Our Blog

Many adults assume braces are only for children and teenagers, but orthodontic treatment is absolutely an option for adults. In fact, more adults than ever are choosing braces to improve their smiles, correct bite issues, and protect their long-term oral health. Advances in orthodontic technology have made treatment more comfortable, discreet, and accessible for adult patients.

Whether you have always wanted straighter teeth or your teeth have shifted over time, adult orthodontic treatment can deliver meaningful, lasting results.

Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult

Orthodontic treatment is not just about appearance. While a straighter smile is a major benefit, braces also address functional and health related concerns.

One of the primary benefits of braces is straighter teeth and proper bite alignment. Teeth do not always develop perfectly, and many adults have crowding, spacing, or bite issues that were never corrected earlier in life. Orthodontic treatment helps move teeth into healthier positions, improving both function and comfort.

Braces also improve appearance and confidence. Many adults report feeling more comfortable smiling in social settings, professional environments, and photographs after treatment. Even minor alignment improvements can make a noticeable difference in how your smile looks and feels.

Better oral health is another key advantage. Teeth that are crowded, rotated, or misaligned can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven tooth wear. A misaligned bite can also place excess pressure on certain teeth and the jaw, potentially leading to discomfort or damage over time. Straightening your teeth makes daily oral hygiene easier and helps protect your smile long term.

Orthodontic treatment also offers lasting results. Once braces are removed and your teeth are properly aligned, wearing a retainer as directed helps maintain those results. With good retainer compliance, many adults enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment for the rest of their lives.

Common Concerns About Adult Braces

Many adults hesitate to pursue orthodontic treatment because of common concerns. Fortunately, modern orthodontics offers many effective solutions.

Concern: Braces are unattractive.
Appearance is one of the biggest reasons adults delay treatment. Today, there are discreet options available. Clear ceramic braces blend in with natural tooth color and are far less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Invisalign® clear aligners are another popular option for eligible patients, offering a nearly invisible and removable alternative to braces.

Concern: Braces are too expensive.
Cost is a valid concern, but braces are often more affordable than people expect. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, including adult braces. At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC we offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make treatment manageable over time.

Concern: Braces are painful.
Orthodontic technology has improved significantly over the years. Modern braces are designed to apply gentler, more consistent pressure, which reduces discomfort. Invisalign® aligners move teeth gradually and do not involve brackets or wires, making them a comfortable option for many adults. While some soreness is normal at the start or after adjustments, it is typically mild and temporary.

Concern: Treatment takes too long.
Treatment length varies based on individual needs, but most adult orthodontic cases take between one and three years. While adults may sometimes require slightly longer treatment than children, the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary commitment. Your orthodontist can provide a personalized timeline after evaluating your teeth and bite.

Are Adult Braces Worth It?

For most patients, the answer is yes. Orthodontic treatment improves the appearance of your smile, supports better oral health, and helps prevent future dental issues. When you consider the lifelong benefits of straight, healthy teeth, adult braces are a worthwhile investment.

Learn More About Getting Adult Braces in High Point, NC

If you have been considering braces as an adult, the first step is a professional orthodontic evaluation. At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC, we offer modern orthodontic solutions tailored to adult patients, including clear braces and Invisalign®, along with flexible financing options. Call 336-882-1111 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We are proud to help adults throughout High Point and the surrounding areas achieve healthier, more confident smiles.

Getting your braces tightened is an important step forward in your journey to a straighter, healthier smile. At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC, we view each adjustment as exciting progress, even when it brings a few days of temporary soreness or tenderness. This discomfort is completely normal as your teeth begin shifting into their new positions.

If you’ve recently had your metal braces, clear braces, or Damon™ Smile system adjusted and are feeling some achiness, rest assured that it usually peaks within the first 24–48 hours and fades within 3–5 days. We proudly serve families across the Triad, including High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, and we want to help you stay comfortable during this short phase.

Here are the most effective ways to manage soreness and care for your braces after an adjustment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief and Orthodontic Wax

Mild to moderate tenderness in your teeth and gums is very common right after a tightening appointment. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (which helps reduce inflammation) or acetaminophen can provide fast relief. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label, and check with Dr. Basil if you have any questions about what’s safe for you.

