Debunking The Biggest Myths About Adult Braces

Here at Kaplan Orthodontics, we hear from adults every day who are worried that they’ve missed the chance to improve their smile with orthodontic treatment. If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy or self-conscious about the way your teeth look, you may think a straighter smile just isn’t in the cards for you because you’re too old for braces. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! There’s no age limit on improving your oral health with orthodontics and braces can help align adult teeth just as well as an adolescent’s. In fact, millions of adults are currently taking advantage of all the benefits modern braces have to offer—you could be one of them!

Today’s braces have seen some remarkable changes in recent years. As a result, they’re more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. In spite of these improvements, we still have some adult patients on the fence about using them. If you’d like to correct your orthodontic issues but aren’t sure if braces are a good fit for you, it’s probably due in part to what you think you know about them. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about braces! Keep reading below to learn why you’re never too old to achieve a confident smile with orthodontics.

“It’s too late for treatment.”

While it’s true that orthodontists prefer to straighten teeth early on in a patient’s life whenever possible, your teeth undergo the same physiological process required for realignment whether you’re 8 or 80. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected just as easily in adult patients as they can in children and adolescents, with one major difference: an adult’s bones are no longer growing and they have much denser bone tissue, so it can take a bit more time to move the teeth.  

Many adults also have dental issues that most adolescents don’t, like fillings, missing teeth, and gum disease. Because the teeth and gums need to be in good shape before we attempt any sort of tooth movement, there may be some dental work required before we can move forward with orthodontic treatment. That said, there’s no such thing as aging out of orthodontics. However old you are, it’s just one more variable in the individualized treatment plan Dr. Kaplan will create for you and your unique smile. 

There are some benefits to waiting until adulthood to explore orthodontics, too. Adults are much more likely to recognize that braces are a valuable investment in their oral health and tend to treat it that way. That means they’re more likely to be responsible with their braces and follow the orthodontist’s instructions more precisely. Doing this helps to ensure that we achieve the best possible results!

“Braces will make me look unprofessional and affect my career.”

Some adults worry that wearing braces might stand out too much or have a negative impact on them professionally. Current braces have smaller brackets and tend to be much less obvious than they once were, but some patients do want to keep a lower profile while they’re straightening their smile. For our more image-conscious patients, we do have other options available! Here at Kaplan Orthodontics, we offer the following treatment methods.

Metal braces

Metal brackets are composed of a mix of high-quality metals, so they’re very durable. In spite of that, they’re much lighter and more comfortable than they used to be. Metal braces have a long track record of producing excellent results, especially for cases that are more serious or complicated. Since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces are often slightly more affordable than other options.

Invisalign clear aligners

Invisalign is our most popular alternative to traditional braces, offering an extra measure of flexibility for adult patients. The Invisalign system is convenient and efficient, gently moving the teeth over time using a series of clear plastic trays. These aligners are customized for your unique smile and fit comfortably in the mouth, with little to no irritation. 

To keep up with the movements the teeth are making, aligners are changed out every 1-2 weeks for the next in the series. The Invisalign system differs from braces in that it can only work if the recommended guidelines are followed to the letter. If a patient does not wear the prescribed aligners the required 20-22 hours per day, treatment results can be impeded, and extra time may be added to the orthodontic process.

When worn as directed, Invisalign can work just as well as braces at correcting many of the most common orthodontic issues. 

“Braces aren’t in my budget.”

While it’s true that orthodontic treatment is an investment of your time and your finances, the benefits it comes with will last you a lifetime. When you schedule a free consultation with our Dunwoody office, we’ll go over everything your customized treatment includes. This will normally be:

• all appointments, including emergency visits
• your braces or aligners
• a post-treatment retainer
• post-treatment follow-up visits

Our treatment fee is a reflection of the skill, expertise, and high-quality care that goes into giving you a confident smile you’ll love. We’re transparent about all the total cost of treatment upfront, and you’ll never have any hidden fees to worry about! Braces can be a big investment so our office offers a variety of payment options, including flexible payment plans. We also accept many insurance policies and are in-network with the following providers:

• Aetna
• Cigna
• Guardian
• MetLife
• United Concordia
• United Healthcare

If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, our team is happy to handle all the necessary steps to make sure you receive the maximum benefit.

The smile you’ve always wanted is waiting for you at Kaplan Orthodontics

As you can see, it’s never too late to achieve a healthier smile and improved oral health! Here at Kaplan Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide patients of all ages in Dunwoody and the surrounding areas with high-quality care, affordable treatment options, and beautiful results. Are you ready to take the first step towards the confident smile you’ve always wanted? Get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Kaplan!