If you’re an adult, you may hear “braces,” and think, “Ugh! No way!” Davis and Goldberg Orthodontics in High Point and Greensboro understands your objection. But are you aware that braces are perfectly natural for adults? That’s right! Braces aren’t specific to any age. They can work just as well for adults as they can for kids or teens. Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seitz want to let you know about 4 reasons to get adult braces. But first, let’s have a look at what kinds of braces modern technology has for adults these days.
Braces Options for Adults
Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seitz will speak with you directly to determine which treatment option you need. Here are some of the possibilities you may come across.
Invisalign: Tried and True
What if you had braces that you could remove whenever you wanted (within Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seitz’s guidance, of course)? Our team uses clear, lightweight plastic aligners by Invisalign®. They offer the wearer much more comfort and convenience than conventional braces. In general, you’ll wear your aligner for 9-15 months and will use between 18 – 30 sets. We recommend keeping the aligner on for 22 hours a day.
Clearing Things Up with Clear Braces
You may also hear clear braces referred to as ceramic, tooth-colored, or aesthetic. This is because they are designed to blend in with the teeth. Clear braces empower you to continue your daily routine without fretting about your appearance. They are more discreet and less obvious than metal braces. As a general rule, our doctors recommend clear braces for most adults.
Metal Braces: The Solid Standard
An oldie, but a goldie! This is the image most people have when they think of “braces.” They’ve earned something of a stigma over the years, but Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics intends to change that. Modern metal braces have lighter wires and sleeker brackets. For you, this means less pain and irritation. Our braces are compact and comfortable. A major advantage of metal braces is that they can potentially shorten the duration of your treatment.
How About After Braces?
The doctors will decide how long you will wear braces. Once that’s done, they may recommend a retainer. But what does a retainer do exactly? Whereas braces move your teeth into new positions, retainers help your teeth stay in their new position. Believe it or not, teeth can shift after braces are removed. And retainers keep them where they’re supposed to be.
How Adult Braces Help More Than Your Smile
Reason #1: Better Physical Well-being
Proper brushing and flossing contribute to oral health. But they aren’t magic. If teeth are out of alignment, brushing and flossing may not be able to resolve the problem. Misshapen teeth create nooks and crannies in which plaque festers. If left untreated, excess plaque can lead to sore or bleeding gums, pain in the jaw, and headaches.
But the physical ailments don’t stop with oral hygiene. Especially later in life, irregularly shaped teeth can complicate our ability to chew food. This means that a task as simple as eating has now become a choking hazard. And what’s worse, swallowing unchewed food can cause severe abdominal discomfort.
Reason #2: More Self-Confidence
An improved smile doesn’t just change how you look. It alters how you feel about yourself. Adult braces can influence how you perceive your own face. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that nearly 2 million adults receive orthodontic treatment. At our Greensboro or High Point locations, many patients are over the age of 18. But Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics wants our clients to think beyond numbers. That figure represents people with fuller lives. Whether at yourself in the mirror or a passing stranger, smiling elevates your confidence. Visit us in person to find out why changing lives is our forte!
Reason #3: Want Mental Health? Invest in Dental Health!
Still not convinced that orthodontic intervention is right for you? Changing your smile can change your life. And that means much more than rearranging teeth. Adult braces can decrease anxiety and depression and boost overall mental health. Furthermore, if you like your smile, you’ll want to show it off. Smiling makes your brain pump out neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters influence your motivation and sense of well-being. And guess what? People who feel good about themselves smile more! Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics wants to help you tap into this kind of healthy feedback loop.
Reason #4: Even the Price is Something to Smile About
Our team understands how hard it can be to obtain care for ourselves and our families. Above, we mentioned that technology had provided us with more options to serve you. In addition, orthodontic remedies are more affordable now than they have been in the past. For adults, braces might be the first line of defense. As a result, they are a less expensive option.
Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seitz have resolved to never recommend anything a client doesn’t need. We’re happy to work with you to design a payment plan that fits your budget. Have insurance questions? No problem! We can work with your insurance company to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics Has You Covered On Adult Braces
Braces can (and do!) work for people of any age. We know that adults might balk at the thought of having to wear braces – and we understand that. That doesn’t change the fact that braces can work wonders for your smile.
If you’re an adult, let Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, and Dr. Seitz fit you with braces today! Go here to schedule a free consult.