Are you one of the millions of adults in need of adult braces who are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed of your smile?
Everyone loves a great smile -- recent research has determined that seeing a smile gives more pleasure than eating chocolate or having sex. But when you don't have a smile you're proud of, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable just to open your mouth. Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk. They feel stuck because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures could be too invasive or too expensive.
We have good news for you!!!
Braces aren't just for teenagers. No matter your age, it's never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
Now, there are many effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution that fits your lifestyle. Today, advances in orthodontics are making braces less obvious, teasing less likely, and adults more willing to undergo treatment. Fortunately, if you have crooked or crowded teeth, an underbite or overbite or even a jaw disorder, there are now a wide range of cosmetic and orthodontic treatments to help bring the joy back to talking, laughing and eating. Unlike the metal dental braces of yesteryear, which spawned countless jokes about "metal mouths," today's dental braces offer improved technologies and aesthetics to decrease treatment time and help you feel less self-conscious. Adults can now choose from ceramic braces with virtually invisible tooth-colored brackets, or lingual dental braces that are placed behind the teeth.
Why do adults need braces?
Irregular teeth and a poor bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, abnormal wear of the biting surfaces of the teeth, cavities, areas of weakened enamel and surprisingly on a psychological level, it is incredible how mal-aligned teeth can greatly affect personal contentment and self-esteem.
Often, adults report that they have had a course of braces as a teenager but did not receive retainers to wear long-term and over the years they have noticed their teeth gradually moving back towards their original position.
Some adults have postponed orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons that include cost or being embarrassed about the prospect of wearing braces.
Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders. If left untreated, these problems can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems. They may have difficulty chewing due to a bad bite or malocclusion, where teeth don’t align properly.
Their teeth are too crowded or spaced too widely apart, which can lead to greater tooth decay or even gum disease
They have jaw pain or suffer from pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
They want a healthier mouth and more confident smile
During initial dental examination, your dentist will outline the appropriate options for you, the duration and the cost of the proposed treatment.
Treatment options for adults
Many adults have already had traditional metal braces in the past and would now like to wear customized, comfortable, and even invisible appliances. Orthodontists, who are specialists in braces, offer many types of braces to fit your lifestyle and your needs:
Clear braces (Invisalign)
Ceramic braces
Self-ligating braces
Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
Downsides of getting braces as an adult?
Although braces can be effective at any age, it can take little longer for adults to get the same results. In addition, some insurance plans don't cover braces for patients over 18.
How successful are braces?
Orthodontics usually works very well, but it’s important to look after your teeth while you’re wearing braces. Braces can trap food and cause more plaque to build up than usual. You need to take extra care cleaning your teeth and watch what you eat, for example by avoiding sugary foods and drinks. You also need to see your dentist regularly while having orthodontic treatment.