“I wish I had done this years ago!”
This is a pretty common response from adults at the end of their orthodontic treatment when they see the undeniable improvement in their smiles.
Too often, older patients hesitate for a long time before finally deciding to visit Greeley, CO orthodontist, Dr. Richter for a consultation. While this is understandable, it’s usually based on misconceptions people have about what wearing “braces” is like these days.
The fact is that the orthodontic experience just isn’t what it used to be, and for older teens and adults, that’s definitely a good thing! Here are three reasons you might be reluctant to pursue orthodontic treatment and why you shouldn’t let them stop you from getting the smile you want from our team at Richter Orthodontics:
#1 – Braces Are Uncomfortable
If you’re thinking about conventional braces, this may have been true in the past. Those first few days of soreness after you first have brackets and wires placed in your mouth could be especially uncomfortable. You’d also have to get used to how those brackets and wires feel against the inside of your lips and cheeks.
Not only is that not true anymore, thanks to our modern technology in planning your orthodontic care, but you may not even need conventional braces to straighten your teeth. You have the option of clear aligners that fit over your teeth, with the smooth plastic resting in your mouth comfortably against the soft inner tissues. You can also expect gentler pressure than orthodontics of the past to move your teeth into the right position over time.
#2 – I Won’t Be Able To Eat What I Want
With custom braces, you actually don’t always have to make huge, sweeping changes to your diet like you might assume. Sure, you’d have to avoid certain things like sticky taffy and caramel, hard candies, whole fruits, chewing gum, or popcorn, as they would put you at risk for damaging your brackets and wires.
But with clear aligners, you don’t have to make any changes at all. Orthodontics or not, you’d still want to maintain a healthy diet for optimum oral health, but being able to remove your aligners when it’s time to eat means you don’t have to worry about damaging them or feeling embarrassed about getting food stuck in your braces.
#3 – I’ll Feel Insecure About How I Look Wearing Braces
Again, this is understandable if you’re thinking about standard metal braces, especially if you’re a college student or older professional.
But modern treatment options allow you to wear brackets and wires without anyone seeing them at all. Lingual, or ‘behind-the-teeth,’ braces are on the back of each tooth, completely hidden away so you don’t have to worry about looking different during your treatment.
Clear aligners are just as discreet. Thin, delicate, and barely visible, you can walk around wearing these without anyone even noticing they’re in your mouth!
Take The First Step!
The point is that you don’t have to let these common misconceptions about orthodontics keep you from getting the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted! You have many options available to you that can fit easily into your lifestyle. To schedule a consultation so you can explore your options in Greeley, CO, call Richter Orthodontics today at 970-500-5928 or schedule online.
