurance that covers braces for adults. If you have dental insurance that covers adult braces, it usually means that it covers any braces, not just metal ones. As a result, cosmetic solutions like Invisalign are likely to be covered in the same way traditional braces are. Just because a treatment is more subtle does not imply that it does not satisfy your functional demands. It's a good idea to discuss your alternatives with your employer.

Conclusion  

Adult braces are becoming increasingly popular and show no signs of dying down. Technology provides options for a wide range of lifestyles and ways to fast and effective finishing treatment.   

Schedule a consultation with your dentist if you're considering trying Invisalign or getting braces as an adult. Your dentist can recommend the best treatment to bring out the best in your smile! 

 Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Danville Orthodontics to know more about Braces as an Adult.

Resource:

Demystify Adult Braces

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.