You probably think of teenagers when you think of orthodontic treatment. Most people do! But orthodontic treatment and benefit patients of any age, including adults. About 1 in every 5 orthodontics patients is over the age of 18, and that number is always growing. If you’ve been unhappy for years about how your teeth look, feel, or function, there’s no better time than now to explore how orthodontics can help. Keep reading below as we debunk some of the most common myths about braces for adults (and explore why they’re the #1 treatment option, year after year!)
Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos offer lots of different innovative treatment options to correct a variety of issues. These include traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. If you have reservations about getting braces as an adult, maybe it’s because no one told you that modern braces are much lighter, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.
Myth #1: Braces are just for kids
While it’s still true that braces are most often worn by children and teens, adults are turning to treatment in growing numbers as they learn more about newer treatments. You’re never too old to take advantage of all of the benefits of orthodontics.
As we get older, we often begin to understand the many ways our oral health affects the health of your whole body. This might inspire us to take better care of our teeth and gums, including seeking dental or orthodontic treatment. Some adults have crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, or other issues they want to correct. Others are simply looking to improve their smile cosmetically. Whatever your reason for seeking treatment as an adult, braces can give you a straighter, healthier, more confident smile.
Myth #2: Braces will be too noticeable
If you’re already feeling self-conscious about your teeth, you probably don’t want to draw more attention to them. You may think that’s exactly what happens when you get braces, but that doesn’t have to be the case with modern orthodontic technology. For a complete smile transformation, Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos offer the following:
Traditional metal braces
Metal braces are one of our most popular and efficient treatments for a reason. Modern metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel and are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be. They’re also customizable, with a variety of fun colored bands to choose from if you want to show off a little personality when you smile. These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Clear braces
Also known as ceramic or tooth-colored braces, these work the same way metal braces do. But they have the additional benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Both options blend in well with your natural smile. The brackets are about the same size and shape as metal braces, but much less noticeable. When we pair them with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile. This makes them an especially attractive choice for our adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system offers you more freedom and flexibility than fixed braces because the aligners can be removed when eating or drinking. It also makes maintaining an oral hygiene routine much simpler since you brush and floss as you normally would. The Invisalign system is a series of clear, removable plastic trays that fit over your teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. These customized aligners are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of your teeth.
Myth #3: Braces are painful
Technology has advanced so much since the early days of braces. That was a hundred years ago, after all! Modern orthodontic treatment moves your teeth gently and effectively, and braces, in general, are more comfortable than they’ve ever been. You may occasionally experience a little discomfort as outlined below, but these minor issues are usually easy to fix with a little know-how!
General mouth irritation
Non-specific irritation in your cheeks, lips, or gums is common during your treatment. Orthodontic wax is an easy way to get some quick relief Make sure the bracket or wire is completely dry, then pinch off a small amount of wax and roll it into a ball. Flatten this ball and then gently but firmly place it over the source of irritation.
Protruding wires
Occasionally, a wire can come loose and irritate the inside of your mouth. This can be fixed with a pencil by using the eraser to nudge the wire back against your teeth until it flattens out. You can also place a piece of orthodontic wax over the wire to reduce irritation and provide extra stability.
Loose bracket
Loose brackets are a problem we need to know about as soon as possible. Once you let us know what’s happening, we’ll help you decide what the next step should be. In the meantime you can try sliding the bracket back along the wire to the center of the tooth. Orthodontic wax placed over the bracket can also add stability.
Tenderness in your mouth or gums
You may have some slight tenderness immediately after your braces are put on, or following adjustment appointments. A saltwater rinse is an easy home remedy that can provide relief. To relieve soreness, simply mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
A warm washcloth or a warm heating pad placed on the outside of your jaw can also offer you some relief, along with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Myth #4: Braces are too expensive
We understand that orthodontic treatment is a significant investment, but the benefits will last for the rest of your life! You won’t find any hidden costs or unwelcome surprises with Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos. We’ll explain everything included in your treatment plan before we even start. Our individualized treatment plans contain everything you need for beautiful results:
- All appointments, including emergency visits
- Braces or aligners
- Retainers
- Post-treatment follow-up visits and an oral hygiene starter pack, too!
Our fees reflect the skill of our expert team, the quality of the products we use, and the top-notch service we provide. Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos have years of experience creating healthy smiles for patients of all ages throughout Worchester, Spencer, and Auburn, and they appreciate the significant investment treatment is for patients. They’ll work with your budget to help you achieve a confident smile you love, thanks to our convenient payment plans, and we also accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. We’ll even help you with your insurance claims and paperwork!
Get the smile you’ve always wanted with braces by Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos
Braces can be a great option for straightening your teeth and improving your oral health, no matter your age! By choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos, you can trust that we will only recommend the best treatment for your unique smile. It’s our goal to provide patients with an orthodontic experience that’s rewarding and stress-free from start to finish!
If you’re ready to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation.