Over the past years, orthodontic treatment has changed in exciting and significant ways. Braces and aligners continue to become more popular among adults – not just younger people – especially with the latest available technologies.
Unfortunately, the internet is packed with stories surrounding adult braces and aligners that just aren’t true…or are they? Sometimes it’s tough to weed out the truth from the myths online. That’s why we’ve put together this guide looking at some of the most common myths and the truth behind them you need to know.
Myth #1 – Orthodontic Treatment is Slow
The truth – this is only very rarely true these days. From time to time patients may present with complex issues that require longer treatment. However, while orthodontic treatment used to be slow, the latest technologies make the idea of slow treatment a myth. In most cases, the average length of orthodontic treatment is between six years and two years, depending on each patient’s unique situation.
As long as patients stay compliant with their treatment plan and keep up with appointments, the majority of orthodontic treatment doesn’t take longer than two years. At Laster Orthodontics, Dr. Laster gives each patient a personalized plan. That means you’re able to see exactly how long it will take for your treatment to be complete.
Did you previously have braces? Perhaps you didn’t finish or you didn’t wear a retainer after treatment. In these cases, getting your teeth to move back in their correct place can go even faster, giving you the straighter teeth that you want without a long wait.
Myth #2 – Adult Braces and Aligners are Just a Cosmetic Fix
It’s true that some of the benefits of adult braces and aligners include a straighter, more beautiful smile, as well as an improved facial experience. However, orthodontic treatment addresses far more than just cosmetic concerns. Some of the additional benefits of having your teeth properly aligned include:
- Reducing Tooth Decay – If you have teeth that are poorly spaced, crooked, or overlapping, it’s difficult to keep them clean. Problems cleaning all sides of your teeth can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss, which leads to additional oral health complications.
- Clearer Speech – Airflow moves more easily through the mouth when your teeth are aligned properly, which can give you clearer speech.
- Prevent Front Teeth Injuries – You might be surprised to learn that front teeth injuries are quite common, and even more so if you have front teeth that stick out. Orthodontic treatment moves these teeth into position, reducing your risk of front teeth injuries.
- Easier Eating – Poorly spaced teeth, overbites, or malocclusions may make it difficult to eat, and adjusting your teeth with braces or aligners can correct problems that make it easier to eat your favorite foods.
So, orthodontic treatment offers additional benefits beyond giving you a more beautiful smile. But don’t underestimate the value of straighter teeth. Studies show that individuals with straighter teeth are perceived as more successful and smarter, and they’re more likely to be hired.
Myth #3 – Straight Teeth Require Metal Braces
This is another myth! You have many options from which you can choose, including both fixed and removable appliances. For example, Laster Perfect Smile aligners are both clear and removable. It’s possible to take them out when you’re eating or for an important event, and even when you’re wearing them they’re nearly invisible.
Even fixed appliances offer many options beyond traditional metal braces. It’s possible to get braces with clear brackets that are less visible. Lingual orthodontics, which includes braces behind your teeth, is another available option. The option that will work best for you depends on the specific orthodontic issues being addressed.
Laster Orthodontics
Laster Orthodontics has locations in the Raleigh, Rolesville, and Zebulon, North Carolina areas, ensuring you have access to the latest in orthodontic treatment. We work with you to come up with a personalized treatment plan that will give you the straighter smile you want. We tell the truth, we stand behind all our work, and we have hundreds of 5-star Google reviews you can check out to learn more about the excellent service we provide our patients. If you’re ready to explore how your smile can look after orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
At Laster Orthodontics, we help families develop healthy, life-changing smiles using customized treatments, cutting-edge technologies, and caring relationships. Our individualized treatment plans help our patients achieve their perfect smile in the quickest, most painless way possible by utilizing a wide range of options from traditional braces to propel accelerated treatment to Dr. Laster’s in-house aligner program, Laster Perfect Smile. With three locations throughout the Triangle Area, we create life-changing smiles every day.