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When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the first thing many people think of is a teenager in metal braces. While it’s true that many of our patients are children and teens, orthodontics can actually benefit patients of all ages—even adults! In fact, the number of orthodontic patients over the age of 18 continues to grow in leaps and bounds every year. That’s great news if you’ve spent years feeling unhappy with the way your teeth look or function. There’s never been a better time to explore how Dr. Darren Pakravan can give you a confident smile so we’re debunking myths about adult orthodontic treatment!
Here at Windy City Orthodontics, we offer a variety of innovative treatment options to correct orthodontic issues that range from mild to severe. Although today’s treatments are comfortable, efficient, and more discreet than ever, some patients are still on the fence about them. If you aren’t sure about orthodontic treatment, it’s probably because of what you think you know.
Keep reading below as we’re debunking myths about adult orthodontic treatment and show you why there’s no age limit on achieving the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
Myth #1: Orthodontic treatment is only for kids
As we mentioned above, a large number of orthodontic patients are younger. But you’re never too old to take advantage of what orthodontics has to offer! As we age, we often begin to have a better understanding of the many ways our oral health is related to our total body health. Many times, this results in a desire to take better care of our teeth and gums, which may include seeking specialized dental care or orthodontic treatment.
Some adults have crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, or other issues that they’ve waited years to correct, and have decided now is the time. Others are simply looking to improve their smile cosmetically. Whatever your reason for seeking treatment as an adult, our treatment options can give you a straighter, healthier, you’ll love sharing with everyone around you!
Myth #2: Orthodontic treatment will make you stand out
If you’re already feeling a bit self-conscious about your smile, the last thing you want to do is draw more attention to it. Many people think that’s exactly what happens if you decide to treat your teeth with braces or aligners, but modern orthodontic technology means there are multiple ways for adult patients to get the results they desire! Dr. Pakravan offers the following options to give you a complete smile makeover:
Traditional braces
Traditional braces are one of the most popular and efficient treatments available for patients of all ages. Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be. They’re also customizable, with a variety of fun colored bands to choose from if you want to show off a little personality with your smile! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Clear braces
Also known as ceramic or tooth-colored braces, these function the same way metal braces do. However, they provide patients with the additional benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets, both of which blend in well with your natural smile. The brackets are about the same size and shape as metal braces, but much less noticeable. When we pair them with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile! This makes them an especially attractive choice for our adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of a series of removable plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. These customized aligners are replaced with the next in the series every one to two weeks to keep up with the movement of your teeth. This offers patients a measure of freedom and flexibility that fixed braces just can’t beat since the aligners can be removed when eating or drinking. It also makes maintaining an oral hygiene routine much simpler since patients brush and floss as they normally would.
Myth #3: Braces are painful
Modern orthodontic treatment moves your teeth far more gently and effectively than it has in the past, and braces, in general, are more comfortable than they’ve ever been. The brackets, wires, and bands that come with metal braces can sometimes irritate the sensitive tissue of your cheeks and gums, but this can usually be resolved easily enough. If there’s any tenderness after an adjustment appointment or in the early days of getting braces put on, soft foods, a warm compress, and an over-the-counter pain reliever will normally take care of it in short order.
Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit over your teeth snugly and comfortably. While they may occasionally cause a small spot of irritation, these areas can be smoothed easily by trimming the aligner or filing the edge down with a clean fingernail file. Because the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours every day to be effective, comfort is an important feature for patient compliance, and one Invisalign takes seriously! Most patients experience no discomfort with their aligners.
Myth #4: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive
There’s no denying that orthodontic treatment of any kind is an investment of your time and finances. However, the benefits can last a lifetime! You’ll never encounter any hidden costs or unwelcome surprises here at Windy City Orthodontics. During your consultation with Dr. Pakravan, we’ll outline everything included in your treatment plan. This personalized plan contains everything you’ll need for beautiful, long-lasting results.
- All appointments, including emergency visits
- Braces or aligners
- Retainers
- Post-treatment follow-up visits
At Windy City Orthodontics, our treatment fees are a reflection of the skill our expert team possesses, the quality of the products we use, and the world-class service we provide. Dr. Pakravan has been providing unparalleled excellence in orthodontics for patients of all ages for years and understands the impact a healthy, beautiful smile can have in your life.
We appreciate what a big investment treatment is for patients, and our office will work with your budget to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. We offer convenient payment plans and accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. We’ll even file your insurance claims for you to make sure you get the most out of your benefits!
Achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with Windy City Orthodontics
After debunking myths about adult orthodontic treatment, it’s clear that braces can be a fantastic option for straightening your teeth and improving your oral health, whatever your age! An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Pakravan will guarantee you receive only the best treatment for your unique smile. You can trust our expert team to provide you with an orthodontic experience that’s rewarding and stress-free from start to finish.
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 at our Chicago office and let’s get started!