Did you miss out on braces as a kid? Or did you get braces as a teen and now your teeth have shifted? You are not alone! 

Statistics show that 1 in 4 patients receiving orthodontic care is over the age of 18 years old. Here at Reagin Orthodontics, adult orthodontics is one of our primary services.

While traditionally braces have been seen as an orthodontic treatment for kids and teens, they are not exclusive to any age. In fact, the more technology has changed the more adults have been getting braces. 

Today, there are many choices for adult braces. Moreover, while adults desire braces for aesthetics there are many other reasons why braces for adults are important. 

Why You May Need Adult Braces

You wonder if it is even worth it now. You may even feel like it is selfish to get braces. Maybe you think you don’t REALLY need a smile with straight teeth. 

What you may not realize is that braces are not just about misaligned teeth. Braces are more than an aesthetic treatment. They are an important part of oral health for many people. For people of all ages!

Oral health doesn’t just stop at a certain age. In fact, you may have noticed more dental problems the older you have gotten. Some of these problems can be caused by misaligned teeth or jaws. 

A misaligned tooth or jaw does not only contribute to unesthetic teeth but other dental issues as well. It can also be a result of other oral health concerns: 

• Teeth Grinding
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Excessive tooth wear
• Recession of the gums 
• Difficulty cleaning the teeth 

Misaligned teeth and bite can lead to other health issues as well. They can eventually lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.

Beyond oral health, a misaligned jaw can lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain.

All of these are reasons that you may benefit from braces as an adult! 

Pros and Cons of Adult Braces 

In addition to supporting good oral health, there are other benefits of getting braces as an adult. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of adult braces. We will also address some potential negatives of adult braces. 

We think it is important for anyone interested in orthodontic care to have all the information. Then you can make an informed decision that is best for you. 

Adult Braces Can Lead to Improved Self-Confidence 

Let’s look at that aesthetic side of getting braces. While braces fix deeper underlying health issues, the main thing they are known for is fixing crooked teeth. 

Guess what? That is a pretty important benefit of braces! We don’t think wanting to improve your smile is a negative thing – at any age. 

Your smile is often the first thing that other people notice. Therefore, having a smile that you feel proud of is important. If you are confident in your smile, it transfers to overall confidence. 

Confidence isn’t something to be taken for granted. Improved self-confidence can lead to improvements in many areas of life. 

• Better personal relationships
• More opportunities in the workplace 
• Improved communication skills
• Confidence to pursue new goals
• Healthier attitude in meeting new people

The desire to have more confidence is not selfish. It is also not something that goes away with age. Whatever age you are, it is not too late to improve your confidence by improving your smile. 

Adult Braces Can Prevent Future Oral Health Problems 

While we think everyone has the right to a beautiful smile, we know sometimes that may not be enough for an adult to get braces. The truth is, braces as an adult can be overwhelming. There are a lot of adjustments that come with getting braces at any age. 

However, while a gorgeous smile is an outcome you can see after braces – there are many other results. Results that as an adult can be even more appealing than the aesthetics. Long-term health! 

As mentioned earlier, misaligned teeth may be reflective of a bigger health concern. What we didn’t mention are the potential health risks if not treated. 

A bad bite can lead to heavy wear and tear on your teeth and gums. Whether it comes from grinding your teeth too much or not being able to properly chew, years of misalignment eventually take their toll. 

The result of so much pressure on your mouth can lead to several serious dental problems. Problems that require expensive treatment! 

• Gum Surgery
• Root Canals
• Bone Grafts
• Dental implants

Most of these procedures are not elective. They are a requirement for healthy teeth. Unfortunately, most of these treatments are also not cheap. A root canal can cost over $1,000 for one tooth! 

In the long run, getting braces as an adult can prevent many potential oral health problems. Adult orthodontic treatment is preventative care that can save you money and a lot of painful procedures.

The Potential Downside of Adult Braces 

As with any type of procedure, there are often two sides to consider. While we think the benefits outweigh the negatives, let’s address some of the potential drawbacks to getting braces as an adult. 

Time Commitment 

One concern adults have when getting braces is the time commitment. Braces do take time to work. The average treatment for braces is 12 to 18 months. 

Moreover, there is the time required for the consultation and regular check-ups. After the initial consultation, most adults need to see their orthodontist every 8-12 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the type of braces and individual treatment plan. 

Most orthodontists recognize that this time commitment can deter adults. Therefore, most make an effort to make treatment as convenient as possible. We know it is one of our priorities here at Reagin Orthodontics! 

