Posted on November 17, 2020
Making the choice to get braces as an adult is not always an easy decision. We often associate braces with children; as such, many adults get insecure about wearing braces. But the fact is that some of us need braces. There are a number of reasons why you may need or want adult braces. Perhaps your parents couldn’t afford kids braces, or simply ignored the advice of orthodontists and believed that they weren’t necessary. In some cases, orthodontic issues were missed in children, leading to more severe problems for adults to face. That is, perhaps, one of the biggest issues with skipping braces as a child.
It’s generally acknowledged that the best time to start getting evaluated for orthodontic treatment is age seven. This is when most of your adult teeth have erupted, and your orthodontist can evaluate if you’ll need treatment. As you grow up and your bite settles, it inevitably gets more difficult for teeth to be moved and restructured. As such, these problems tend to get worse. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have them worked on. Though they may take more time and energy to mend when you’re an adult, most dental issues can be corrected with the help of a great orthodontist. With that being said, let’s look into some things you should know about wearing braces as an adult.
There are a number of bite-correcting options that orthodontists will offer their patients, and not all of them include traditional metal braces. Most issues that can be corrected by metal braces can also be corrected by clear braces, or Invisalign braces. These types of braces are not immediately recognizable since they allow your natural teeth to shine through. This means that, ultimately, nobody has to know that you’re wearing braces unless they look very closely. This is great for people who get self-conscious about traditional metal braces.
A lot of adults feel as if metal braces will make them feel childish again, and that they might not be taken as seriously with them. This can deliver a serious blow to your confidence. Therefore, if you’re worried about traditional metal braces, feel free to ask your orthodontist about clear braces alternatives.
Have you felt as if your jaw is prone to aching, or that your mouth sometimes feels crowded? Many people go through unnecessary tooth and jaw pain for years without realizing that it can be corrected through braces. Even if your teeth don’t look crooked, many wear braces to correct structural issues with their bites. Crossbites, overbites, and underbites can all lead to serious discomfort over time. Investing in braces can realign your bite for a more comfortable experience.
In some cases, orthodontists even use braces to move teeth out of the way so that they can insert implants for missing or infected teeth. If you’re suffering from tooth or jaw pain, talk to your orthodontist about braces as a possible solution. Though they aren’t always the solution, they can be quite helpful.
There are a lot of problems that may lead to orthodontists recommending braces as an adult. If you’re being recommended braces as an adult, give them consideration. They could be exactly what you need to relieve pain and restore your self-confidence. When you’re ready to make a change, contact the professionals at Orthodontics LA for an orthodontic consultation.
