Straight Talk - Braces and Adults

You're over 30, over 40, or over 50 even and have always wanted to have what you thought was a "pretty" smile. You've seen Pretty Woman several times and just can't get the image of Julia Roberts out of your mind when her Prince Charming climbs the fire escape to claim his Princess. Hollywood has a way with drama but Julia Roberts' smile is the real thing.

It's my understanding her orthodontist in Smyrna, Georgia (outside of Atlanta) held an in-office contest for his patients. The patients were asked to write what they wanted to be when they grew up. The person who achieved their dream would win a supply of toothbrushes and toothpaste for the entire town of Smyrna. It is said Julia Roberts wrote she'd become an Actress. Her town received toothbrushes and toothpaste, courtesy of Ms. Roberts!

I am unable to validate this story but being a Dental Healthcare Consultant specializing in Marketing, I absolutely love it!

Adults have given me various reasons for not pursuing their desire to start orthodontic treatment. I think the number one reason has been: "I'm too old for braces." My answer has been: "If you're young enough for the crowding, protrusion, spacing or overlapping of teeth to bother you, then you're not too old to have it corrected."

The second reason I've heard relates to cost. We spend money on things that do not appreciate in value. How much do we value do we place on ourselves? Besides, a reputable and most sort after orthodontist offers many flexible payment options. In-house plans are typically without finance charges. Capital One Healthcare Finance and Care Credit are also other sources for financing your healthy smile.

We are living longer and dental health should be a concern, long-term. The risk of cavities with proper hygiene and regular dental checkups and cleanings reduce, as we get older. The primary concern is periodontal disease.

Aging gracefully isn't a terrible thing. Dental implants are more costly than orthodontic treatment. So are veneers (full mouth). Dentures although very much an option and the only option at times, can be ruled out by your orthodontist, general dentist and periodontist. I would want to avoid dentures at all cost.

A multitude of orthodontic options (brackets) are available nowadays compared to 25 years ago. The biggest advancement occurring over the past five-to 10 years has been the innovation in the types of wires (ligatures) used to move teeth. Some options include:

-Clear brackets (ceramic and non-ceramic) Ultradent's Opal and Unitek's clear brackets
-Lingual braces - The new iBraces (These are made in Germany and customized by a robot. They fit behind the teeth.)
-Clear Aligners - AOA's Red, White & Blue System and Invisalign
-Traditional Metal - Speed braces (self-ligating), Damon System and Alexander brackets

Call for an orthodontic consultation. Take this article with you, if you must. Get the answers to the questions looming on your mind about your smile. Get a clearer understanding of what I may have only touched on the surface in this article. Get the straight talk from your orthodontist. Having your teeth straightened could take 10 years off your look - and it's cheaper than plastic surgery.

Please note, not every patient is a candidate for braces. Not all are eligible for the clear aligners or lingual braces, either. Your treatment could perhaps begin with traditional metal or clear braces and be finished with aligners or lingual braces. Ask your orthodontist these questions. Find out your options and proceed from there.

A healthy, pretty smile can be in your future. You're worth it. You deserve it. You want it. You won't regret it. Go ahead and do it!