Are you an adult considering getting braces? You’re not alone! Many adults are now choosing to get braces later in life to achieve the beautiful, healthy smile they’ve always wanted.
While getting braces in your teen years is quite common, you can still reap the benefits of braces into adulthood. That’s especially true if an uneven smile has been giving your anxiety all your life. A crooked smile can lead to lowered self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have an overbite or underbite, you may feel as if that’s all strangers can see when they glance your way.
What to Expect When Getting Braces as an Adult
Consultation with an Orthodontist
When considering getting braces as an adult, the initial step is to arrange a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. During the appointment, the orthodontist will closely examine your teeth to determine if braces are right for you. They’ll also explain the different types of braces available and help you choose the one that’s best for your specific dental needs. This consultation is an important part of the process of getting adult braces because it allows your orthodontist to understand your dental health and suggest the most suitable treatment options.
During the appointment, your orthodontist will likely take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to help them make a precise diagnosis and formulate a personalized treatment plan.
Based on your consultation, your orthodontist will recommend one of several types of braces, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners. Each type of braces has its unique features and benefits, and your orthodontist will recommend the best one for you based on your dental needs, preferences, and budget.
Types of Braces
With modern improvements in technology, adults now have many different choices when it comes to straightening their teeth. Invisalign, for example, is a popular option among adults. It’s discreet, virtually clear, and effective. There are now different options of braces available for adults, including:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign clear aligners
Your orthodontist will assist you in selecting the most suitable braces for you based on your particular needs and desires. It’s worth noting that each type of braces has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Treatment Duration
Expect to see your orthodontist at regular intervals to maintain healthy progress on your braces treatment. The duration of your orthodontic treatment will depend on the severity of your dental issues and the type of braces you choose. On average, most adults wear braces for 18-24 months. However, some treatments may be shorter or longer.
Braces Adjustment Appointments
When you begin your orthodontic treatment, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist for braces adjustments. These appointments are crucial to make sure that your braces are properly aligned and that your teeth are moving into their correct positions as planned.
The Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
Getting braces as an adult has many benefits, including:
Improved Oral Health
Braces can help improve your oral health by correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues. By straightening your teeth, you can make them easier to clean, reducing your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
Enhanced Facial Structure
Orthodontic treatment can improve your facial structure by correcting jaw misalignments and other dental issues. By improving your facial structure, you can achieve a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Increased Self-Confidence
A beautiful, healthy smile can increase your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life. By getting braces as an adult, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and feel more confident in your personal and professional life.
Improved Speech
Orthodontic treatment can also improve your speech by correcting issues with the tongue and teeth that may be affecting your ability to speak properly.
Better Chewing and Digestion
Correcting bite issues with orthodontic treatment can also improve your ability to chew your food properly, leading to better digestion and overall health.
Caring for Your Braces
Caring for your braces is essential to ensure that they work correctly and that you achieve the best possible results. Here are some dos and don’ts for caring for your braces:
Dos
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth and braces at least once a day.
- Use a proxabrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around your braces.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sugary and acidic foods.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to protect your braces.
Don’ts
- Chew gum or eat sticky or hard foods that can damage your braces.
- Smoke or use tobacco products, which can stain your teeth and damage your braces.
- Bite your nails or pens, which can damage your braces.
- Skip your braces adjustment appointments.
How Orthodontics Affects Your Facial Structure
Orthodontic treatment can have a significant impact on your facial structure, improving your overall appearance and giving you a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Orthodontics can help correct issues with your bite, which can cause problems with your jaw alignment and overall facial structure.
When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause an imbalance in the way your jaws meet. This imbalance can cause a variety of problems, including an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. These issues can cause changes in the way your face looks and functions, leading to problems with your bite, jaw pain, and other issues.
By correcting these issues with orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can help bring your jaws and teeth into proper alignment, improving your facial structure and overall appearance. This can help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted and give you the confidence you need to succeed in your personal and professional life.
5 Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment has many benefits, including:
- Improved Oral Health: Orthodontics can help improve your oral health by correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues. By straightening your teeth, you can make them easier to clean, reducing your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
- Enhanced Facial Structure: Orthodontic treatment can improve your facial structure by correcting jaw misalignments and other dental issues. By improving your facial structure, you can achieve a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Increased Self-Confidence: A beautiful, healthy smile can increase your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life. By getting orthodontic treatment, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and feel more confident in your personal and professional life.
- Improved Speech: Orthodontic treatment can also improve your speech by correcting issues with the tongue and teeth that may be affecting your ability to speak properly.
- Better Chewing and Digestion: Correcting bite issues with orthodontic treatment can also improve your ability to chew your food properly, leading to better digestion and overall health.
Brace Care: The Dos and Don’ts of When You Get Braces
Caring for your braces is essential to ensure that they work correctly and that you achieve the best possible results. Here are some dos and don’ts for caring for your braces:
Dos
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth and braces at least once a day.
- Use a proxabrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around your braces.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to protect your braces.
Don’ts
- Chew gum or eat sticky or hard foods that can damage your braces.
- Smoke or use tobacco products, which can stain your teeth and damage your braces.
- Bite your nails or pens, which can damage your braces.
- Skip your braces adjustment appointments.
To make sure your braces work as intended and you obtain the best possible outcome from your orthodontic treatment, it’s vital to adhere to these dos and don’ts.
Conclusion
Getting braces as an adult can be a transformative choice that has the potential to improve your oral health, facial structure, self-esteem, speech, and overall well-being. By understanding what to expect during the process and how to care for your braces properly, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.
At David Ross Orthodontics, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their best possible smile through orthodontic treatment. Contact us today to schedule your free orthodontic evaluation.
