6 Reasons to Get Braces as an Adult

It’s fairly common to see school-aged kids wearing braces. After all, very few people’s teeth naturally come in perfectly straight. Did you know, however, that it’s not just kids that can wear braces? In fact, more than a million adults wear braces, and the trend only continues to grow every day. Whether you are uncomfortable with your smile or have trouble with oral hygiene because of the placement of your teeth, adult braces have many benefits.

Today, 1 out of 3 orthodontic patients are adults who are looking for braces for more than straighter teeth, but better overall dental health. Let’s take a closer look at the top 6 reasons for getting braces as an adult.

1. You Have Many Options

While traditional metal braces are the norm for many braces wearers, you have other orthodontic treatment options for straightening your teeth.

For example, many working adults opt for minimally-visible braces such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, or self-ligating braces. These are all great options for adults that are wary of the impact that traditional braces may have on their appearance. Depending on your budget and the severity of your crooked or misaligned teeth, your dentist will offer some dental options.

In the case that your dental issue is extremely minor, you may even be able to get away with a simple retainer. Unlike braces, retainers are not meant to drastically shift your teeth. Instead, their role is more of a maintenance one. They simply keep your teeth in place. Oftentimes, you’ll only be required to wear a retainer for a certain number of hours per day (such as overnight).

Dental Aligners

Dental aligners, like Invisalign, are clear, nearly invisible, orthodontic aligners to straighten teeth. This removable alternative to braces corrects misaligned and crooked teeth by gradually shifting teeth with a series of custom, clear aligners. A 3D scanner is used to create a mold of your current teeth with additional aligners and scans needed every 2 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your case. You will visit your orthodontist for the scans and to receive your new aligners. In some cases it can take as little as 4 months to see results from dental aligners, like Invisalign. While for other scenarios, it may take up to 2 years for final results.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are hidden braces that sit on the back of teeth. These braces work the same as traditional braces to straighten teeth but are less visible.

2. You Get More Than Straight Teeth

As you age, your mouth and jaw change shape. Your jawbone naturally loses density, which causes your teeth to shift. Over time, your teeth become crowded, and you experience pain or discomfort when chewing and swallowing. Teeth that overlap also become difficult to keep clean, making your teeth more susceptible to dental decay. Remember, healthy teeth should be spaced evenly apart, allowing for thorough brushing and flossing.

Braces not only straighten your teeth to give you a more natural smile, but they also improve your overall oral health. Many patients who get braces are over 50 years of age, choosing to get braces due to oral discomfort.

3. You Gain Confidence in Your Smile

You gain confidence in your smile when you get braces because you no longer have to feel self-conscious about the way your teeth look. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful in a photo. Your smile should always be a benefit, not a hindrance. Write down your concerns about your teeth and discuss them with your dentist to see if adult braces are a good solution for your dental needs.

4. You Have Affordable Treatment Options

Braces are not as expensive as you think. The average adult spends anywhere from $5,000 to over $7,000 to pay for braces. If you need braces for reasons beyond cosmetics — such as preventing dental decay or improving the way you speak and eat — your dental insurance may even help cover your costs.

Check with your insurance company to find out if you have orthodontics coverage, many dental plans do. If you do not have dental benefits, there are payment plans available through various medical lending companies.

The costs for adult braces vary depending on the type of braces you need. Lingual braces are often pricier than traditional braces. Your dentist will show you the braces options best for your oral needs and budget.

Don’t forget: although braces are a financial investment, they pay off over the course of your entire life.

5. You Won’t Wear Braces Forever

The average adult wears braces anywhere from 18 to 26 months. How long you will wear braces depends on the style of braces you choose, how crooked your smile is, and other factors. Your dentist will adjust your braces every several weeks as your teeth respond to treatment. After the dentist removes your braces, he or she will have you fitted for a retainer to align your new smile.
After receiving braces, your mouth will feel sore, and eating and speaking will be uncomfortable while you get used to your dental wear. Your dentist will show you ways to take care of your teeth while wearing braces to keep your oral health in check.

6. Braces May Be Medically Necessary

For many people, braces are seen as a rite of passage during adolescence. However, braces are not just for teenagers—they can also be beneficial for adults. In fact, braces can be medically necessary for some adults.
Here are some common dental conditions which may require braces:

• Underbite
• Teeth Gaps
• Overbite
• Over-crowding
• Jaw-related conditions (such as TMJ)

It’s important to correct conditions such as these, since they can worsen over time. Unfortunately, teeth misalignment rarely corrects itself. Braces are often required to push the teeth into an evenly spaced formation. Remember that in severe cases, untreated misalignment can lead to even more serious dental conditions.

It’s also important to consider quality of life when talking about braces. Even if your teeth misalignment doesn’t cause further dental problems, it can decrease your quality of life overall. Consistent pain and discomfort in the jaw will make sleeping and eating more difficult. Braces can often relieve pain caused by TMJ disorders, teeth grinding, or overcrowding. Therefore, braces may be recommended by your dentist or orthodontist in order to tackle these issues.

Ideal Candidate for Adult Braces

If you are an adult in good overall health but have crooked teeth, you may want to consider a consultation with an orthodontist.

During your braces consultation at Snodgrass-King we can determine if you will benefit from orthodontic treatment. You may be a good fit for braces if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• Crossbite
• Underbite
• Overbite
• Overcrowded teeth
• Generally crooked teeth
• Shifted teeth

These common bite problems are mostly influenced by your genetics and how your jaw develops. If you have a small jaw, your teeth are more likely to crowd and become crooked, especially after you lose your primary teeth. Other problems come from the size and shape of your mouth. Your dentist may use x-rays to identify any additional problems.

How Orthodontic Treatments Like Braces Are Effective for Adults

Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children, since healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic devices move teeth the same way for both adults and children.

However, the major difference between child and adult orthodontic treatment is that adult bones are no longer growing. This means that it may take a little longer for adult teeth to move into their correct position.

Orthodontic treatments can help with:

• Periodontal problems
• Prevent or reduce further bone loss around teeth
• Ability of the dentist to restore missing teeth
• Aesthetics for a better smile and facial appearance
• Function of teeth
• Self-confidence and self-esteem
• Oral health