Deciding to get braces isn’t something you should put on the back burner until the problem has gotten worse. Choosing to get braces today, as opposed to waiting, can be the difference between treating a simple problem and creating a larger one. If your orthodontist has recommended braces for you, here’s why you shouldn’t wait.

1. Treatment Is Shorter Than Ever

When most people think of braces, they think of years of metal taking up space in their mouths. However, if treatment is started soon enough, and with the help of modern innovations, you may only have to wear your braces for around 12 months. This means you can get your treatment over with quicker than ever and begin enjoying your new smile in less time than you’d think. That being said, if you allow the problem to continue getting worse, you may be in need of a longer treatment time than you would have otherwise. This is because the more severe a problem is — say an overbite — the more time it will take to fix. If you get braces today and the problem is still mild, you won’t have to worry about these longer treatment times.

2. Keeping Your Teeth

Nearly 90% of adults in the United States have some tooth decay, and this problem can be exacerbated by crooked and misaligned teeth. Even with recommended brushing, teeth like this can create areas that are harder to effectively clean. This means that even with good hygiene practices, you could run the risk of losing teeth or acquiring gum disease. Choosing to get braces today can help prevent this problem, and allow you to enjoy your natural teeth for much longer.

3. Preventing Gum Disease

Speaking of gum disease, nearly half of all Americans over the age of 30 have some form of it. If allowed to progress, this disease can cause bleeding, pain, and even tooth loss. Because misaligned teeth contribute so much to this problem, rectifying that issue can be the first step to treating and preventing this disease.

4. Nearly Invisible Options

Thanks to modern innovations such as invisible braces and Invisalign aligners, you won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious during treatment. A large reason many adults choose to forgo treatment is that they don’t want to walk around with a mouth full of visible metal brackets and wires. Thankfully, due to nearly invisible options, you can get the treatment you need without worrying about how it will affect your appearance. Because of options like these nearly 25% of people with braces are adults. Overall, choosing to straighten your teeth and correct these dental problems will ultimately only improve your appearance once it is complete.

If your orthodontist has suggested braces for you, don’t wait. Today nearly 4 million Americans currently have braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Choosing to get braces today will only help improve your oral health and prevent more severe problems from arising. To learn more about your options, speak with our Hanover orthodontist Dr. David Ross about the types of treatment that would be best for you.