When we think of braces, we tend to think of preteens and teenagers. However, more and more adults are considering getting braces. The fact is, your teeth don’t stop shifting just because you get older, and maintaining a healthy smile is important no matter what stage of life you’re in.
There are a lot of reasons for getting braces as an adult are beneficial. Teeth have a large cultural impact, and a healthy, beautiful smile lends itself to social and professional success and has a positive impact on self-image. Thanks to the latest advancements in technology, treatments are not only more affordable, but the user experience is better than ever before with so many innovative options like clear braces.
So before you let thoughts of doubt deter you from achieving your dream smile, check out these 4 myths about braces.
Myth 1:
Braces are for kids
Did you know that, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), 27% of U.S. and Canadian orthodontic patients are adults?
No matter what stage of life you’re in, having a healthy smile will improve the overall quality of your life. As you age, your mouth becomes more susceptible to dental issues like crowding pressure, tooth decay, abnormal wear of enamel and surfaces, and jaw joint pain. A more precise alignment of teeth not only prevents these health issues later on in life, but compelling evidence also shows that a healthy smile improves professional and personal lives after completing orthodontic treatment – talk about a win-win!
Myth 2:
Braces will make me look childish
When you think of braces, the first thing you think of is the loud and proud metal brackets adorned with rainbow rubber bands, right?
The general misconception that braces are for children feeds directly into the social stigma that braces make you look childish. In fact, the fear of looking childish is one of the primary reasons adults avoid getting braces. But we have good news! Innovative technology has provided a handful of less noticeable, and even invisible braces options so that you can choose the best option for you.
Ceramic braces, or tooth-colored braces, function similarly to braces but are significantly less noticeable, and you can pair them with clear bands or wires for an incredibly effective, disguised alternative to regular metal braces.
Clear aligners, or Invisalign, are another great alternative to standard braces. The best part about clear aligners? You can wear them incognito.
Dr. Tom Shannon founder of Shannon Orthodontics is well known as a diamond plus Invisalign provider. However, he and his team have developed their own affordable clear aligner alternative to Invisalign as well!
“There’s a TON of innovation going on in the industry right now, both orthodontists and patients alike should be really excited!”, he added.
Myth 3:
I can’t afford braces
Traditionally, braces are an expensive purchase. As an adult with a family, it can be difficult to justify the expense for yourself, and unfortunately, dental insurance doesn’t always cover the full expense even when the treatments are for health reasons and not aesthetics.
Luckily, today there are multiple ways to finance your braces that won’t break the bank! Here are three ways we recommend doing so:
#1 No-Interest Financing
Many offices are offering no-interest financing options on braces. This gives you a flexible payment option that may suit your budget!
#2 Employer-Backed Dental Insurance
In today’s world, some employers provide dental insurance packages that cover adult braces. If you’re not sure about what your plan covers, reach out to someone in your human resources department and see what’s available to you!
#3 Health Savings Accounts
Ask your employer or health insurance provider if a health savings account or a flex spending account is available to you! With a health savings account, you can pay for your braces with pre-tax dollars, which can save you hundreds of dollars down the road!
But Just know that in some cases, if you don’t use your savings before the end of the year you’ll lose the money for good.
Myth #4:
My teeth are too bad for braces
While it is true that crowns, fillings, and dental implants are all obstacles that need to be considered when providing a treatment plan, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t an eligible candidate for braces as an adult!
Fortunately for individuals with crowns, orthodontists have found an alternative adhesive for attaching brackets. Unfortunately for those with pre-existing implants, they can’t be moved, however, patients with missing teeth can have an implant placed correctly once the orthodontic treatment is complete!
Don’t forget that there are other options like clear aligners or Invisalign if more traditional styles are unavailable to you!
Conclusion
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and today, more and more adults are taking the initiative to better their smiles and their lives. In our society, there are many misconceptions and stigmas about getting braces as an adult, however, at the end of the day, the concerns don’t live up to the hype.
Whether you’re 13 or 32, It’s not too late to achieve a healthier and happier smile and lifestyle. You deserve it!
