If your parents never took you to an orthodontist as a child, right now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation with one.
Braces are no longer for kids or teenagers and most modern orthodontists allow adults to be fitted with braces in an affordable and better-looking way.
Adult braces can not only make your smile look better, but also improve your oral health overall. If you’re still not convinced, here are five major reasons why you should get adult braces.
More Confidence in Your Smile
First impressions matter a lot, especially depending on your industry of work. For many people, a smile is a major factor and it acts as sort of a visual signature. If your teeth are crooked, it might leave a worse impression just because of aesthetics.
Likewise, not having straight teeth can cause low self-confidence and make you less likely to interact with people. Getting braces significantly improves your confidence in your smile.
Set up a date and discuss concerns about your teeth with a dentist. Many dentists can provide adult braces before and after results to show what your teeth will look like after wearing braces.
It’s Not Just About Straight Teeth
As you get older, your jawbone naturally loses density, and your mouth and jaw slowly change shape. This causes your teeth to cave in and become crowded, making it difficult to chew and swallow food. Since many of your teeth overlap, they become impossible to clean properly, increasing the chances of dental decay.
So, braces don’t only help you achieve a more natural smile. They straighten your teeth, improve oral health, and reduce the chances of developing oral diseases. Even some people over the age of 50 are forced to get braces due to oral discomfort or mouth pain.
You Won’t Have to Wear Them for Long
How long you’ll wear the braces depends on the condition of your teeth, what kind of braces you pick, and some other factors. But generally, adults have to wear braces for about 18 to 26 months. The braces will be adjusted every several weeks by your dentist as the treatment goes on.
Once the dentist removes your braces for good, you’ll have to wear a retainer to align your new smile. Wearing braces will need some getting used to, as sometimes your mouth can get sore and eating will be uncomfortable but you’ll be happy you did it when it’s over.
Treatment isn’t as Expensive as You Think
It would cost anywhere around $3,000 to $10,000 for an average adult to get braces, depending on the type. If your reason for getting braces is to prevent dental decay or improve the way you eat, your dental insurance could help with the costs.
Getting treatment with adult braces can help you avoid health complications in the future, saving you a lot of stress and money as a result. For instance, gum disease and ongoing gum inflammation can turn into periodontitis if left untreated.