There are some misconceptions regarding orthodontics and specifically adult orthodontics that we would like to dispel below.
Myth 1: "I am too old to have orthodontics."
The truth is that there is no age limit for adults to have orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic literature is filled with case reports of elderly patients successfully treated and it is Dr. Bigman's experience as well. How could that be? The reality is that age doesn't matter, health does. Once the dentition and periodontium can be diagnosed and treated so as to insure that they are healthy, then tooth movement can be achieved quite successfully - no matter how old the patient is.
Myth 2: "Orthodontics is painful."
The two main sources of discomfort are eliminated by the way we use a fully bonded appliance. What this means is that only in rare cases do we use metal bands that wrap around the teeth to secure the appliance and so the placement of the braces is simple and gentle (not to mention expedient). Since there is no material between the teeth, the pressure created by the bands is gone. Not only is the bonded appliance more comfortable to wear, but it is far more hygienic and less noticeable as well. We use light and continuous force application which means adjustments are done gently and gradually. There is never a time when the braces are so tight that it hurts.
Myth 3: "Orthodontics is not good for my teeth."
The older banded appliances could result in decalcification and even decay if not properly maintained. However, the bonded bracket allows much greater access to the tooth for hygiene and maintenance. When the braces are removed, the untarnished original tooth surface is preserved.
Compare that to other cosmetic procedures where the teeth are actually cut down and reduced in size to make room for artificial materials! Once a tooth is reduced for a veneer or laminate, the patient is committed for life to artificial materials placed on their teeth.
Myth 4: "Orthodontics is too expensive."
Compared to what? When you consider the alternatives, the cost of orthodontics is a great value. A single tooth veneer often costs an average of $1000 and rarely does a patient get just one veneer. The norm is more like 6-10 which means $6000-$10,000 and that does not include the cost of redoing the veneers from time to time, which is inevitable.
Money aside, cost can be measured in biological terms as well. Orthodontic therapy is conservative to tooth structure, which can never be replaced once removed. Orthodontics is the only cosmetic treatment that relies on the body's own reparative and remodeling capacity to achieve natural and lasting beauty.
Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment is a cosmetic procedure that is suitable for all ages. It can be accomplished with minimal discomfort, in a reasonable time period with lasting results that is conservative to tooth structure and a good value in price.
