Braces are more common than you think. There’s a variety of orthodontic treatments for Bellevue and Newcastle patients, but new braces don’t have to be painful.
Dental braces have changed significantly over the past few years alone. But people still continue to have misconceptions about getting new braces, not the least of which include wearing adult braces.
New braces don’t necessarily have to be painful or inconvenient. If you’re concerned about how orthodontic braces can meet your active lifestyle, here’s what you should know.
1) Age is Never a Factor When Considering New Braces
When people think of orthodontic braces, they generally think of treatments for teenagers. But you’re never too old for braces. And more and more adults are choosing to get braces as part of their orthodontic treatment—not just in Bellevue or Newcastle, but across the nation.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, every one out of three orthodontic visits in the US is for adult treatment. More increasingly, adults are turning to braces as a treatment option. So long as your teeth and gums are in relatively healthy shape, virtually anyone can benefit from getting braces. However, braces are not recommended if you have receding gums, severe tooth and gum decay or bone loss in teeth due to the potential for additional complications.
While many of our adult patients lacked traditional orthodontic treatment growing up due to the cost, today’s braces are much more affordable and convenient. There’s a much wider variety of options and plans available to suit most any budget. Even patients who didn’t wear retainers after teen orthodontic treatment can benefit from a straight and perfectly aligned smile as an adult with braces.
2) The Right Fit of Your New Braces is What Really Matters
Wearing new adult braces is about more than just having perfectly straight teeth and a dazzling smile. Braces actually correct any underlying issues with tooth crowding, spacing and bites.
The first thing your orthodontist will need to check is your bite in order to evaluate how your top and bottom teeth meet after opening and closing your mouth. A malocclusion, or “bad bite” can lead to tooth stress, pain and breakage, as well as increasing the chances of gum disease. And the right fitting braces can make all the difference in the world. Keep in mind that you’ll be wearing braces throughout the day over your treatment, and you don’t want the process to be less comfortable than it should be.
3) Orthodontists are Especially Qualified to Treat Patients for New Braces
While a qualified dentist is able to diagnose both severe tooth and gum disease as well as perform general checkups, a certified orthodontist is specially trained to address tooth and jaw alignment problems which general dentistry can’t.
That’s because orthodontists receive an additional 2-3 years worth of specialty training, in addition to training in general dentistry, in order to receive certification. While dentists are fully qualified to treat general and specialized conditions, only an orthodontist has received the necessary training and education to treat misalignments and abnormal tooth growth. And braces are simply one of their specialties.
Many patients assume that braces are merely a form of cosmetic dentistry. But they’re not just for surface appearances only. They’re a preventative measure that can fix issues leading to discomfort, pain and in some cases, many common speech problems. Your orthodontist will take time to evaluate your teeth thoroughly and discuss the best course of treatment to fit both your budget and lifestyle.
4) When it Comes to New Braces, Different Types Suit Different People
There’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach to orthodontic treatment. That’s because no two sets of teeth are alike. And issues with crowding and malocclusions can differ greatly between teens and adults.
As popular as Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® are, they’re not the right match for everyone. In many cases, braces can be a much more realistic and effective method of straightening your teeth than the latest orthodontic innovations. But if you think getting new braces is a burden, think again. Modern braces for both adults and teens no longer have to be cumbersome or uncomfortable. State of the art technologies have revolutionized braces to be much more flexible, natural and customized to fit your teeth—naturally, painlessly and effectively.
5) Most Orthodontic Consultations for New Braces are Free
Most of our patients come to us as a result of referrals from their dentist or a family member or friend. But the vast majority of initial orthodontic visits are entirely free. In many cases, we encourage second opinions, particularly if a condition can be fixed by general dental procedures. That’s because there’s multiple ways of addressing and fixing tooth problems. While our office is proud to offer state of the art diagnostic tools and procedures, they’re not always suitable for every condition. Bellevue and Newcastle orthodontic patients have a wide variety of providers to choose from. Choose the one that’s right for you.
6) It’s Not Just Orthodontists Who Maintain Your New Braces
Don’t forget that wearing braces means you need to take care of them, as well. Keeping your braces clean on a regular basis with specialized antibacterial formulas will help prevent buildup buildup and plaque.
While it’s natural that cleaning your new braces might seem like a chore at first, it’s absolutely necessary for the health and safety of your teeth. In fact, patients tend to get used to the process in a matter of days, with many reporting absolutely no difference in their daily lives. And if you could clean your teeth regularly before your new braces, you can certainly clean them after!
Are you or your child a good candidate for braces? If you or your family member is in need of orthodontic treatment in the greater Bellevue, Newcastle, or surrounding areas of Washington, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call us at (425) 747-6335 or (425) 747-4944
