Are your teeth out of alignment? Do you have a “bad bite” or crooked teeth? Do you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction? The solution may be braces. Whether it’s traditional wire and bracket braces or clear aligners, braces can help correct bad bites, straighten the teeth and, in some cases, even alleviate some of the pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
But some people, despite their dentist’s recommendation, have a myriad of excuses for why they shouldn’t get braces. At Breathe Modern Dentistry, we’ve heard it all, and we’re happy to tell you many of your objections to getting braces are easy to overcome.
Don’t let excuses hold you back from having the smile of your dreams. Here are a few common objections to braces and why the good outweighs the negative when it comes to orthodontic work!
Objection #1 Cost
Often, we get patients who say braces are too expensive or not worth the investment, but nothing could be further from the truth. Whether you need a payment plan or are just not convinced braces are worth the cost, let us assure you there are solutions.
Furthermore, many insurance plans will cover part of the cost of your orthodontic work, but check your plan for details. With open enrollment starting at the beginning of the year for many patients, adjusting your dental plan may be wise.
Objection #2 Appearance
Everybody likes to be told they look younger than their age, but that’s not always true when wearing braces. Some adult patients worry they won’t be taken seriously when wearing braces because braces may appear childish. Yes, many teens and children wear wire and bracket braces, but so do adults. The good news is many patients qualify for clear aligners, and even wire and bracket braces come in clear options to make your braces look less noticeable.
Objection #3 Discomfort
While it is true that you will likely experience a bit of discomfort with your braces when they are first attached or during adjustments, most discomfort can be resolved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Furthermore, options like orthodontic wax can help if you feel like a wire or bracket is poking you. If you have a wire that juts out, your dentist can trim it back and make your mouth more comfortable. Remember, the long-term results of your orthodontic treatment will far outweigh any discomfort you may experience.
Objection #4 Length of Treatment
Some people are not thrilled about the time commitment braces take. While braces treatment durations vary depending on the individual, many advances in orthodontics can cut down treatment time significantly from the treatments of the past. At your initial consultation, your dentist will tell you the estimated treatment time so you can best prepare for and better understand how long you can expect your treatment to last.
Objection #5 Maintenance
While it’s true that braces require a little extra care than regular brushing and flossing, it is imperative to keep your braces clean and clear of debris. Thankfully, modern tools like water flossers can help remove bits of food and plaque from your brackets, while flossing loops can help you get between each tooth with regular dental floss. Regular brushing is required to clean your teeth, and you should also brush your brackets and any other orthodontic equipment each time you brush.
For those with clear aligners, soaking aligners in retainer cleaner and scrubbing them each day will help keep them clear and free of debris.
Objection #6 Age
Some patients feel that at their age, they are “too old” for braces and that braces are for children and teenagers, but this isn’t true. Braces can benefit anyone of any age as long as their teeth and gums are in good health. Don’t let the trepidation about your age hold you back from getting a healthy, beautiful smile!
Objection #7 Fear of the Unknown
When you begin a new treatment, sometimes the adventure of that treatment can be scary. Occasionally, we let that fear overtake us and cause barriers to our goals. If you have any concerns about undergoing orthodontic treatments, talk to your dentist during the consultation and see your options. This can help alleviate some of your fears and leave you feeling confident and empowered about your orthodontic journey.
Objection #8 Impact on Lifestyle
While it’s true that getting braces may require some adjustments to your lifestyle, it is well worth those minor tweaks to undergo orthodontic treatment. From making dietary changes to avoid certain foods that could harm your braces to using extra care during brushing and investing some time to attend adjustment appointments, the minor lifestyle changes you must make are well worth the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
If you are hesitant to begin an orthodontic treatment at Breathe Modern Dentistry, let us explain the benefits of getting braces, no matter your age or lifestyle. We are happy to answer any questions and ease your concerns.
Remember, we are invested in your success, and if braces are recommended for you, it’s because we know you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.
To schedule an orthodontic consultation at Breathe Modern Dentistry, please get in touch with us today!