Orthodontic wax is another simple but powerful solution, especially when brackets or wires are rubbing against the inside of your cheeks, lips, or tongue after an adjustment. Dry the area first, pinch off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and press it gently over the irritating spot. This creates a smooth protective barrier that lets sensitive tissues heal quickly. Our team will gladly demonstrate the best application technique during your visit and send you home with extra wax if needed.

A Soft-Foods Diet and Cold Compresses

Your diet can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel in the days following an adjustment. For the first few days after your braces are tightened in High Point, choose soft, easy-to-eat foods that require minimal chewing pressure. Favorites include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, soups (not too hot), applesauce, pudding, and even ice cream. These options are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums while still providing the nutrition your body needs.

Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, raw apples, or tough meats until the soreness subsides. Staying well-hydrated also supports faster recovery.

For extra soothing, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the tender areas. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel and hold it in place for 10–15 minutes at a time, repeating as needed throughout the day. The cold helps numb discomfort, reduce minor swelling, and brings noticeable relief quickly.

How Long Does the Soreness Last?

Most patients find that discomfort lasts 3–5 days at most, with the worst of it usually over by day three as your teeth adapt to their new positioning. The intensity varies slightly depending on the adjustment and your individual sensitivity, but these strategies make the process much easier to handle.

Can You Prevent Soreness Completely?

While some discomfort is part of the natural process of teeth moving, you can reduce its intensity by preparing ahead. Stock up on soft foods, orthodontic wax, and your preferred pain reliever before your appointment. Ask Dr. Basil about any personalized recommendations for your specific treatment—whether you’re using traditional braces, Invisalign®, or another appliance. Good oral hygiene (brushing after meals and flossing daily) also helps prevent additional irritation.

Keep Moving Toward Your Best Smile

Every adjustment at Basil Orthodontics brings you one step closer to the confident, beautiful smile you’ve been working toward. This short period of soreness is a small trade-off for long-term improvements in health, function, and appearance.

If discomfort lasts longer than a week, feels unusually intense, or if you notice loose wires, broken brackets, or other concerns, reach out to us right away. We’re dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care for children, teens, and adults throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the entire Triad region.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free consultation today at Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC. Call us at (336) 882-1111 or book online through our website. We’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ll love to show off!

Basil Orthodontics – Creating confident smiles across the Triad since 2011. Expert braces, Invisalign®, and more for High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and beyond.

After completing orthodontic treatment with braces, many patients look forward to enjoying a straight, healthy smile without brackets or wires. However, once braces are removed, wearing a retainer becomes a critical next step in orthodontic care. Retainers are essential for maintaining proper tooth alignment and preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions after braces.

Although orthodontic treatment moves teeth into ideal alignment, the surrounding bone and gum tissue need time to stabilize. Wearing a retainer helps protect the results of braces and supports long-term oral health. Understanding why retainers are necessary and how long they should be worn is an important part of post-braces care for patients.

The Importance of Wearing a Retainer

Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their newly aligned positions after braces are removed. While orthodontic treatment successfully moves your teeth, the surrounding bone and gum tissue need time to adapt and stabilize. Immediately after braces, these supporting structures are not yet strong enough to hold your teeth in place on their own.

A retainer provides the support your teeth need during this transition period. As you talk, chew, and go about your daily routine, your teeth gradually become more comfortable in their new positions. Over time, the bone and gums adapt and help secure your smile.

Unfortunately, it’s common for patients to underestimate the importance of wearing their retainer. Teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions, a process known as relapse. This movement often happens slowly and subtly, making it easy to miss until noticeable changes occur. In some cases, failing to wear a retainer consistently can result in teeth shifting enough to require additional orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are not nearly as restrictive as braces, which is why they are considered as “insurance for your smile.” Wearing your retainer as directed helps protect the time, effort, and investment you made in orthodontic treatment.

How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?

Once you receive your retainer, Dr. Basil will provide specific instructions based on your treatment and individual needs. In most cases, patients are advised to wear their retainer full-time at first, removing it only to eat and to brush and floss.

