While getting braces as a child is a popular thing to do today more than ever, so is getting braces as an adult. Believe it or not, adults make up almost half of people getting braces today. It’s no longer strange to see men and women with braces on their teeth, and these people know they’re doing a great thing for their mouth. Why are adult braces today better than in the past?
You Have More Options
Years ago, you had the traditional metal braces and that was all you had. Today, you have several options to customize your dental care to suit your needs. In addition to the metal braces, you can also get clear or ceramic braces, which will minimize the appearance of the braces on your teeth. You also have the option for Invisalign, which is is virtually invisible on your teeth while still giving you the benefits of braces. In addition, braces today use smaller brackets and are less painful and require less time on your teeth—the average time for adults to wear braces is 12-20 months, so you’ll have beautiful healthy teeth in no time!
They’re Effective
Braces have evolved from what they used to be years ago to be effective at correcting problems in your mouth in the shortest amount of time possible. While it’s true that children’s teeth are more pliable, many kids end up getting a second set of braces as they get older, and some even get braces again in adulthood. This reapplication of braces could be due to not wearing a retainer to take care of the work the braces have done. The effectiveness of braces relies heavily on your retainer—you’ll need to wear this when the braces come off. While orthodontists used to say the retainer need only be worn for a certain period of time after the removal of the braces, today orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer a few times a week for life to keep your teeth straight.
For Your Health
Adults today understand the benefits of braces more than in the past. Braces not only correct cosmetic issues with your smile, but they also provide benefits for your health. Proper chewing, speaking, biting, and overall dental health rely on the proper position of your teeth. When your teeth are misaligned, it’s easier for plaque and particles of food to hide, and it can be difficult for you to remove them, increasing your risk for gum disease or tooth decay. Having straight teeth can help with jaw or headaches, as misaligned teeth can cause bite problems. Chewing with misaligned, crooked, or an incorrect bite can result in improper chewing of your food, which could lead to gastrointestinal problems. Adults today know how important braces are for healthy teeth in the long run.
While metal braces will be your best option for effectiveness, adult braces have come a long way from the past. From having several options today to understanding how important straight teeth are for your dental health, adults have been making the smart choice of getting braces to have healthy teeth for life.
