Are you embarrassed about your smile, but think it is too late to even consider getting braces? Think again.
In the last ten to twenty years, more and more adults are choosing to get braces. Whether it is because their parents couldn’t afford for them when they were young and now they have the money to do it for themselves or because they didn’t develop teeth spacing issues until later in life, adults are choosing to give themselves the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile.
Orthodontics like braces are used to reposition teeth for a straighter smile. It improves not only the aesthetics of your smile, but also the functionality and health of your teeth. While the pre-teen and teen years are the most ideal time to correct the alignment of your teeth because you are still growing at that time, adult braces can still be very effective.
More and more people are seeing how a straighter smile can really transform their life at any age. Learn why it is not too late for braces for adults over 50:
You want to be healthy at every age
A big reasons you are seeing more adults with braces is because we are living so much longer now and we want to look and feel our best for as long as possible.
With crooked teeth, it is a lot harder to properly brush and floss your teeth and gums. Plaque and bacteria tend to buildup in those hard to reach spots. If you find yourself getting a lot of cavities and dealing with gum problems than a straighter smile can help keep your teeth and gums cleaner and healthier. This is important at any age, but as you get older with the natural wear and tear on your teeth, preserving your natural teeth becomes even more crucial. Avoid having years of extra dental work and suffering through periodontal disease by straightening your teeth now.
Poor oral health is also linked to other health issues like heart disease and stroke. That is why it is never too late to get braces.
Confidence Is important No Matter Your Age
As we get older, our need to feel good about ourselves doesn’t wane. If over the years as your oral health has deteriorated and you became self-conscious and gaps and crooked teeth, your self-confidence probably took a big hit. If you want to advance in your career and have close, intimate relationships with family, friends and significant others than you need to feel confident in your smile. If you are too embarrassed to smile, or worse yet, to even leave the house, the shame and isolation you feel can affect you mentally and emotionally. If however you were able to get that beautiful smile you have always wanted, then you will find yourself transformed and everyone around you will notice the difference.
More Options Now
Luckily today there are so many more options than just traditional metal braces. Besides the traditional metal braces, there are ceramic braces that are tooth-colored so less noticeable and there are Invisalign braces, which are removable clear plastic aligners. You can even opt for braces that are adhered to the back of your teeth instead of the front which are called lingual braces.
A lot of factors go into deciding which treatment option is best for you: condition of your teeth and level of work needed, your budget, and personal preferences like shorter length of treatment, fewer dietary restrictions and how important it is to you that the braces be “invisible” to the casual observer. Your best bet is to consult with a few orthodontists and look at all the facts before making a decision. For your particular situation, the metal braces might be the most effective. That beautiful, healthy smile at the end is worth it though, right?
A Few Small Caveats…
If you have strong healthy teeth that are just crooked then it doesn’t matter what your age is, braces can help you achieve that straighter smile. If however you have dental issues like periodontal disease or tooth decay or missing teeth then you will need to have these corrected before your orthodontic treatment can begin.
Other things you should keep in mind if getting braces as an adult:
Because all of our bones have stopped growing by the time we are adults, there might be some structural changes that cannot be achieved with just braces. Sometimes minor oral surgery might be required as well.
Your orthodontist might recommend that you see a periodontist as well as your general dentist while wearing braces to make sure there is no bone loss occurring because of gum disease.
Despite these additional concerns, getting your braces as an adult actually has some additional benefits. For one thing, as an adult, it is probably much more affordable because you have your own income and credit to use. Also as an adult, you have complete say in what kinds of treatment you get. Think how good it will feel to be able to do this for yourself. How much happier and healthier you will be.
When starting your research for an orthodontist, make sure you research their credentials, experiences and their specialty treatments before making a final decision. Ask which treatment options they prefer. If you are leaning more to Invisalign than to traditional metal braces, then you will want an orthodontist who has a lot of experience in this type of treatment. Weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option carefully.
Most orthodontists offer you a free initial consultation. Take advantage of it so you can get a better feel if it is the right practice for you. You will also get a better sense of what types of treatment are recommended for your particular situation.
For more information about adult orthodontics call Orthodontics Limited today. They have offices in Northeast Philadelphia, Hatboro and Rittenhouse Square in Center City so you have many options to choose from. Pick the location most convenient to you and give them a call today.
