Why You Should Wear Braces as an Adult

It’s fairly common to see children wearing braces; very few people are lucky to have their teeth come in perfectly straight. Did you know that braces are not a reservation for kids and that it is never too late to straighten your teeth? Today, more than a million adults wear braces, and the trend continues to grow daily. Whether your crooked teeth affect your self-esteem or oral hygiene, Cedar Park adult braces have many benefits. Below are the top five reasons to get braces as an adult.

Braces improve your overall oral health.

Crooked or misaligned teeth not only affect your appearance but can also cause discomfort when chewing and swallowing. Additionally, teeth that overlap are difficult to clean, increasing your risk of dental decay. Healthy teeth should be evenly spaced to allow thorough brushing and flossing.

As you age, the shape of your mouth and jaw change. Further, your jawbone naturally loses its density, causing teeth to shift. Many patients over 50 undergo orthodontic treatment due to oral discomfort.

You have several options

Many people are familiar with traditional braces, but there are other orthodontic treatment options for straightening teeth. For example, many adults don’t like the appearance of metal braces and therefore opt for minimally-visible braces such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, or self-ligating braces. All these are great alternatives for adults who are wary of the impact of traditional braces on their appearance. Your doctor will offer some dental options depending on your budget and the severity of your crooked or misaligned teeth.

If your teeth are not severely crooked, you may get away with a simple retainer. Unlike braces which drastically shift your teeth, retainers have more of a maintenance role. They keep your teeth in place, and often you only need to wear them for several hours a day.

Boost your confidence

Teeth are one of the most visible facial features that people tend to notice in others. They can make you leave a good lasting impression or a bad one. People associate straight teeth with health and beauty, meaning perceived flaws in your smile can give others a bad impression of you. This is especially true when you go on a date, do a job interview, or meet people for the first time.

But when you get your braces, you no longer have to be self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth. You won’t have to hide your smile in photos or avoid interacting with new people. Your smile should be a benefit, not an insecurity. You can write your concerns about your teeth and discuss them with your orthodontist to establish if adult braces will meet your dental needs.

You wear braces for a limited time.

The best news about orthodontic treatment is that it always comes to an end. For instance, the average adult wears braces from 18 to 26 months. The treatment duration depends on the severity of your crooked smile and the type of braces you choose.

If you have been postponing orthodontic treatment, visit your specialist today at Freedom orthodontist for adult braces to improve the appearance of your teeth and overall oral health.