One in five orthodontics patients is over the age of 18.
Although people commonly think of children getting braces, getting braces as an adult is likely more common than you think. Teeth are important at any age, not just when you’re a child!
Are you considering adult braces but aren’t sure if they are right for you? Are you trying to figure out what the best choice is for you to straighten your teeth?
Keep reading below to learn about the benefits of getting braces for adults and what you can expect before making your choice.
You Won’t Need Braces for as Long as You Think
Everyone is different, but most people only need braces between 1 and 3 years.
The amount of time you will need to wear your braces is going to depend on the style you pick, how misaligned your teeth are, and other factors that you will discuss with your dentist or orthodontist.
You will have to have your braces adjusted every once in a while as your teeth start to shift to ensure they are straightening correctly. Once your braces are removed, you will get a retainer fitted to your new smile to maintain the alignment.
Your mouth is likely to be sore and you may have trouble getting used to eating, drinking, or talking with the new braces at the start. Your doctor can help you learn more about how you should take care of your teeth and get used to the braces at the same time.
Your Dental Health Will Improve
Taking care of your teeth is important and if you’re considering braces, it’s likely something that is important to you as well.
If your teeth are misaligned, it’s likely that you have issues eating as well. Even if you don’t notice it, misaligned teeth are more than just a visual problem.
With misalignment issues, you may get food stuck in your teeth more often. As a result, you’re more likely to have tooth decay or gum disease in the future.
There are some adults that believe braces make cleaning your teeth more difficult, but this is not the case. They can actually make it easier to maintain healthy teeth for a long period of time.
As you get older, your body goes through a certain level of wear and tear. This may be less or more depending on how you take care of yourself. The wear will impact your bones and teeth alike.
If your teeth are straighter, your dental health longevity improves because they will be more evenly worn and you’re less likely to need oral health interventions later.
There Are Affordable Options
The cost of braces will vary based on many factors, but typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000 for a set.
A lot of people choose to put off getting their braces because they fear the cost.
Braces can be expensive, but luckily, there are a lot of payment options that you can choose from.
A more basic set of braces will cost less, but the type of braces you get depends on your specific situation.
If you are getting braces due to oral problems or issues with speech, the cost of your braces may be covered. Dental insurance won’t cover cosmetic concerns, but people that have other issues related to misalignment could have the cost covered.
When it comes down to it, you should talk with your doctor about payment. They will potentially be able to work with you and create a payment plan that fits your needs.
You don’t have to just get regular metal braces either. There are other options that you might have to choose from, such as clear braces or even Invisalign.
Your Confidence Will Increase
No matter what age you are, confidence is always going to be important. Confidence is the difference between being comfortable in your own skin or feeling like the odd person out.
Having straight teeth is a simple way to increase confidence because it makes you feel happier.
You’ll have a better smile after you finish your braces treatment and this will make you want to smile more. People can actually trick themselves into being happy by smiling more often, so having straighter teeth can impact your levels of happiness and quality of life.
Changing your teeth does change a big part of your appearance. Your personality may also change as a result!
Smiling more will improve your mood, make you more approachable by others, and might even make you look younger. While having braces for a few years may seem like a big commitment, being able to change your smile for the rest of your life is worth it.
Remember that the more you do to take care of your teeth now, the better off you will be years from now.
Are You Getting Braces as an Adult?
Getting braces as an adult doesn’t have to be embarrassing or make you uncomfortable.
In fact, it is a great way for you to improve certain parts of the way you feel and look! Not only that, but you’ll avoid having certain oral health problems later on as well.
To get more information, you should make an appointment and consult with one of our doctors at Creekside Orthodontics as soon as you can.
Are you interested in braces or exploring other teeth straightening options? If so, contact us today to request an appointment!