Having straight teeth is more than a simple matter of aesthetics. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, and therefore easier to keep healthy. Are your teeth not as straight as you’d like them to be? Braces are an effective way to get them straight, but you’re an adult now. What would getting braces as an adult mean for you?
Longer Treatment Time
Have you noticed that it takes your body longer to adjust to things than it did when you were younger? It’s not just you; it’s a genuine phenomenon. What that translates to in terms of having braces as an adult is that you are likely to need a longer treatment time than you would if you had them while you were younger.
Braces take an average of 1-3 years to correct bites and teeth alignment. How long you’ll wear braces will depend on things like the complexity of the corrections needed, the types of corrections, and what type of braces you use.
Say Goodbye to Certain Foods
If you had friends who had braces back in middle or high school, you may have heard them complain about not eating certain foods. That doesn’t change if you get braces as an adult. Certain foods are more likely to damage your braces which could cost you more money and extend the length of your treatment.
Hard foods that require more force to bite down on can potentially damage your braces. Sticky foods are also a no-go, as they can cause brackets to pop off your teeth and bend the archwires.
Different Options for Braces
One of the nice things about getting braces as an adult is that you don’t have to hope and pray that your parents decide that you can have braces that won’t embarrass you. You can decide with your orthodontist what type of braces is right for you. Traditional metal braces are usually the most affordable option, which may appeal to you more than how they look.
If you need something more subtle, lingual braces or clear aligners may be a better option. The good news is that even metal braces are less obvious than they used to be. Advancements in orthodontic technology have resulted in smaller brackets that are more comfortable and a bit more subtle in appearance.
It’s understandable to be a little hesitant about getting braces as an adult. After all, it’s more common to get braces as an adolescent. Getting braces as an adult could mean making a few adjustments to how you live for a while. That can be challenging, but the benefits of having straighter teeth make the effort worthwhile.
Check out this article on How to Make Sure Your Braces Do Their Job
