While many people think that only preteens and teenagers have braces, adults get braces too. In fact, more than a million adults wear braces, and the trend continues to grow. Whether you are uncomfortable with your smile or have trouble with oral hygiene because of the placement of your teeth, adult braces have many benefits. Here are five reasons to get braces as an adult.
1. You Have Many Options
While traditional metal braces are the norm for many braces wearers, you have other orthodontic treatment options for straightening your teeth.
Depending on your budget and the severity of your crooked or misaligned teeth, your dentist may recommend dental aligners, lingual — or behind-the-teeth — braces, or porcelain braces. Porcelain braces, or ceramic braces, are on the teeth like traditional metal braces, but the brackets are sheerer in design.
2. You Get More Than Straight Teeth
As you age, your mouth and jaw change shape. Your jawbone naturally loses density, which causes your teeth to shift. Over time, your teeth become crowded, and you experience pain or discomfort when chewing and swallowing. Teeth that overlap also become difficult to keep clean, making your teeth more susceptible to dental decay.
Braces not only straighten your teeth to give you a more natural smile, but they also improve your overall oral health. Many patients who get braces are over 50 years of age, choosing to get braces due to oral discomfort.
3. You Gain Confidence in Your Smile
Studies have shown that people with straighter teeth are viewed as more successful than those with crooked teeth. The reason why is this: people associate straight teeth with health and attractiveness, which means that perceived flaws in your smile can give others a bad first impression of you when you apply for a job, go on a date, or meet people for the first time.
You gain confidence in your smile when you get braces because you no longer have to feel self-conscious about the way your teeth look. Write down your concerns about your teeth and discuss them with your dentist to see if adult braces are an ideal solution for your dental needs.
4. You Can Afford Treatment
Braces are not as expensive as you think. The average adult spends anywhere from $5,000 to over $7,000 to pay for braces. If you need braces for reasons beyond cosmetics — such as preventing dental decay or improving the way you speak and eat — your dental insurance may even help cover your costs.
Check with your insurance company to find out if you have orthodontics coverage, many dental plans do. If you do not have dental benefits, there are payment plans available through various medical lending companies.
The costs for adult braces varies depending on the type of braces you need. Lingual braces are often pricier than traditional braces. Your dentist will show you the braces options best for your oral needs and budget.
5. You Won’t Wear Braces Forever
The average adult wears braces anywhere from 18 to 26 months. How long you will wear braces depends on the style of braces you choose, how crooked your smile is, and other factors. Your dentist will adjust your braces every several weeks as your teeth respond to treatment. After the dentist removes your braces, he or she will have you fitted for a retainer to align your new smile.
After receiving braces, your mouth will feel sore, and eating and speaking will be uncomfortable while you get used to your dental wear. Your dentist will show you ways to take care of your teeth while wearing braces to keep your oral health in check.
6. Braces May Be Medically Necessary
For many people, braces are seen as a rite of passage during adolescence. However, braces are not just for teenagers—they can also be beneficial for adults. In fact, braces can be medically necessary for some adults. For instance, braces can help to correct misaligned teeth or jaws, which can lead to eating and speaking difficulties. In addition, braces can relieve pain caused by TMJ disorders or teeth grinding. In severe cases, untreated dental problems can even lead to tooth loss. Therefore, braces may be recommended by a dentist or orthodontist in order to improve oral health. While braces may not be ideal for everyone, they can be a lifesaver for those who need them.
Learn More About Braces as an Adult
How Should I Brush My Teeth With Braces?
Whether you’re an adult or a child, the technique for brushing around your braces is the same. Instead of brushing your teeth with your mouth closes, you want to make sure your jaw is open. When you brush, take care to brush both above and below the bracket on the tooth. Keeping your jaw open will help you remember to brush both above and below.
You should never brush your teeth with a back and forth motion, doing so will wear away your gums and cause more problems later on. Instead, you should make tiny circles and use an extra-soft toothbrush to keep your gums clean and strong while you have braces.
For a more visual demonstration, here is a handy video from one of our dental professionals, so you can see exactly how to brush your teeth while you have braces.