Are adult braces a good idea?

Once thought to be a treatment reserved for teenagers, Adult braces have become increasingly popular. They offer a safe and effective solution for adults with crooked teeth or bite issues that can cause snoring, headaches, jaw pain, or gum disease.

Those who choose to get braces as adults do so for a variety of reasons, including reaping health benefits and boosting their self-esteem. Here are a few of the top motivations:

Improved Oral Health

Achieving a straighter smile can improve oral health by decreasing gaps, correcting overcrowding, and improving bite function. This helps ensure proper tooth alignment and decreases the risk for gum disease and tooth decay caused by foods trapped in crooked teeth.

Although adult orthodontic treatment is typically more expensive than adolescent treatments, many orthodontists offer affordable and accessible payment plans, including flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts. This makes it possible for adults to access the benefits of a straighter smile without breaking the bank.

Traditional metal braces use wires and fixed brackets to straighten your teeth. Today, there are also options that reduce the appearance of traditional braces, such as ceramic brackets and clear wires or lingual braces that attach to the backside of your teeth and are virtually invisible. Additionally, new technologies like AcceleDent may help speed up the teeth-straightening process. Talk to your orthodontist about which treatment option is best for you.

Boosted Self-Esteem

In addition to boosting self-esteem, straight teeth can help prevent future dental problems. For example, an untreated crooked tooth may fracture or crack and lead to a costly root canal procedure. Moreover, if you play sports or are prone to accidents, a misaligned bite can increase your risk of dental injuries like broken or chipped teeth.

Choosing a reputable orthodontist with affordable and accessible financing options is an excellent way to start your journey towards a healthy and beautiful smile. Furthermore, staying motivated throughout your treatment by documenting your progress and celebrating small milestones can help you stick to your orthodontic journey without giving up.

Improved Speech

Misaligned teeth can impact the clarity of one’s speech. By aligning the teeth and jaws, braces help you pronounce words clearly without any lisps or other speech impediments.

Correctly spaced and aligned teeth allow for efficient chewing, ensuring that food is broken down into smaller pieces and digested effectively in the stomach. This can lead to healthier digestive health and alleviate gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and pain.

Adults can choose from a variety of treatment options including clear braces and lingual braces that are placed behind the teeth. These treatments work in the same way as traditional metal braces but offer more discreet and comfortable treatment. Additionally, patients can also opt for self-ligating or ceramic brackets, which use doors or clips instead of rubber ties for a more streamlined aesthetic.

Improved Confidence

Adult braces can resolve issues like misaligned teeth and bite problems. These issues can lead to jaw pain and gum disease if left untreated. Correcting these issues can significantly improve your quality of life and enhance your confidence.

Misaligned teeth can also create bad breath due to bacteria build-up. This is because it’s more difficult to clean crooked or overcrowded teeth properly. When your teeth are straight, food particles can easily be removed which means your breath will be fresher.

In addition, having crooked teeth may cause speech problems such as a lisp. This can affect your job and social interactions. Braces can fix this issue for better speech and a more attractive smile.

Although orthodontic treatment can be expensive, there are a number of affordable and convenient financing options available. This makes adult braces a worthwhile investment that can deliver improved health and happiness for years to come. Stay motivated throughout your treatment and remind yourself that the short-term inconvenience is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile.