Taking the first step toward a brand-new smile can be intimidating. At Brady Orthodontics, we understand some adult patients may feel nervous about whether they are good candidates for braces or not. Our team is here to share more about orthodontic treatment for adults and frequently asked questions so you can comfortably begin your smile journey.
Why Begin Braces as an Adult?
Luckily, you can begin braces at any point in your adulthood! Some may believe that adults can no longer undergo orthodontic treatment as children and teens do, but they actually make up over a quarter of all those seeking to realign their smile. Visually, braces help you achieve an incredible new smile to show off to friends and family. Besides aesthetics and a fantastic boost of confidence, many advantages come with care.
Improve Your Well-Being
Pursuing orthodontic treatment as an adult provides positive impacts on your general health. You get to experience smoother digestion from improved chewing and biting functions, elimination of speech impediments from changing the position of your tongue, and protection from gum disease due to more efficient oral health habits.
Straight teeth protect you from many complications, some of which patients don’t commonly associate with oral health. Braces are just the first step of proactive work toward improving your well-being and taking power away from common complications.
Protect Your Oral Health
Teeth in the correct position and angle allow easy cleaning and reduce difficult-to-reach corners, protecting against developing cavities, excessive plaque buildup, and bacteria growth. Small stuck pieces of food can be flossed out with ease. If you are unsure of the best brushing and flossing practices with braces, Dr. Brady will happily show you!
Each Phase of Braces Treatment
Free Consultation
Your initial appointment is known as a free consultation. During this time, Dr. Brady and our expert team will perform different tests to learn all we can about your teeth and create a unique and comprehensive treatment plan. These diagnostics include digital photographs, x-rays, an oral examination, and a detailed digital model of your teeth and jaw.
Dr. Brady will go over all the details, including the best appliance for your case, your budget, aesthetic concerns, and if any steps need to be taken before starting. We will be able to answer any questions you have about future steps!
During Treatment
Upon deciding on your appliance and crafting unique components, our team will place it on your teeth. Braces help move your teeth in the right direction and ensure they don’t move past their ideal position. Depending on which you choose, follow-up appointments will be scheduled every four to six weeks so we can make other adjustments to ensure efficient results and inform you of ways to keep your plan on track.
Post-Treatment
Once your teeth are in perfect alignment, our team will remove your braces and provide you with a set of retainers to wear. Retainers slow down the movement of your teeth and help them stay in their perfect position. Most patients wear their retainers daily for the first six months, then can switch to nightly use afterward. Dr. Brady will provide exact instructions for your case when you come in.
Your Appliance Choices
KLOwen Metal Braces
We customize your treatment plan with KLOwen metal braces. This appliance uses 3D-printed components unique to your smile and can straighten your smile up to 40% faster than traditional metal braces. Brady Orthodontics ensures the most effective care, so you can expect shorter treatment times and fewer follow-up appointments.
KLOwen Clear Braces
Using nearly invisible tooth-colored ceramic material, KLOwen clear braces are an excellent choice for those looking to achieve the perfect smile with a less noticeable appearance than other appliances. They use the same technology as metal braces and are another custom-made choice so that you can expect efficient treatment and comfort throughout the process.
InBrace Hidden Treatment
Placed on the inner surface of your teeth, InBrace hidden braces are a great aesthetic choice to reach your smile goals. This appliance uses a personalized SmartWire, which applies a slight constant force on your teeth, putting your treatment on autopilot. Like clear aligners, you can continue to eat, brush, and floss as you did before starting treatment. We use advanced 3D technology to craft your appliance and ensure it fits comfortably while providing effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The total cost of treatment will depend on each patient’s specific needs. Below are the average prices for our braces before insurance:
KLOwen Metal Braces: $3,000 and $7,000.
KLOwen Clear Braces: $4,000 and $8,000.
InBrace Hidden Braces: $6,000 and $10,000.
Brady Orthodontics strives to keep our high-quality services affordable for all. We provide flexible payment plans and insurance options. Our team will happily work with you to ensure we comfortably fit your budget.
Do Braces Hurt?
Luckily, braces do not hurt! Our team does everything possible to ensure you feel comfortable during and after your appointments and provides the resources and tools you need to succeed. You may feel short-term discomfort as your teeth adjust to the presence of your appliance or after tightenings, but this will go away by itself over time.
How Long Will I Be Wearing My Appliance?
On average, you can expect to be in braces for one to three years. The answer for your specific case depends on a few factors, including your current oral health, the work that needs to be done, and the chosen appliance. Some patients fall out of that range if they necessitate simpler or more complicated work. We can help you better understand your time frame during your free consultation.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Braces!
We hope this short guide has made you feel more confident about starting braces treatment. Brady Orthodontics encourages patients of all ages to work on their smile so they feel confident in showing it off to friends and family. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Brady at our Winnetka or Evanston practice today. We can’t wait to meet you!
