Deciding to begin your braces journey as an adult is filled with a great deal of excitement along with a few concerns. At Sonneveld Orthodontics we know you did not come to this decision lightly and it can be a bit of a daunting choice as well. No matter where you’re at in your decision-making process – whether you’ve recently began your research, just recently had your brackets put on, or you’re awaiting your Invisalign aligners to arrive – we’ve put together a few tips to help you better understand what the orthodontic journey is like as an adult.
You May Feel Alone, But You’re Not
Over 1.5 million orthodontic patients in the US and Canada are adults. Whatever the reason behind your decision to get braces as an adult – you are not alone – as many other adults are embarking on the same journey. Some choose to do it for cosmetic reasons while others have medical concerns to address.
You Have Choices: Metal, Clear, or Invisalign
Many adults feel uncomfortable getting braces so much later in life than when their classmates did often because their smile will show them having braces. There are more options than just braces with metal brackets. You can also look into clear (ceramic) bracket braces; however, if you are a coffee, tea, or red wine drinker these brackets can stain and you may want to keep that in mind. If you are feeling nervous or wary about having metal or clear brackets then perhaps Invisalign is the best option for you.
Follow Your Doctor’s Guidelines
Every adult, young or old, will agree that one of the best things about being an adult is doing things the way you want to – eating ice cream for breakfast, staying up (or out) late on Saturday night, ordering pizza for the third time this week, etc. But remember, the guidelines and rules your orthodontist sets for you regarding when to wear any appliances or what foods to avoid are there for your overall orthodontic success. Be sure to follow them. We promise you’ll be able to bite into an apple again someday soon.
A friendly reminder that this goes for wearing your retainer(s) after your treatment is finished. Nothing puts a damper on a hard-earned smile like it not staying put because you neglected to wear your retainer.
Keep a Braces Survival Kit on Hand
Eating with braces comes with its own set of challenges, but any challenge can easily be overcome with the right tools. Keeping a few handy items at home, in the car, in a bag or purse, at the office, and maybe at your significant other’s place will make the transition to life with braces smoother. Here are a few things to always have handy:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and floss threaders
- Water Flosser (not a great option for in the car, but is great to have at home)
- Dental wax
It’s Worth it
Choosing to get braces as an adult is a big decision, but when it’s all over and you gaze upon your new, beautiful smile – we know you’ll be grateful you did it. Whether you’re ready to begin your treatment now or you’d like to learn more we encourage you to contact us to set up a consultation. We can’t wait to help you uncover and discover your beautiful smile!