As your teeth begin to stabilize, your orthodontist may allow you to transition to wearing your retainer only at night. This stage often feels like a major milestone and gives you more freedom during the day while still protecting your results.

The length of time you’ll need to wear your retainer depends on several factors, including how much your teeth were moved, the complexity of your orthodontic treatment, and how well your teeth respond to retention. Many patients wear their retainer nightly for the first year and then gradually reduce usage to a few nights per week.

That said, teeth can continue to shift throughout life. For this reason, many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night indefinitely. Even wearing it a few nights per week long-term can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted tooth movement. At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, Dr. Basil can help you determine the best retention plan for your lifestyle and smile goals.

Learn More About Retainers in High Point, NC

At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC, we offer the best retainer options designed to fit comfortably into your daily routine while helping you maintain your straight, healthy smile. Our team will work with you to determine the best retainer type and wear schedule for your individual needs.

If you have questions about retainers, or other orthodontic treatment options, we’re here to help.  Call (336)-882-1111 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you protect your smile for years to come.

The best age to get braces is a question we hear often from families in High Point, Greensboro, and throughout the Triad area. While braces on pre-teens and teens are a familiar sight, orthodontic experts point to specific timing that delivers the most effective and efficient results. At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC, we guide every patient toward the treatment window that works best for their unique smile whether they're a child, teen, or adult.

Why Early Adolescence Is Often the Ideal Time for Braces

Early adolescence, typically between ages 10 and 14, is widely regarded as the ideal time for comprehensive braces treatment. By this stage most or all permanent adult teeth have erupted, giving the orthodontist clear access to align them precisely. The jaw is still growing and the bone tissue remains relatively soft and responsive, so teeth move more readily into their ideal positions. Treatment during this window is frequently shorter and more predictable than when started later, after growth has slowed or stopped. Starting in the range where adult teeth are mostly in but second molars have not fully erupted often creates an especially favorable scenario for guiding teeth naturally into alignment.

That said, there is no universal “perfect” age. Every smile develops differently, so the right timing depends on individual factors such as dental eruption patterns, crowding, spacing, bite relationships, and jaw alignment needs. Many children begin braces a little later in their teens and still achieve outstanding outcomes.

The Importance of Early Orthodontic Evaluations – By Age 7

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this point a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth is usually present, allowing the orthodontist to identify potential issues early such as crowding, crossbites, deep overbites, underbites, or harmful habits like prolonged thumb-sucking. An early visit does not always lead to immediate treatment. Instead it provides valuable insight into future growth patterns and may lead to interceptive (Phase 1) care when beneficial. Early interventions, such as palatal expanders to gain arch width or short-term appliances to influence jaw development, can simplify the later comprehensive phase. This two-phase approach often shortens total treatment time, reduces the complexity of Phase 2 braces, and helps avoid more invasive procedures down the road.

Braces Aren’t Just for Kids – Adults Benefit Too!

Braces are by no means limited to younger patients. Adults across High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the surrounding communities choose orthodontic treatment every day to correct crooked teeth, close gaps, improve bite function, and boost confidence. Modern options include clear ceramic braces, self-ligating systems like Damon Smile, and virtually invisible Invisalign aligners. This variety of options makes care discreet and comfortable for busy professionals and parents alike. While adult treatment can be highly successful at any age, it sometimes takes slightly longer because bone density is greater and natural jaw growth is complete.

How Basil Orthodontics in High Point, NC Can Guide You

At Basil Orthodontics, Dr. Anthony Basil and our team are committed to personalized care tailored to children, teens, and adults. We offer traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and a full range of advanced appliances to meet every need.

If you have noticed crooked teeth, gaps, bite concerns, or if your general dentist has suggested an orthodontic consultation, the smartest next step is a no-obligation evaluation. We will perform a thorough exam, explain your options clearly, and design a plan that fits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.

Early evaluation and well-timed treatment lead to healthier teeth, smoother care, and a confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact Basil Orthodontics today at (336) 882-1111 or visit us at 2017 Eastchester Dr, Suite 107, High Point, NC 27265. We proudly serve families throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the entire Triad region. Schedule your free consultation and start your journey toward the smile you’ve always wanted!