With more than half of Americans feeling insecure about their teeth, it’s no wonder that people look for a treatment that will help them feel confident about their smiles. One of the best ways to fix your dental problems is to get braces.
Although it’s assumed that only teenagers can wear braces, the reality is that adult braces are quite common, and they’re an effective way of getting the smile of your dreams. It can be confusing to figure out if you’re a good candidate for braces.
This guide will inform you of when you should visit your local orthodontist. Keep reading to learn more.
What You Should Know Beforehand
Before you decide to visit an orthodontist, you need to know about the requirements you need to meet to have the same success as younger patients do with braces.
For starters, you need to have a normal jawbone and a strong set of teeth. It’ll be difficult to fit you with dental braces if you have any jaw issues, tooth decay, or gum disease.
You should also know that some misalignments are more complicated. If you have more severe dental problems that need to be corrected, they can be harder to fix. This is because adult teeth reach a point where they stop growing, and certain structural changes can’t be made with braces alone.
You might need oral surgery to receive the same result that an adolescent or child would have through braces. These cases vary depending on the patient, but it’s important to be aware that braces may not be enough for your particular situation.
There is also the possibility of other dental issues that need to be treated before braces are installed. You could be at risk for gum disease or in need of a root canal or other central treatments before you receive braces. This is common in adults that have neglected their oral hygiene.
Why Do Adults Avoid Braces?
There are plenty of reasons why adults decide to avoid braces altogether. Some of it is a lack of understanding as well as misconceptions, but there are also personal reasons why someone might be hesitant. Luckily, new developments in orthodontists have made it easier to feel confident about your decision.
For starters, adults can feel uneasy about wearing bulky braces. They worry about being judged by others. However, there are new designs for braces that make them more discreet and less intrusive.
Adults also worry about any changes to their lifestyle or diets once they get braces. It can be frustrating know you’ll have to avoid certain foods, but that inconvenience is temporary and easy to get accustomed to. It’s a small price to pay for a straight smile.
Committing to wearing braces for an extended can be intimidating, but you will not have to wear braces any longer than an adolescent patient would. If you follow instructions carefully, you won’t have to worry about wearing your braces for longer than expected.
Remember that more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment and that it is a great way to get your teeth looking perfect.
How to Tell if You Need Braces
Now that you have pushed past any mental barriers about adult braces, it’s time to discuss the signs that you need braces. Remember that these signs vary according to overall dental health and age.
Here are some symptoms that indicate that you need braces:
- Stress on your jawline after chewing food
- Difficulty brushing or flossing crooked teeth
- Difficulty propounding certain sounds because of tongue’s position under your teeth
- Teeth that are visibly crowded or crooked
- Teeth that don’t close over each other properly
- If your jaw makes noises or clicks when you chew
Although this isn’t an extensive list, any of these signs are enough of a reason to talk to an orthodontist. Even dental problems that seem purely cosmetic could lead to issues down the road.
What Are Your Options?
If you’re not interested in traditional metal braces, then there are a few alternatives to consider.
The first is clear braces. This is an excellent option for people looking to minimize the look of braces while still having the same results as metal braces.
Instead of obvious metal, clear braces use ceramic bonding to adhere to the teeth, making it less noticeable when you smile. Clear braces tend to be more prone to staining, so you’ll need to make sure that you stay up to date with your dental care.
Invisalign is another option for teeth that need braces but don’t want to deal with the standard version. This corrects dental issues while being significantly more discreet than braces.
Invisalign is made of durable, clear plastic as opposed to wires and brackets seen in metal braces. If you’re looking for orthodontic treatment but don’t want to change your appearance or diet significantly, then this is the best option for you.
You can remove Invisalign trays when you’re eating, and it provides an overall more comfortable experience.
When to Visit Your Local Orthodontist
Life is short, and the last thing you want to worry about is having to cover your mouth whenever you laugh. While many people get braces when they are young, it’s not uncommon for adults to go that route as well.
Not only is it an effective method of fixing dental problems, but there are a variety of options available that cater to your lifestyle and interests. If you’re tired of feeling down about the appearance of your teeth, it’s time to visit your local orthodontist to discuss braces.
The best team for the job is at Creekside Orthodontist. We provide compassionate, high-quality orthodontic care that’s always focused on your individual needs. Be sure to check out our New Patient’s page and schedule an appointment today!