Looking to improve your smile? Everyone knows that a bright, confident smile does wonders for self-esteem, and therefore improves your success in relationships and pretty much every other area of your life. If your dentist told you as a child that you might need braces, but you didn’t get them for whatever reason, you absolutely still can. A lot has changed in orthodontic dentistry, so you’re never too old for braces. Here’s some more info on braces for adults.
Experts say that it’s never too late for straight teeth as long as your gums are healthy. In fact, adults make up half of the patients who show up at the orthodontist to be fitted for them these days. Not only that, but the days of being called a “metal mouth” are long gone. More lightweight and aesthetically pleasing options are available.
Why You Should Get Braces
On top of having a confident, aesthetically pleasing smile, there are health benefits to having straight teeth. Misaligned teeth have a greater chance of plaque buildup, which increases the chances that gum disease can develop. An improper bite might also mean that you can’t chew food properly, which can lead to digestive problems. Misaligned teeth can also cause issues with speaking clearly.
Adults vs. Children
Although orthodontics works similarly for both adults and children, treatment may take longer for adults. On average, adults who get braces wear them for anywhere between 18 months and three years. You may also need to wear a retainer afterwards to maintain the results of the treatment.
Types of Braces
- Invisalign. These fit very much like a mouth guard over your teeth. You basically get a tray that you fit over your teeth for a period of about two weeks, and then it’s replaced with a new one.
- Metal Braces. These are the traditional braces, but the modern versions have smaller brackets.
- Ceramic Braces. These are just like metal braces, except that the brackets are tooth-colored or clear to blend into teeth better.
- Lingual Braces. These also work the same as traditional braces. The difference is that the brackets are placed on the backside of the teeth. The benefit is that they’re invisible from the outside.
If you’re a good candidate for braces and you’re ready for a great smile, talk to your Mesa dentist today about the best options for you.