Believe it or not, many people seek orthodontic treatment later in life. Read on to decide whether or not adult braces are right for you.

Aesthetics

Most people get braces because they want a straighter smile. 

Your teeth and jaw make a big difference to the overall look of your face. While you may like your teeth in their imperfect state, many people are more interested in having straight and even smiles. 

Sometimes the state of your teeth can impact how your jaw sits, how your lips look, and even if your smile looks symmetrical. 

That said, some people aren't happy with the idea of the temporary aesthetic problem of wearing braces. Luckily, there are several options when it comes to adult orthodontics, so let's address those aesthetic concerns before we move on. 

Traditional Braces

When most people think of braces, they think of traditional metal or wired braces. These were the most common when you were in school. 

There's a reason for this. These braces are efficient, and they can handle most types of orthodontic problems with ease. They're also great for the "set it and forget it" factor if you have a busy lifestyle.

That said, they're not the most aesthetically pleasing choice for most adults. While braces are a trendy item in some fashion subgroups, the majority of adults don't want to have wires and visible brackets across their teeth. 

It's important to keep in mind that these braces are temporary. Even if you choose wired braces, the time will fly by, and you'll end your treatment with a perfect smile. It's worthwhile. 

Invisalign

Many people are too insecure with braces even when they know that the end goal is within reach. Others have events coming up within the year, like weddings or graduations, where they know they will be smiling in photos.

In this case, Invisalign is another valid option. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that apply constant pressure to your teeth. While they weren't always efficient or good at adjusting more problematic teeth, the technology has advanced enough that they're appropriate for most situations.

These aligners aren't completely invisible. Most people get attachments (or small, tooth-colored additions) on their teeth. Others get rubber bands. 



These things are more visible to the person with the adult Invisalign than the people around them, and the attachments aren't visible in photos. This is a great choice for anyone who's concerned about their appearance while getting braces. 

Fixing Your Bite

Even if you aren't interested in straight teeth for your appearance, your bite still matters. Many people have improper bites even if they aren't aware of it. 

Overbites, underbites, and crossbites are all common types of bite issues. Some people have open bites where they're unable to touch their teeth together.

Bite issues like these can lead to problems in the future. You may crack teeth that come together where they aren't supposed to or find it difficult to chew as you get older. An improper bite may also make it more difficult to take care of your dental health. 



When you adjust your bite, you often end with a wider smile and a more comfortable mouth. 

The Health of Your Teeth

Speaking of dental health, did you know that you can have healthier teeth when they're straight? 

That's right, teeth that aren't spaced the right way can make it so you can't properly take care of them. For example, extreme crowding can make it so difficult to floss that you may give up, or you may not be able to reach the crevices between your teeth at all.

Extreme crowding also makes it so you can't brush efficiently. 

You may not notice that you aren't taking care of your teeth the right way. When you get adult braces, though, you'll feel the space between your teeth in no time. 

If you don't take proper care of your teeth, you'll end up spending more money than you would have with braces. Cavities, root canals, extractions, and even dental scaling can cost you thousands of dollars when you've let your mouth stay unhealthy for too long. 



In comparison, the cost of adult braces is nothing. 

The Duration

Braces have made leaps and bounds in technological advances over the years. Many people are worried that they'll need many years of orthodontic work before their smiles are ideal, but this isn't always true.

Some conditions, regardless of whether you choose metal braces or Invisalign, can take a year or less. Many take less than two years.



This alone puts many people at ease when they're worried about whether or not they want to take the plunge and get adult braces. Is it worth it to pay to get a straighter smile in such a short amount of time? 

Are Adult Braces Right for You?

There's nothing wrong with getting braces later in life once your finances are in order. Whether you had braces in the past and neglected to use a retainer, or you could never afford them as a child, now is the perfect time to invest in your smile.

Adult braces are more common than you think. Trust us, most people won't notice them, but they will notice your beautiful smile when you're done. Braces are worth it. 



Are you looking for affordable orthodontic and dental care? We want to give you the smile of your dreams. Contact us to request an appointment today!