There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient at Saddle Creek Orthodontics! Today’s braces are more comfortable and affordable than ever before, with a wide range of treatment options for patients of all ages. Even so, many adults are hesitant to straighten their smile and improve their oral health with orthodontic treatment. This is often based on common misconceptions or misinformation, especially around braces.
If you’ve avoided visiting an orthodontist like Dr. Fagala but spent a lifetime feeling self-conscious about your smile, this is the perfect time to get the truth about braces! We’ll debunk some of the biggest myths about them below, and also give you some insight into why they remain such a popular and successful treatment option.
MYTH #1: Braces are just for kids
It’s true that many orthodontic patients are children and teens. However, more and more adults are beginning to understand the ways our oral health is linked to our total body health. This often results in a desire to take better care of their teeth and gums, which may include seeking dental care or exploring orthodontic treatment. We can see this reflected in the growing number of adult patients we’re seeing—currently, about 1 in every 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 18!
MYTH #2: Braces will make you stand out
Many patients have spent years perfecting the art of hiding their smile, and don’t love the prospect of braces drawing attention to it. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to straighten your teeth discreetly. While traditional metal braces are still the most common, they’re far from the only option! Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that can be paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties for an incredibly inconspicuous treatment option way to transform your smile. SCO also offers Invisalign clear aligner therapy for even more freedom and flexibility.
MYTH #3: Braces are painful
Orthodontic treatment is literally moving teeth through bone, so it’s not unusual to experience some mild discomfort or irritation occasionally. Braces don’t have to hurt, though! Today’s treatment methods are able to move the teeth gently and effectively, but if you do find yourself dealing with any of the following minor issues, they’re usually pretty easy to take care of using our tips and tricks.
General mouth irritation
Non-specific irritation in your cheeks, lips, or gums can happen from time to time, but orthodontic wax is an easy way to get some relief! Make sure the bracket or wire is completely dry, then pinch off a small amount of wax and roll it into a ball. Flatten this ball and then gently but firmly place it over any part of your braces causing irritation.
Protruding wires
Sometimes a wire can come loose and irritate the inside of your mouth. This can be fixed by using the eraser end of a pencil to nudge it back against the teeth until it flattens out. You can also place a piece of orthodontic wax over the wire to reduce irritation and provide extra stability.
Loose brackets
Dr. Fagala should know about any loose brackets as soon as possible so he can help you decide what the next step should be. In the meantime, the bracket can be slid back along the wire to the center of the tooth. Orthodontic wax placed over the bracket will add a bit of stability.
Tenderness in your mouth or gums
You may have some slight tenderness immediately after your braces are put on, or following adjustment appointments. A salt water rinse is an excellent home remedy that can be beneficial for braces patients. To relieve soreness, try mixing one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Over-the-counter pain relievers are another useful remedy, just be sure to check with Dr. Fagala first.
MYTH #4: Treatment with braces will take a long time
Saddle Creek Orthodontics uses the most cutting-edge technology and techniques to provide our patients with top-quality orthodontic care. Today’s treatments are much more efficient than they used to be, and treatment times are often much shorter than they would have been years ago. While every case is different and there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long you’ll need to be in braces, the average treatment time is about 12-36 months.
MYTH #5: Orthodontic treatment will be too expensive
Orthodontic treatment is an investment, but it’s worth every penny when the benefits can last a lifetime! You never have to worry about any hidden costs or unexpected fees with our practice since we outline everything that will be included in your treatment plan during your free consultation. Our treatment fees reflect Dr. Fagala’s expertise, skill, and the innovative technology we use to achieve superior results. We know that orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment for your family, and will always work with you to find a payment option that fits your budget! We offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts through OrthoBanc. We will also check with your insurance company for any orthodontic benefits.
Don’t wait another minute—get the smile of your dreams at Saddle Creek Orthodontics
Once you clear up all the misconceptions, it’s easy to see that braces can be a fantastic option for transforming your smile, whatever your age! When you choose an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Fagala, you’ll be putting your smile in the best hands in Memphis and the Mid-South. Our customized treatment plans ensure you’ll receive only the best treatment for your unique smile!
Saddle Creek Orthodontics is proud to provide patients of all ages with a rewarding orthodontic experience that’s fun and stress-free. If you’re ready to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Fagala.