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Orthodontics is often associated with tweens or teens in braces, even though treatment can benefit patients of all ages. For that reason, there are several misconceptions surrounding orthodontic treatment for adults. Many people simply assume that braces or aligners are best suited for children and teens. While it’s true that there are benefits to initiating treatment while the mouth is still growing and developing, teeth can generally be moved efficiently at any age as long as the gums and supporting bone are healthy. That’s why we’re debunking the most popular reasons for avoiding adult braces and orthodontic treatment.
This is great news if you’ve spent a lifetime feeling self-conscious about the way your smile looks or feels! More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve their oral health, but doing so outside of adolescence can come with certain concerns. This can cause some adults to shy away from straightening their smile, but the good news is, most of those concerns aren’t based in fact or reality!
Let’s take a look at some of the popular reasons why adults avoid orthodontic treatment—and why you shouldn’t let that stop you from achieving the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted with help from Selden Orthodontics.
Myth #1: Orthodontic treatment makes your smile stand out more
If you’re used to hiding your smile because you don’t love the way it looks, you may be worried that orthodontic treatment will make it stand out even more. Fortunately, we’re able to offer adult patients a number of treatment options, from traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners.
Today’s braces have improved in leaps and bounds in recent years. Metal braces are sleeker, smaller, and more aesthetically pleasing than previous models. They’re also more comfortable and efficient! For image-conscious patients who don’t love the idea of metal brackets, clear braces can be a great choice. These are a variation on conventional braces that provide a much less noticeable method of treatment by using translucent brackets that blend in with your natural smile. We even offer champagne braces for a classic “white” gold appearance that is especially striking when matched with gold wire and clear ligatures!
If you’re hoping to avoid traditional braces altogether, Invisalign may be exactly what you’re looking for. The Invisalign system is our most popular alternative to traditional braces, and uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten the teeth instead of brackets and wires. This gives you a bit more freedom and flexibility throughout the orthodontic process while providing the same beautiful results as braces.
Myth #2: Treatment will take a long time
Orthodontic treatments are always progressing and evolving. Here at Selden Orthodontics, we use the most up-to-date techniques, technology, and appliances in order to get the best results in as little time as possible. Both braces and Invisalign have seen major improvements and upgrades in recent years, speeding up treatment times for many patients.
One of the biggest concerns adults have about braces and aligners is how long treatment will take. With our cutting-edge technology, Dr. Selden is able to create a precise treatment plan for each patient that achieves the results they want without l precise treatment plans to help patients achieve the results they want without lengthy treatment times.
Every smile is unique and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, so there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long treatment will take. The average treatment time tends to be anywhere from 12-30 months for most adults, though. If you are compliant with Dr. Selden’s recommendations and care for your appliance as directed, you may be able to complete treatment even sooner than planned!
Myth #3: Orthodontic treatment is simply cosmetic
Since a beautifully aligned smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment, it’s easy to assume that that’s the only function of braces or aligners. However, there are many functional and oral health benefits to consider as well. This includes (but isn’t limited to) things like:
- reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- better oral and total body health
- improved function of your teeth and jaw
- reducing or eliminating pain or pressure in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- lessening uneven wear and tear
- decreasing the risk of oral injury when the front teeth noticeably protrude
- helping you chew, breathe, and even speak more effectively
- create a more balanced bite
- help alleviate headaches or pain the neck or jaw
Myth #4: Adult orthodontic treatment isn’t affordable
While orthodontic treatment of any kind is an investment, our goal is to give you outstanding care at a reasonable price. Treatment fees vary depending on the complexity of your treatment plan, but we will always take your budget into consideration and design a payment plan that works for you! We also accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
In the same way treatment options have evolved over the years, so has dental insurance coverage. Many dental insurance providers now cover adult orthodontics!
If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, we’ll help you coordinate the benefits with your insurer. We are in-network with Delta and Cigna DPPO.
Selden Orthodontics can deliver the smile of your dreams
Whatever your personal reasons for exploring orthodontic treatment, you’re never too old to achieve a happier and healthier smile! If you’re in Charlotte, Huntersville, or the surrounding communities, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Selden in one of our conveniently located offices. There’s never been a better time to explore everything orthodontics has to offer!
