People often associate braces with children and teenagers, so you may think that as an adult, it's too late to fix your smile with braces. In this article, our BC orthodontists share why it is never too late to get braces, even as an adult.
Braces for Adults
You may think braces only work for kids and teens as their smiles are still developing. Or maybe you had braces when you were younger, but are unsure if they will be as effective now. Either way, braces can still be an effective option to straighten your teeth and fix your bite.
It is true that braces work faster when the jawbones are growing during childhood and adolescence. However, teeth continue to shift as we age, so there aren't any instances in which braces can't help.
Braces adjust your teeth by putting pressure on them, and this pressure can still be effective after bones have stopped growing. It may take longer to straighten teeth in adults due to the bones being more solid, but braces are effective at any age.
Pros of Braces for Adults
The most obvious pro of straightening your teeth as an adult is the cosmetic benefit. Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can improve self-confidence and help you feel better about your appearance.
Braces can also help with more serious oral health issues. Teeth move over time, and your teeth may no longer line up as correctly as they once did. Misalignments may result in uneven wear on your teeth or your dental crowns or fillings. Misaligned teeth can also lead to pain in your jaw and face, or keep you from closing your mouth correctly.
Braces can help fix all of these issues and improve your overall dental health.
Cons of Braces for Adults
On the other hand, the downside to getting braces is that it is a long and possibly uncomfortable process. The treatment process can take up to a year or even longer. The placement and adjustments to the braces may lead to soreness of your teeth and jaw. Braces with brackets may irritate your lips and tongue before you get used to them.
Another issue with braces is the expense. Full treatment from an orthodontist can put you out thousands of dollars. Dental insurance will sometimes help with the cost, but not all plans cover braces for adults.
Choosing to straighten your teeth as an adult is a pretty big commitment of time and money. However, a straighter smile and improved dental health can prove to be more than worth it in the end.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults at My ORTHODONTIST
At our dental clinic, our orthodontists offer adults a couple of teeth-straightening options.
We offer traditional metal braces which are what most people think about when they think of undergoing orthodontic treatment. For those looking for a more discrete form of braces, we also offer ceramic braces. Ceramic braces function just the same as the traditional ones, but they are made of tooth-coloured materials and appear more translucent. Due to being more subtle, ceramic braces are becoming more and more popular, especially amongst adults.
The most discrete form of orthodontic treatment we offer is Invisalign clear aligners. These are clear trays that are placed over the teeth and are almost invisible to other people. They are also removable and are taken out to eat and drink anything other than water. This prevents you from having to make any dietary changes throughout your treatment. Clear aligners are becoming very popular, however, they must be worn for about 22 hours every day, so discipline is key.
Our orthodontists and support staff would be happy to walk you through your treatment options to help find the best process to fit your lifestyle.