etting braces as an adult can be a scary thought as memories of teenagers getting incessantly teased at High School for their metal braces start returning. However, modern orthodontic treatments are infinitely more advanced, vastly superior, and highly effective. Norwest Orthodontics has compiled a top 10 of concerns we hear from adults and our answers.
1. Everyone will know I’m wearing them – I’ll look ridiculous
Invisalign is a teeth straightening treatment that utilises nearly invisible braces to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day lifestyle. Invisalign works by employing removable aligners that are individually manufactured to suit you, meaning that you receive a customised treatment plan that will work for your teeth.
Invisible braces blend with the natural colour of your teeth by being transparent and they avoid altering a person’s appearance with a mouth full of metal. Using orthodontic braces such as Damon Clear Braces or Invisalign can drastically alter the way you look and smile without having to wear traditional bulky metal braces for up to three years.
2. Braces are only for teenagers
It’s never too late to straighten teeth and adult orthodontics is becoming increasingly popular with many adults opting for invisible braces or removable braces. Two of the most popular braces treatments for adults are virtually invisible Damon Clear Braces and Invisalign.
3. Dating will be awkward
The appearance of teeth is proven to have an immediate effect on the way people form an opinion of another person; particularly based on the first impression of someone, which affects social attitudes, interactions, and professional advancement. Your braces are an investment in a more appealing smile and straighter teeth in the future.
4. I’ll always have food stuck in my braces
Braces for adults are just as effective as treatment at any age; however adults have to compete with items such as coffee or smoking which can stain invisible braces. Therefore, Norwest Orthodontics have developed a great braces friendly recipe book for anyone who has recently had braces fitted and is struggling with what they can and cannot eat. The SOFT recipe book contains a collection of recipes that are fast, easy to make and very tasty and ideal for braces wearers.
A brace friendly diet does not have to be boring. The collection of brace friendly recipes includes a range of healthy and delicious snacks, desserts, as well as great suggestions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that the whole family can enjoy. You can download the free brace friendly cookbook full of great meal ideas for you to enjoy during your orthodontic treatment.
5. I’ll sound different
Wearing any type of dental appliance has the potential to affect the way that you speak. Some people, once they have braces in place, will notice some difference or awkwardness in the way they talk. It’s not unusual to notice a slight lisp or slur. These difficulties are usually most obvious when trying to pronounce words that contain “s” and “th” sounds.
Studies have found that in cases where some type of speech impediment was noticed, the person typically adapted and their ability to talk returned to normal within a short period of time – usually no longer than just a few days.
6. I don’t have time for ongoing treatment
As adults, it can be hard to find time in busy days to schedule appointments let alone turn up for them and continue with any follow up needed. If you’ve decided to make improving your smile a priority, Norwest Orthodontics will create a treatment plan to suit your busy lifestyle.
Norwest Orthodontics offers a range of orthodontic treatments that are specially designed to accommodate your busy lifestyle, making the process of constructing a better smile less impactful on your day to day life.
7. It will hurt
Your mouth is a very sensitive part of your body, and small changes can introduce some discomfort during orthodontic treatment. However, that discomfort is a sign that your orthodontic treatment is working!
During your orthodontic treatment, your teeth will shift and realign to improve the aesthetic and functional aspects of your teeth. As you adapt to your new braces, that pain will lessen and you’ll be able to avoid rubbing those sensitive parts of the mouth against the brackets and wires of your dental brace.
8. I’ll drool constantly
Excess saliva can be a common side effect when you first get braces. However it doesn’t last too long. Anything you place in your mouth sets off receptors in your brain, producing more saliva to prepare to digest food. So when you add braces in your mouth, these same receptors are triggered, creating excess saliva.
New braces patients should allow some time for the receptors to adapt to the new braces and stop producing excess saliva.
9. I can’t afford it
Braces are an investment in better dental health and a better smile.
Norwest Orthodontics offers flexible interest-free payment plans for your Orthodontic treatment. These are structured so that you pay an initial deposit when your Orthodontic treatment begins and then pay instalments over the course of your treatment. We will provide you with an all-inclusive quote (with no hidden charges!) before you begin treatment, and can flexibly structure your payment plan so that you can pay when it suits your budget whether that be weekly, monthly, or fortnightly.
10. It will take too long
For patients not wanting to wear braces for years on end, Invisalign is the ideal alternative.
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible braces, featuring removable aligners that you change every two weeks for the next set of aligners. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position.
Unlike traditional metal brace and retainer systems which need to be worn from one to three years (depending on your individual case), Invisalign treatment can give you the desired look in a matter of months.
