Think braces are only for children or teens? This is no longer true. Now, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Some people want to improve their smiles or correct their bites. Other people are seeking to improve their health or to boost their self-esteem. Today about one million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 wear braces, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. And as the LA Times reported in 2011, adult braces are on the rise, with a 24 percent raise from 1989 through 2008.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting braces, or maybe your mom or someone else in your life has hinted that you might need to correct your teeth. But, you haven’t yet made the decision improve your smile. Don’t put it off! We’ve got seven great reasons why adults should get braces. Keep reading and find out if braces are right for you as an adult.
1. Adults should get braces because every smile is important.
Also, if you’re thinking about getting dental implants, the rest of your teeth will need to be straight first, so you’ll have to get braces before you can consider that treatment option.
Key Takeaway: Being able to show off your beautiful, straight smile makes a huge difference in your life and in how people interact with you. Imagine how your life could be different if you had a smile you were proud to show off.
2. Adults should get braces because teeth can move at any age, even if they are healthy.
Teeth can shift at any age. Maybe due to an injury, a health condition, or simply natural growth. Perhaps you had straight teeth in the past, but are now facing a crooked and overcrowded smile.
Even if you had braces in the past, you may need them again. Some people who had braces as a child or a teenager need them for a second time when they get older. Why? Some people neglect to wear their retainer as much as they should. And other people have mouths that change naturally.
Also, orthodontists now tell people to wear retainers much longer than they recommended in previous decades. Some people even need to wear one for life.
Key Takeaway: Teeth can move at any age, even if they are healthy and even if you had braces before.
3. Adults should get braces to avoid serious problems with their teeth and mouth.
Research has shown that the frequency of misalignment in adults is comparable to the frequency in children and teens. When you have a crossbite or misaligned teeth, you have an increased chance of plaque and food buildup between your teeth. This means you may get periodontal disease or gum disease. You can also possibly avoid tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel, and TMJ/TMD pain (or chronic facial discomfort).
Key Takeaway: Misaligned teeth can contribute to serious health problems for your teeth and mouth.
4. Adult should get braces to avoid other health issues.
Key Takeaway: Not correcting your teeth can lead to other health concerns as well, such as headaches, ear pain, and stomach issues.
5. Adults should get braces because braces today are better, cheaper, and less noticeable.
Braces have evolved over the years. No longer do you need to suffer the embarrassment of being a metal mouth. The brackets used today are smaller, and no longer are bands that wrap around the tooth used. Ceramic braces are popular with adults due to their cosmetic appeal. They are made of a translucent (clear) material. Another great advancement for teeth that is popular with adults is Invisalign. These clear, removable, plastic aligners are worn over the teeth and use no metal or wires. When you are custom-fitted for Invisalign, you’ll have no food restrictions, and you’ll be able to brush and floss like you normally would. Today, wearing braces is less painful and requires less time. Almost all our adult braces patients are happy they made the commitment to correct their teeth.
Key Takeaway: The braces that are available today are not like the braces of the past. Now, the options are lighter, more comfortable, cheaper, and less noticeable.
6. Adults should get braces because they can now afford them.
If you have questions, call 770-751-1240, and our friendly staff will answer your questions.
Key Takeaway: Maybe your parents couldn’t afford braces. But now there are more options paying for braces, so don’t let the cost hold you back.
7. Adults should get braces because people are living longer.
People are living longer, and many people are keeping their teeth for life. No longer are people going to lose their teeth, so it makes sense to pay the price to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. Even older adults are getting braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more and more people who are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s are using braces.
Key Takeaway: People are living longer and keeping their teeth for life. Getting braces, even if you are a senior adult, now makes much more sense.
Are you ready to smile a lot more? What’s holding you back from getting braces as an adult? If you have difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking. Or you have teeth that are crowded or protruding, why haven’t you decided to get braces yet? Are you concerned about the pain? Improvements in technology make the process of getting braces much more gentle and pain is no longer an issue, although you may experience some discomfort at first.
Adults often do a better job caring for their braces and following the advice of their orthodontist, which means their results can be more impressive than those of a child or teen. If you are ready to take steps to improve your smile, Jordan Orthodontics in Alpharetta, Georgia, would love to help you.
You don’t need a referral. Contact us today to setup your free consultation and see what braces option is right for you as an adult. It’s never too late to have a smile you love!