Braces are often associated with adolescence, but that is not the only time to get them. There are a variety of benefits that come with having braces treatment. The benefits go beyond just aesthetics as they can also help improve your oral health. Below you will find the top reasons to get braces as an adult.
Top Reasons to Get Braces as an Adult
More than 30% of those who get braces or related orthodontic treatment are adults. If you have always wanted to perfect your smile, consider the following benefits of braces treatment.
Oral Health Benefits:
It is beneficial to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. Part of keeping your natural teeth healthy is maintaining a consistent daily oral care routine and regularly visiting the dentist. However, crooked teeth can make this difficult. Crooked teeth are often associated with an increased risk of tooth decay due to the difficulty in reaching those hard-to-reach places. Braces can help align your teeth which can help improve your oral health in the short and long term.
Repeat Treatment:
Even if you had braces during adolescence, you might need to get treated again. As you age, your teeth can shift. This is especially true if you don’t consistently wear your retainer to maintain your results. Because of this, many adults get braces again to get their teeth back to where they were after the first treatment.
Financial Reasons:
For many people, braces may not have been affordable for their family as a child. However, many people choose to get braces during adulthood as they have the insurance and disposable income to afford it. It is never too late to get braces treatment to improve your smile and long-term oral health.
Address Other Health Issues:
Some dental issues may cause other health issues, such as headaches or earaches. Sometimes these issues can be fixed with braces treatment. It’s important to talk with your orthodontist in Los Angeles to determine if braces treatment can address your other related health problems as well.
Additional Options:
Advancements in orthodontia have created additional options outside of just braces to get your teeth aligned. Invisalign is a discreet option that can improve your smile just as effectively as traditional braces. For those who don’t want the aesthetic that comes with traditional braces, clear aligners are a helpful option.
Confidence Booster:
Dental issues can keep you from smiling and may even result in you talking less. However, braces can improve your overall dental aesthetic and completely transform your face. This can improve your confidence and help boost your self-esteem.
Braces Treatment
The process of getting braces begins with a consultation. Adult braces in Los Angeles may be right for you if you have an issue with your bite (between your top and bottom teeth), overcrowding, spaces between your teeth, jaw pain, pressure caused by misaligned teeth, or if you are unhappy with your dental aesthetic. Once the orthodontist determines that you are a good candidate for adult braces in Los Angeles, the treatment process can begin.
There are a variety of treatment options depending on your unique needs, including clear ceramic braces, traditional braces, Invisalign, lingual braces, or self-litigating braces. Depending on the type of treatment and your unique dental issues, treatment can take between one to two years. You will need to attend your regular dental visits during this time, in addition to keeping up with your daily oral care routine. You will also need to visit the dentist so they can assess your progress. After treatment you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your results.