Did you know that in the US alone, adults account for about a third of all orthodontic patients? That’s how common adult braces are, proving that anyone can enjoy straighter teeth.
The big question is, should you get adult braces?
If you have teeth or jaw misalignment issues, then yes, you should consider getting braces. We’ll share some of the top reasons why, so be sure to read on.
1. No Such Thing As Being Too Old for Braces
It’s true that most oral health experts recommend getting braces as early as the age of 12 to 13 years old. That’s because it’s at this age range in which most kids already have all their adult teeth. At the same time, the mouth is still developing, so the bones remain malleable and easy to manipulate.
However, orthodontic innovations now allow older patients to get straighter teeth. So, whether you’re in your 40s or 50s, braces for adults can help improve your teeth and jaw alignment. Even individuals already in their 60s have undergone orthodontic treatment!
No matter how old you are, your teeth will move under the physiological forces braces place on them. The constant pressure exerted by the devices will move the teeth to more ideal locations.
2. Properly Aligned Teeth Are Easier To Clean
Having misaligned teeth can heighten your risks of developing cavities. For example, crooked teeth have more crevices that make it easier for food to get stuck and for bacteria to hide in. All this can make the teeth harder to clean and keep free of caries.
Braces for adults can help reduce such risks by correcting teeth misalignment. Once you have straighter teeth, you’ll find it easier to give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning. The cleaner the mouth, the less harmful bacteria that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.
3. Reduced Risk of Tooth Loss
Experts estimate that oral diseases affect almost 3.5 billion people worldwide. Untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth is the most common of such ailments. Severe gum disease is also prevalent, with at least 10% of the global population affected.
Both tooth decay and severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Tooth decay, in turn, often results in gum disease. That’s because the bacteria that cause cavities can also invade the gum tissues.
As such, getting braces as an adult may also help reduce your risks for gum disease caused by tooth decay. Of course, you still need to brush and floss about an hour after every meal to keep your mouth clean. However, this will be easier once you have your pearly whites all straightened out.
4. Good Oral Health Is Key To Optimal Overall Health
In the UK, over a third of adults admit being unhappy with their smiles. Of these folks, more than a quarter avoid smiling with their teeth out.
All that shows how misaligned teeth can no doubt impact one’s mental health.
In fact, many studies found a link between bad dentition, low self-esteem, and poor quality of life. Researchers also found evidence connecting oral health and cardiovascular diseases. Depression is another condition associated with oral health.
As you can see, the benefits of adult braces are more than just for vanity. Their effects can last you a lifetime, seeing as they can help lower your risks of oral diseases and tooth loss. The healthier your mouth is, the happier you’re likely to be, and thus, the more inclined you will be to smile.
5. Less Conspicuous Options
If you don’t like the thought of having a “metal mouth,” you can go for clear aligners. In fact, researchers found that many patients prefer clear aligners over conventional braces. They also noted that clear aligners are effective in treating oral malocclusion.
The Invisalign system is one of your options when it comes to clear aligners. As you might have guessed, the name is a portmanteau of the words “invisible” and “align.” The aligners, also called trays, aren’t completely invisible, but they’re no doubt inconspicuous.
Invisalign aligners are removable, too. This feature helps make good oral hygiene even easier to achieve. However, patients still need to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours each day for the trays to their job right.
If you think clear aligners are right for you, take the time to do an online search for “Invisalign dentist near me.” You’d want your search to be specific since not all dentists are Invisalign providers.
6. Adult Orthodontic Treatment Won’t Take Forever
If you only have minor misalignment issues, you may only have to wear adult braces for half a year. More complex problems require longer treatment times, though. Still, recent studies found the mean adult orthodontic treatment time to be 19.9 months.
Adhering to your orthodontist visits is crucial to timely treatment completion.
Traditional braces usually require a monthly adjustment. This involves tightening the brackets and wires and replacing the elastic bands. These steps help ensure the braces maintain proper pressure on the teeth.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, typically require replacements every two weeks. However, it’s also common for patients to get all their aligners in one go. They then only have to swap the old ones with the new set until they’ve gone through all their trays.
Patients who opt for clear aligners still need to see their dentist once every six to eight weeks, though. This way, the dentist can examine the teeth and the changes they’ve gone through. This also helps the oral healthcare provider check the patient’s overall oral health.
Get a Healthier, More Dazzling Smile With Adult Braces
As you can see, there’s a lot of good reasons to invest in adult braces, no matter how old you are. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, so they help make it easier to achieve optimal oral health. In this way, braces also contribute to healthier teeth and gums, both of which are key to good overall health.
Interested in more guides about enhancing your health, wellness, or lifestyle? Then be sure to browse our other categories for more informative resources!
