Braces for Adults: How to Make the Decision

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. You might want to consider them when you’re past the teenage years for a number of reasons. You’ll have lots of choices to get the best smile you can.

How Braces Can Help

Correct shifting teeth. Just because you had braces as a kid doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Teeth tend to move a little throughout your life.

Straighten crooked teeth. Braces can line up teeth that are bending in different directions. And that’s a recipe for a winning smile.

Better oral health. It’s no surprise that straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. If you’re doing your part, expect less decay and healthier gums.

Braces can help you manage some more serious issues, too, such as bite problems that cause jaw pain. You also may sometimes need to get braces to change the position of teeth before getting a new bridge, crown, or implant.

New Options

Braces today are a lot different from the ones you may remember when you were a kid. Many are hard to notice right off when other people are looking at you.

Some choices for you are:

Ceramic braces. These are made of a white material that’s much less obvious than traditional metal braces.

Lingual brackets. They’re attached to the inside surface of your teeth that faces your tongue. They hold wires that pull them into a new position.

Custom-made, clear plastic aligners. They fit like guards over your teeth and gently move your bite into a new position.

What to Expect

How long you’ll need to wear braces depends on the type you get and what you’re trying to fix. The length of time ranges from 12 to 44 months.

Adult teeth sometimes take longer than children’s teeth to move into new positions, But in many cases, there’s no real difference.

You’ll need to take extra care cleaning your teeth when you have braces. Some dentists recommend brushing after every meal and at bedtime.

Flossing is different when you have braces, but it’s crucial to help remove food particles and plaque. Your dentist will show you how. Ask him if water flossing is a good option for you.

Antiseptic mouthwash can also get into places that a toothbrush can’t reach, and it helps battle plaque and gum inflammation.

7 GREAT REASONS WHY ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES:

1. ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES BECAUSE EVERY SMILE IS IMPORTANT.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. When you smile, you can have a positive impact on the people around you. But if you’re afraid to smile or you try to cover your teeth when you smile, you won’t have the same effect. Maybe you’ve always had crooked teeth, but you weren’t able to get braces when you were younger. Or maybe you have serious jaw pain. Or are having trouble cleaning your teeth properly. Your oral health can also impact your ability to get a job and your social life. Many people say their crooked or unattractive teeth are holding them back from living life to the fullest. Why not get braces and fix your mouth now? Sure, you might face a few months or possibly years of wearing something on your teeth. But the results will amaze you — And you’ll no longer feel self-conscious about your teeth in the future.

Also, if you’re thinking about getting dental implants, the rest of your teeth will need to be straight first, so you’ll have to get braces before you can consider that treatment option.

2. ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES BECAUSE TEETH CAN MOVE AT ANY AGE, EVEN IF THEY ARE HEALTHY.

Teeth can shift at any age. Maybe due to an injury, a health condition, or simply natural growth. Perhaps you had straight teeth in the past, but are now facing a crooked and overcrowded smile.
Even if you had braces in the past, you may need them again. Some people who had braces as a child or a teenager need them for a second time when they get older. Why? Some people neglect to wear their retainer as much as they should. And other people have mouths that change naturally.

Also, orthodontists now tell people to wear retainers much longer than they recommended in previous decades. Some people even need to wear one for life.

3. ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES TO AVOID SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TEETH AND MOUTH.

Research has shown that the frequency of misalignment in adults is comparable to the frequency in children and teens. When you have a crossbite or misaligned teeth, you have an increased chance of plaque and food buildup between your teeth. This means you may get periodontal disease or gum disease. You can also possibly avoid tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel, and TMJ/TMD pain (or chronic facial discomfort).

4. ADULT SHOULD GET BRACES TO AVOID OTHER HEALTH ISSUES.

Problems with your mouth may not be the only health concerns you face if your teeth are not straight or your bite is incorrect. You may suffer from headaches and earaches if you don’t seek treatment for your teeth and mouth problems. Also, an improper bite may mean you can’t chew your food properly, possibly leading to gastrointestinal problems. If you have been unintentionally biting your cheek or the roof of your mouth regularly, you may have an orthodontic issue and should seek professional help.

5. ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES BECAUSE BRACES TODAY ARE BETTER, CHEAPER, AND LESS NOTICEABLE.

Braces have evolved over the years. No longer do you need to suffer the embarrassment of being a metal mouth. The brackets used today are smaller, and no longer are bands that wrap around the tooth used. Ceramic braces are popular with adults due to their cosmetic appeal. They are made of a translucent (clear) material. Another great advancement for teeth that is popular with adults is Invisalign. These clear, removable, plastic aligners are worn over the teeth and use no metal or wires. When you are custom-fitted for Invisalign, you’ll have no food restrictions, and you’ll be able to brush and floss like you normally would. Today, wearing braces is less painful and requires less time. Almost all our adult braces patients are happy they made the commitment to correct their teeth.

6. ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES BECAUSE THEY CAN NOW AFFORD THEM.

Maybe your parents couldn’t afford braces when you were growing up. But now you can! Many medical and dental insurance plans cover part of the cost. Or maybe you make enough money to save money and pay for braces out of pocket. Our orthodontic office offers many financing options to accommodate your needs, and we would be happy to go over these with you. We can also review your insurance policy and help you maximize your benefit and file your claims.

7. ADULTS SHOULD GET BRACES BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER.

People are living longer, and many people are keeping their teeth for life. No longer are people going to lose their teeth, so it makes sense to pay the price to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. Even older adults are getting braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more and more people who are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s are using braces.

We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get appointment today.