What is the first image that comes to mind when you think of braces? If it is a middle or high school student with a mouth full of metal, you aren’t alone! It is a common misconception that braces are meant as a rite of passage for teens, and it is often this misconception that keeps many adults from speaking with an orthodontist about their smile concerns.
The truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as being “too old” for orthodontic treatment. In fact, as treatment options expand and braces become smaller and more discrete, more and more adults are scheduling consultations with their orthodontists. As many as 1 in every five orthodontic patients are adults – how’s that for a heartening statistic?
If you are an adult interested in the benefits of braces but still feel apprehensive about the process, this article is for you. Orthodontics of South Miami is here to give you the inside scoop on the top 5 reasons adults are getting braces.
Boosting Your Confidence
As an adult, it is all too easy to discount the simple benefit of a confidence boost that comes along with straightening your smile, but don’t do yourself a disservice! There are many reasons that the cosmetic benefits of braces will impact your life for the better, making them well worth the investment.
Many brides and grooms-to-be find that getting braces while planning their dream wedding makes them feel more confident that their wedding day will be the happiest day of their lives. We hear stories about patients whose work lives have been more successful with the confidence boost their new smile gives them. Even a psychological theory called the facial feedback hypothesis tells us that smiling more tricks your brain into being happier – so braces really can make you happier!
Shifting Teeth
Did you forget to wear your retainer after getting your braces removed when you were a teenager? Although we strongly encourage the use of retainers for every patient as an integral part of your treatment plan, sometimes we find that our younger selves didn’t quite keep up with this piece of the puzzle as well as we should have.
Many adults that come in for a consultation with Dr. Ross, notice that their teeth have shifted since their teenage years. If you feel your teeth aren’t as straight as they used to be, don’t worry! Braces are not permanent solutions, and without proper care, you may see a backslide in results.
Improved Health Overall
It comes as no surprise to most that oral health is often viewed as the gateway to the health of other parts of your body, which is one of the main reasons getting braces as an adult has become so popular. A wide range of health issues is closely related to the alignment of your teeth and jaws, which can be the source of jaw pain, headaches, digestive issues, or even sleep apnea. Fortunately, applying an orthodontic treatment plan can help take care of these issues at the root.
For example, have you ever felt that clicking sensation in your jaw when you yawn or chew your food? You aren’t alone. The misalignment of your teeth and jaws that causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) can affect your ability to chew, swallow, and digest your food properly, leading to additional health issues down the road such as acid reflux and headaches. By implementing an orthodontic treatment plan, you can find relief.
In addition, the extra attention that you and your orthodontist will be paying to your teeth will keep them healthier over time, reducing the plaque buildup that can result in cavities, tooth decay, or even gum disease.
There is a range of treatment options to help you get your smile back to top shape.
Variety of Treatment Options
Maybe you know that getting braces will make you happier with your smile, but you’re worried about feeling self-conscious while the braces are on. We hear you. At Orthodontics of South Miami, we offer a wide range of discrete treatment options so that the path to a confident smile is paved with a process you can be confident in.
Metal Braces
Because metal braces are typically the most cost and time-effective option, many adults take this traditional route to a straighter smile. In this method, brackets are secured to your teeth using a special glue, and by tightening the connecting wires with a gentle and steady pressure, your teeth will gradually shift in line.
Clear Braces
Like metal braces, this option uses ceramic brackets that match your teeth to make for a less-noticeable treatment plan. This plan bodes especially well if you are an aesthetic-minded individual who wants to balance cost with discretion.
Invisalign
This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth without attracting notice. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-15 months, you’ll see results in no time.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to metal braces in that they include a system of brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. However, the main difference is that they are applied to the back of your teeth rather than the front. This means that they are practically invisible throughout the duration of your treatment!
Affordability
At Orthodontics of South Miami, we believe that money shouldn’t be why you can’t get a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. This is why we offer a range of payment options for our patients, including flexible financing, insurance plan compatibility, and a FREE consultation so you can make the best choices for yourself and your oral health.
Orthodontic care is also a preventative measure. However, for future health concerns that may arise, caring for your teeth now may save you boatloads of money in the future – and that’s an investment worth its weight.
Orthodontics of South Miami Serves Patients of All Ages and Backgrounds
At Orthodontics of South Miami, we know the value of a great smile, no matter your age. If you have concerns about your smile or questions about how braces work for adults, we would love to connect. Our team of experts is here for you.