If you’re like most people, you most likely imagine a teenager wearing braces when you think of orthodontics. This is a persistent stereotype but it isn’t quite true. In reality, orthodontic treatment has a multitude of benefits for patients of all ages – including adults! More adults than ever are pursuing orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and improve their oral health. In fact, about 1 in every 5 current orthodontic patients is over the age of 18, and that number continues to grow each day. We’re debunking myths about braces for adults and giving you a look at why they continue to be the most popular orthodontic treatment, year after year!
If you’ve spent your adult life feeling unsatisfied with the way your teeth look or function, now is the perfect time to look into how Christian Manley Orthodontics can help! We’re proud to offer a variety of effective and affordable treatment options to correct orthodontic issues that range from mild to severe, including traditional metal braces. Although modern braces are more lightweight and comfortable than ever, some patients are still unsure about them. If you’re reluctant to consider braces to achieve a beautiful smile and improve your oral health, keep reading below to see how they can be an excellent option for your unique smile!
Myth #1: Braces are just for children and teens
One of the most pervasive myths about braces treatment for adults is that braces are designed only for children and teens. While it’s true that many of our patients are kids and teens, you’re never too old to take advantage of all the benefits orthodontics has to offer! As we get older, we often begin to learn more about our health and how our oral health is directly related to our overall well being. This can lead many to seek out ways to better care for their teeth and gums, which can include pursuing dental care or orthodontic treatment.
Many adults have oral health issues that they’ve waited years to correct, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Others are simply looking for cosmetic improvements to their smile. Whatever your reason is for seeking treatment as an adult, braces treatment with Dr. Christian Manley can help you achieve a straighter, healthier, more confident smile!
Myth #2: Braces will make you stand out
This another common myth about braces for adults that leads many to be wary of orthodontic treatment. When you’re already concerned about the way your teeth look, the last thing you want is to attract more attention to them. Many people believe this is exactly what will happen if they pursue braces treatment, but thanks to modern orthodontic technology, there are more treatment options available for adult patients than ever! Dr. Manley offers the following options for a complete smile transformation:
Traditional metal braces
Metal braces are one of our most popular and efficient treatment options, year after year. Generally made of high-quality stainless steel, today’s metal braces are much more comfortable and lightweight than they used to be. They’re also customizable, with lots of fun colored bands to choose from if you want to show off a little personality with your 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 function the same way as metal braces. However, they provide patients with 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, clear braces are an incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile. This makes them an especially attractive choice for our adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligners
The Invisalign system consists of a series of removable clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gently move them into their desired positions over time. These customized aligners are replaced with the next in the series every 3-7 days to keep up with the movement of your teeth. These systems offer patients a bit of freedom and flexibility not available with fixed braces since the aligners can be removed when eating or drinking. It also makes maintaining an oral hygiene routine much simpler since patients brush and floss as they normally would.
Myth #3: Braces are painful
Modern orthodontic treatment moves your teeth far more gently and effectively than it has in the past, and braces, in general, are more comfortable than they’ve ever been. While you may occasionally experience a little discomfort as outlined below, these minor issues are usually easy to take care of with a little patience and preparation!
General mouth irritation
Non-specific irritation in your cheeks, lips, or gums isn’t uncommon over the course of your treatment. Orthodontic wax is a great way to get some 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 may come loose and irritate the inside of your mouth or cheeks. This can be temporarily fixed with a pencil by using the eraser end to nudge it back against the 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 going on, we’ll help you decide what your next step should be. In the meantime, however, try gently sliding the bracket back along the wire to the center of the tooth. Orthodontic wax can be placed over the bracket to add some stability.
Tenderness in your mouth or gums
You may have some slight tenderness immediately after your braces are put on and following your adjustment appointments. A saltwater rinse is an excellent home remedy that can be beneficial for braces patients. To relieve soreness, just 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. Over-the-counter pain relievers are another useful remedy, just be sure to check in with Dr. Manley first!
Myth #4: Braces are too expensive
Orthodontic treatment of any kind is definitely an investment of your time and funds. However, the benefits will last you a lifetime! At Christian Manley Orthodontics, there are no hidden costs or unwelcome fees. At your initial consultation, we’ll go over every aspect of the investment needed for your new smile. Your individualized treatment plan will contain everything needed for beautiful, long-lasting results, including:
- all appointments, including emergency visits
- braces or aligners
- retainers
- post-treatment follow-up visits
- and an oral hygiene starter pack!
Our treatment fees are based on the skill of our expert team, the high-quality products we use, and the world-class services we provide. Dr. Manley has nearly 30 years of experience creating healthy, beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Issaquah, Sammamish, and the surrounding communities. We understand what a big investment braces treatment is for our patients and our team will work with your budget to ensure you get the treatment and results you deserve! We offer flexible payment plans, including discounts for full payment and family members and third-party financing. We also accept most major insurance plans and our team will reach out and file your paperwork on your behalf.
Get a beautiful smile with braces by Christian Manley Orthodontics
After debunking myths about braces for adults, it is easy to see that they can be an excellent treatment option to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health, whether you’re 14 or 40. Choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Christian Manley will guarantee that you get only the best treatment for your unique smile. Our expert team provides patients with a positive, stress-free experience, from the first appointment to the last!
Don’t let any misconceptions about braces keep you from a beautiful, healthy smile. If you’re ready to take the first step in your journey towards your dream smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation.