Your teeth naturally shift throughout your life. You may not have considered getting braces when you were younger, but now you may be bothered by your teeth being crooked, crowded, or even having gaps. You might wonder if it’s too late to straighten your teeth now as an adult.
However, it’s not too late! You may feel weary about getting braces since you may only see teenagers with this treatment, but the truth is that an increasing number of adults are choosing to get them. There is no age limit to correcting your smile, so read on to learn three things to keep in mind when considering this treatment.
1.) You Won’t Have Braces Forever
When comparing the timeline for traditional braces among teenagers and adults, it’s true that the younger crowd typically wears them for a shorter period. It’s because their jawbone and other facial structures haven’t fully formed, making it easier to shift their teeth and jaw into a new position. However, just because you are an adult doesn’t mean that your teeth are immovable mounds!
On average, adults wear braces for approximately 14 to 26 months. You can have them on for a shorter or longer time, depending on the starting position of your teeth. To get a better sense of how long it will take, a consultation with your orthodontist can give a better estimate. Although the process isn’t exactly immediate, investing one or two years will be worth it, as you’ll get a lifetime of having a more confident smile.
2.) There Are Other Options
As dental and orthodontic technology continues to evolve, so do the treatments! When you think of braces, you may imagine the traditional metal ones. With modern orthodontics, the brackets and wires used are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. If you’re concerned about the metal look, you can opt for clear/ceramic braces. They have the same advantages as traditional ones, but they are much less noticeable, as every component in them is either clear or tooth-colored.
If neither of these options catches your eye, then clear aligners like Invisalign are another alternative. These shift your teeth without the wire and bracket system but are just as reliable.
3.) Not Just About Appearances
Aside from the aesthetic benefit of having perfectly aligned teeth, your confidence and oral health will improve in several tangible ways. If you are self-conscious about an uneven smile, then addressing the issue can help you feel proud about your grin. You may find yourself laughing more with friends since that flaw isn’t holding you back from showing off your teeth. Additionally, with this newfound comfort, you might even speak up more at work or when dating, as you feel more at ease expressing yourself.
Misalignment issues can make it easier for food to get stuck between your teeth, putting you at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. When you have straightened teeth, brushing and flossing may become easier, helping to keep these oral health issues at bay! Aligning your bite can also help reduce unconscious grinding, jaw soreness, and headaches, providing relief and improving overall comfort.
Braces truly don’t have an age cap! Everyone deserves to benefit from this treatment. Don’t hesitate to talk to your orthodontist so you don’t have to wait any longer for straighter teeth.
About the Practice
At Wigal Orthodontics, you are in the hands of two orthodontists whose goal is to give you a healthy, beautiful smile. We proudly customize treatment plans for each patient, ensuring each one can have the perfect results they dream of. If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, look no further, as we offer traditional metal and clear/ceramic braces! We even have Invisalign clear aligners if you prefer. If you want to fix crooked, crowded, or gaps in your smile, schedule an appointment or call us at our Heath, Mt. Vernon, or Columbus office.