Things to Think About for Adults Getting Braces

When most people think of braces, they imagine kids or teenagers wearing them. However, people of all ages can benefit from braces. In fact, more and more adults are choosing to correct their smiles.

Orthodontic Treatment Goals

In general, straight teeth help patients avoid oral health problems. However, there are additional reasons that adult orthodontics is more beneficial now than ever before. Many adults are looking for a whiter smile or to have a more beautiful smile in general. Orthodontic treatment can help in this department. In addition, looks aren’t the only benefit of orthodontic treatment for adults; it also improves self-esteem and confidence. If you feel insecure about your smile, then it’s time to talk to your orthodontist about getting braces. Adult orthodontics can help you achieve the smile of your dreams and improve your overall oral health at the same time. Your orthodontist will first examine your teeth and then recommend the best type of orthodontic care for you. Other things that could be affecting your appearance include missing or cracked teeth, asymmetrical teeth, and crowding. Teeth that are out of alignment can lead to other health issues, such as gum disease, bone loss, and tooth decay.

Benefits of Braces

When you’re an adult considering getting braces, there are several benefits to doing so. For one, straight teeth are easier to keep clean than crooked teeth. When your teeth aren’t properly aligned, it can be difficult to clean between them thoroughly with a toothbrush and floss. When your teeth are crowded together, it’s more difficult to get a full cleaning in, too. This can lead to plaque buildup and tartar buildup on your teeth. These can cause a number of oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, and more. By straightening your teeth with braces, you can reduce your risk of many of these issues.

Another benefit of braces is that they provide structural support for your mouth. When your teeth are crooked or misaligned, this can lead to a wide range of problems with your bite. Smaller orthodontic problems, such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites, can be corrected with braces as well. Your jaw functions best when all of your teeth fit together correctly. This not only improves the function of your mouth, but it can also reduce the strain on your jaw joints, leading to less wear and tear over time. Additionally, having good jaw alignment helps prevent excessive wear on your enamel and prevents uneven tooth wear.

Will My Smile Look Different After Getting Braces?

No, your smile won’t look different after getting braces. In fact, many people don’t notice you are wearing braces at all! The main reason people begin to notice you wearing braces is because of the length of time it takes to wear them. After your initial adjustment period, you might be asked to wear retainers at night to maintain the alignment and position of your teeth. These appliances are very noticeable, but they’re necessary to ensure teeth stay in their new position. Once you start wearing your retainers consistently, your friends and family might even forget you ever wore braces in the first place!

How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?

This depends on the severity of your case; the average treatment time for the full orthodontic treatment ranges from one to three years. During this time, your orthodontist will adjust your wires periodically to shift and move your teeth into their correct positions.

For the best orthodontic care, consult our expert orthodontist from any of our four Las Vegas locations.