From work to family and other commitments, time is precious. We want to respect your time, while also giving you the best treatment! That’s why we offer convenient options for treatment. 

Starting with the initial consultation, we encourage you to bring your family! This saves you time and money on finding babysitters. Moreover, it helps your family to understand the importance of your treatment plan and support you in it. 

Depending on what type of braces you choose, we also offer virtual appointments! Therefore, you may not have to come into the office as much as you thought. 

Teeth Don’t Move as Quickly 

One other drawback of getting braces as an adult is that your teeth may not move as quickly. When kids get braces their adult teeth have just come in. Therefore, they are not fully set and often are easier to move. 

As an adult, your teeth are fully set in place and the bone housing the teeth is more dense. The result is that sometimes the ligaments and bone around the teeth may need more time to move and adjust. This simply means that your treatment may be longer than a teen’s. 

However, most adult patients still complete treatment in less than two years. Then, they get to enjoy their smile for all the many years to follow. 

May Negatively Affect Your Appearance

Initially, the idea of wearing braces may put you off of the idea. There are a lot of adults who are worried about the appearance of metal braces. They often associate the visual of traditional braces with something only kids wear. 

As we have discussed, braces are not just for kids. Metal braces work the same way on adult teeth as on kid teeth. We get it! Most adults do not want to have a metal bracket attached to each tooth. Thanks to technology, you don’t have to wear metal braces. 

With the invention of clear aligners in the early 2000s, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing it. Brands like Invisalign are a great treatment choice for many adults. 

The align technology of clear aligners provides the same results as traditional braces. Without the negative appearance of metal brackets. If you are not familiar with Invisalign and clear aligners, we have a Complete Guide to Clear Aligners where you can learn more. 

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation for Adult Braces

In the end, every adult patient is going to have their own individual experience with braces. Some will benefit from getting traditional braces because of the ease of maintaining them. Like busy moms! 

Other patients will love the secrecy of clear aligners. Slowly moving towards the perfect smile with no one knowing. 

With many different types of braces and treatment plans, it is best to find what orthodontic treatment is best for you. The best way to do that is to meet with an orthodontist for a consultation.

If you are in the Charleston area, we would love to have you visit us! You can schedule a complimentary consultation on our website. When you come in, Dr. Reagin and the team will sit down with you to decide what adult braces are right for you. 

What To Know About Kids and Braces

If you had braces as a kid, you may already know a little bit about how things work with kids and braces. However, even as a kid who had braces you may still have a lot of questions. Such as, how old (or young) should a kid be to get braces?

If you never had braces before, this may be only one of the many questions you have. We are here to help! One of the things we love here at Reagin Orthodontics is helping families understand the importance of orthodontic care for children and adults.

Therefore, we have outlined some of the basics surrounding kids and braces to help you get familiar with this topic. In addition to this overview, Dr. Reagin and our team are available to answer additional questions.

What are Braces?

Since more than 4 million people wear braces in the United States, you probably know someone who has or has had them. Maybe that person is you!

Therefore, when asked what braces are, most of us know that they are used to help straighten teeth. How do braces do that though? Moreover, why is it important?

Traditional metal braces are a combination of metal brackets, wire, and o-ties (these come in different colors and look like a small rubber band that holds the wire to the braces). The brackets are adhered to each tooth. Then the wire and o-ties are used to create tension within the bone (alveolar bone) that houses the teeth. This tension allows alveolar bone to change and slowly move teeth into proper alignment over time.

While metal braces are the type of braces most people are familiar with, there are a few other types that are also available. Some kids prefer to get clear brackets instead of metal brackets.

These are adhered to the teeth and follow the same process as metal braces with wire and o-ties. Rather than metal brackets though, they are a clear ceramic material – so some find them less obvious. In addition, there are ceramic braces and even braces that can be adhered behind the teeth – called lingual braces.

Beyond the traditional form of braces that are adhered to the teeth, clear aligners like Invisalign have become popular for kids as well as adults. Clear aligners produce similar results as metal braces; however, the method is slightly different.

“Invisalign braces” are made from clear plastic trays. The plastic trays are removable so that they can be removed for eating and brushing. Still it is important to make sure you get 20 hours of wear per day for the alveolar bone to allow the teeth to move into place. When they are being worn, they are not obvious in the same way metal braces are.

