Top 5 Misconceptions About Adult Orthodontics

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, probably the first thing to spring to mind is an image of a child or teenager. The reality is though, that one in five people with braces are actually adults. This is one of many myths keeping adult braces from those that can benefit from them and orthodontics for adults in general. If you’ve been searching for Invisalign in Vernon Hills or braces in Glenview IL, this guide is a great place to start.

From sky-high costs to outlandish braces, find out some of the most common misconceptions about adult orthodontics and why they’re simply not true.

“Adult Orthodontics Is Too Expensive”

One of the most common misconceptions about adult orthodontics is that it is too expensive. This might come from conversations in the past when treatment was more prohibitive and there weren’t many options for financing. These days, there are more options to choose from for teeth alignment and as many ways to help you pay for it.

When comparing overbites, underbites, or crossbites, everyone’s mouth is different and orthodontic treatment for adults will require a unique approach from patient to patient. The best way to determine the cost of your treatment is to pay a visit to an orthodontist.

After your initial consultation, the specialist will diagnose your condition and advise the costs of the most appropriate treatment plan.

There are many financing options available to help make orthodontic treatment affordable. In addition, many insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, be sure to consult with a qualified orthodontist to learn more about your options.

“Orthodontics Is Just For Kids”

There are many misconceptions about adult orthodontics, but the most common one is that it is only for kids. This is simply not true! While children may be the most common patients that orthodontists see, adults make up a significant portion of their business as well.

As we get older, we learn more about the variety of ways our oral health directly impacts our total body health. This can lead to us taking more active steps to care for our teeth and gums.

There are many reasons why adults may seek orthodontic treatment. Wanting to improve their smile or bite, or needing to correct orthodontic problems that were never addressed in childhood are some. Whatever the reason, orthodontics can be a great option for adults of all ages.

“You Can’t Do Some Activities With Braces”

Another common misconception is that braces will stop you from enjoying some of the things you love in life. For example, if you enjoy playing sports or a musical instrument, you may feel you can’t continue doing these things when you have braces. The truth is, you still can continue with your lifestyle but it just might feel a little different.

Sports fans may find it helpful to wear a mouthguard to help protect their teeth. If you play a wind instrument, you’ll have a little bit of an adjustment period but you can still play with braces or aligners.

One of the biggest misconceptions that adults have about orthodontic treatments is they believe they’ll have to change their diet. This simply isn’t true. For the most part, you’ll be able to eat almost anything that you could before getting your aligners or braces.

Some exceptions with braces include sticky foods that can get stuck to your braces, like chewing gum. For aligners, you will need to remove them before eating or drinking and brush after each meal. Again, there will be some small adjustments but you should be able to keep eating all the things you love without too much compromise.

“It’s Too Late For Treatment”

One common misconception is that adults cannot get great results. In the past, it was much more common to see braces on the smiles of the younger generations but orthodontics for adults has come a long way. Whether you’re 7 or 70, your teeth undergo the same physiological process during realignment.

It’s true that getting your teeth straightened earlier on in your life is often preferred by orthodontists, but many problems can be corrected just as simply in adults as they can in adolescents.

The main difference is that an adult’s bones have stopped growing and have much denser bone tissue. This means it can take a bit longer to move the teeth compared to alignment in your younger years.

With modern techniques and technology, adults can achieve dramatic results with orthodontic treatment.

“Braces Will Make Me Stand Out”

It’s human nature not to want to stick out, especially for something as prominent as your smile. Some might worry that adults with braces leave a negative professional impression or will be a distraction.

The truth is, orthodontics for adults are much less obvious than they once were. Traditional metal braces have smaller brackets while ceramic braces blend in well as they’re made of clear, tooth-colored material. For people who are looking for a lower profile, Invisalign for adults and other clear aligners have a wide range of benefits.

A recent study showed that 60% of adults surveyed felt they could benefit from adult orthodontics, and 70% believed it would improve their self-esteem. So while it might take a few months of adult orthodontics treatment, in the end, you’ll end up with a smile you’ll be proud to show off.

Find Out More About Invisalign in Vernon Hills Today

Ready to take the next step? As you’ve learned, adult orthodontics isn’t as bad as some make out and it’s never too late to improve your smile. While treatment may take a bit longer for adults than it does for children, we’ve had great success in treating adults of all ages.

If you’re an adult and you’ve been searching for “Invisalign Vernon Hills,” we encourage you to get in touch with us. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions and address any doubts you might have about adult orthodontics.

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