Since it doesn’t look like you’re wearing braces, clear aligners have become quite popular with adults.

Why Do Kids Need Braces?

While circumstances may not allow everyone to get treatment as a kid, orthodontists recommend not waiting to get orthodontic treatment until you are an adult if possible. One reason is that adults are less likely to get treatment when it is needed. This may be due to not wanting to wear braces (even clear aligners), or simply because of the time commitment.

More importantly, the longer orthodontic care goes untreated the worse it can get. Misaligned teeth and jaws that are untreated can lead to several oral health concerns. This may include gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and even trouble with digestion. Therefore, as a parent it is beneficial to your child to explore the need for kids braces at a young age.

While the most common association people make with braces is to fix crooked teeth, it goes beyond aesthetics. Properly aligned teeth are also important for good oral health.

In kids, properly straight teeth help them to bite and chew properly. It also helps them in speaking clearly. Moreover, addressing misaligned teeth at a young age helps eliminate possible problems as an adult.

When kids who have a need for orthodontic care do not address it at a young age, it can lead to discomfort as a teen or adult. Discomfort may result from overcrowding, when the teeth are too close together.

Another issue may be a misaligned jaw. When a misaligned jaw is untreated the teeth can wear out more quickly due to the upper teeth and lower teeth not matching up to properly bite and chew.

Even though oral hygiene is a primary reason for kids braces, we recognize that the visual appeal of straight teeth is also important as it helps with confidence. Teeth are one of the first things people notice about another person. Therefore, having crooked or gap teeth can cause insecurities in many people – especially as kids grow-up.

Therefore, even though some children may initially feel insecure about wearing braces, the treatment at a young age is worth it. Kids tend to adjust quickly and do quite well with all aspects of wearing braces. Plus, after they complete their treatment they get to enjoy the confidence of a perfect smile as a teen and adult.

Do All Kids Need Braces?

Many kids will not need braces. However, we suggest that every child visits an orthodontist for an initial check-up.

The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that kids get their first check-up by age 7. The reason the American Association recommends coming by age 7 is because this is when most kids have lost all of their baby teeth and have the majority of their permanent teeth.

This varies from child to child though. Therefore, Dr. Reagin encourages parents to schedule their kid’s first visit to the orthodontist between the ages of 7-9. However, sometimes early orthodontic needs may be visible while a kid still has their baby teeth. If you notice concerns at any time, bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation as soon as possible.

Signs Your Kid May Need to See an Orthodontist

• A child’s baby teeth are crowded
• Thumb sucking beyond the age of 4 years old (or using a pacifier)
• Protruding teeth
• If a child loses their baby teeth early
• Kids who grind their teeth
• Children who have trouble biting or chewing
• When a child has trouble breathing (or is mostly a mouth breather)
• You notice your child’s jaw clicking or making sounds

What Is Included in an Orthodontic Consultation for Kids?

Cost is a concern for many families when it comes to orthodontic treatment. This may be one reason that you initially may avoid making an appointment.

Most orthodontist offices offer complimentary initial consultations. Therefore, if you think there may be a need for your child to get kids braces, we recommend taking advantage of that first consultation.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation for Your Child

During an initial consultation you can expect to have x-rays and pictures taken to help the orthodontist get a better idea of what kind of orthodontic treatment your child may need. Once the orthodontist knows what your child’s needs are, they will explain to you what type of treatment would be best.

At Reagin Orthodontics, we love to make this a family event! We encourage the whole family to support the person who is receiving the consultation. This is especially great if you have older children who have already received braces. They can provide support for their younger sibling(s).

In addition, if this is your first child who is receiving orthodontic treatment it can be a great time for younger siblings to see what the process looks like. Then when it’s their turn for a consultation they also know what to expect.

Each orthodontist will have a different protocol for what follows the initial consultation. Here at Reagin Orthodontics, if it’s determined your child needs braces, you have the choice to start right away! This means that your kid can get their braces completed even sooner.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces will vary depending on individual treatment plans. We suggest using our  financing and payment calculator to get an approximate idea of what down payment and monthly payments could look like for your family. We offer 0% in house financing to help make braces more affordable.

In addition, we also offer discounts for families who have multiple children receiving treatment. Discounts are also available for military families, first responders, and teachers.

How Long Do Kids Have to Wear Braces For?

The first appointment for getting braces put on takes about 60-90 minutes. Once the initial braces are adhered to the teeth, kids will wear them for an average of 18 months. This can vary depending on each individual child’s malocclusion. Some kids will need to wear braces a bit longer, while others may only need to wear braces for 15 months.

During treatment, kids will need to visit the orthodontist about every 8 weeks. These check-ups are about 20-30 minutes long (much shorter than the initial consultation or when the braces are applied). Just enough time for the orthodontist to make needed adjustments to the wires, evaluate the treatment plan and make any needed changes, and change out the o-ties.

Once again, each individual child’s treatment plan will vary. Therefore, you may not need to visit as frequently. Your orthodontist will discuss this with you at the time of the consultation.

How Will Braces Impact a Kid’s Life?

Getting braces can be a big adjustment for many kids. This adjustment period is often short though, as most children adapt quickly to their braces.

Check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about how to help your child adapt to their new way of life.

Life With Braces | Reagin Orthodontics (drorthodontics.com)

Taking Care of Braces and Invisalign at School – Reagin Orthodontics (drorthodontics.com)

What to Do When You Get Braces-3 Important Steps – Reagin Orthodontics (drorthodontics.com)

You have wanted to get to an orthodontist to see if aligners or braces would be a good option for you, but you just don’t have the time. We’ve solved that problem for you with our virtual consultations. Here’s a quick rundown of the process.

1. Give us some basic information. We need to know a few details. We’ll ask you:
   • Is the consultation for you or a family member? You may be asking about a child or a dependent, so we need to know how to tailor our responses to best fit your needs.
   • Why are you thinking about straightening your teeth? People give us lots of reasons. They may want more confidence, a better bite or a dentist may have recommended it. You may just be curious how much it would cost. We get it!
   • What is your smile like? Most smiles fall into four categories: crowded, spaced, protruding, or bite (overbite, underbite, open-bite).
   • What type of treatment are you interested in? In our office, we offer clear aligners, advanced metal braces, and clear braces.
2. Send us some pictures. We need to see your pearly whites! We’ll explain how to take pictures of:
   • your molars (side of your mouth)
   • upper teeth (called the upper arch)
   • bottom teeth (called the lower arch)
   • bite (front teeth—overbite or underbite)
3. We get back to you via email! Once you send us the information and photos, our team will assess your needs and give you our recommendation for treatment.
4. Come to the office. Once you have the consultation and our recommendation, you can decide which approach you’d like to take. If you’d like to move forward, we will schedule an appointment in our office for a full evaluation. We will take x-rays and do an exam to make sure we tailor the treatment for your specific dental needs. You will likely have the option of starting treatment the same day as well.
5. Get started! Our pricing and in office financing can be customized so that a new smile won’t leave you with a frown on your face. We want you to experience the self-confidence and better health that orthodontics can provide.

Sending us your information takes less than five minutes. In less time than it takes to get coffee, you can begin the process toward a great smile you’ll be proud of!

There’s nothing holding you back, so get your virtual orthodontic consult today!

Thirty years ago, it’s seemed like braces were primarily for kids. 

In the last decade or so, we’ve seen a new, encouraging trend: More and more adults are hopping on the braces train. It’s true! Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. 

Today, a lot of our adult customers are simply looking for a boost in self-esteem and the confidence to smile without reservation on their professional headshots or family Christmas pictures–or even on job interviews and a first date!

In fact, 40% of our patients are adults who’ve decided that they’re ready for an orthodontic correction. So it’s not some kind of weird thing to be a 40-year-old with braces or aligners. It’s actually pretty normal these days. 

But too many adults still aren’t’ comfortable with the idea of braces. They’ve gotten used to tight-lipped, half-hearted smiles. Maybe their parents just weren’t able to take care of their orthodontic issues, and they’ve come to believe that crooked teeth and mouth pain are just a way of life. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

We have adults come in for orthodontic treatment that might include Invisalign, clear braces or other limited treatment options that make getting a confident smile easy and convenient. 

They also realize that choosing braces will save their teeth by improving long-term oral health that they might not have had in the past. Adults have the amazing ability to adapt to oral issues and might be maybe overcompensating by chewing or smiling in a certain way. 

But what seems like a small issue now will become a bigger issue the older you get. Your teeth shift as you get older. So dealing with these issues now can save you a lot of discomfort later. 

The good news is that we’re here to help. 

Reagin Orthodontics specializes in the unique needs and desires of adult patients. And once we’ve got your teeth lined up in perfect rows, we’re happy to help you with teeth whitening options to brighten your new smile. Let us know what we can do for you.