Long in the Tooth? What To Expect With Adult Braces And Why They're Worth It

Braces are traditionally thought of as something only teenagers and young children wear, but there is no age limit for wearing braces. If you feel unhappy about your smile at any age, you should consider having it corrected by a cosmetic dentist. In the long run, it can be a very wise decision to make.

Adult teeth can move around almost as much as children's teeth, and this can cause problems later in life if you ignore things like minor crowding or an awkward bite. Correcting your smile in adulthood not only restores self-esteem, it also improves the very functionality of your bite and your future oral health. Read on to find out why adult braces are worth your time and what to expect.

You'll have lots of options

How lucky you are to have decided upon braces in this day and age! Ceramic, lingual, clear—the days of walking around wearing a garish head cage are long gone. You'll be pleased to know that braces have become far more subtle and manageable than the styles of yesteryear.

Clear aligners, for example, can actually be removed to allow you to eat a wider range of foods if you can't face adapting your diet to wearing braces. Lingual braces are actually hidden behind your teeth so no one can spot them! Other options such as ceramic braces are transparent brackets that are fitted to the front of your teeth—perfect if you'd prefer traditional treatment without the appearance of traditional metal braces.

Braces can enhance your health

It's a fact that a straight and organised set of teeth is far easier to clean, so streamlining your choppers now can actually be good for your health. Crowded teeth can not only trap stains more easily, they have actually been linked to gum disease and even heart disease since you have less access to the gum line. Evenly-spaced teeth allow for easier cleaning, fewer cavities and stronger gums. Braces don't just equal pretty smiles, they look out for your health too!

You will need to keep a travel toothbrush handy

Throughout the day, food will tend to get stuck in the brackets of your braces. (This is not a good look. Especially at an after-lunch work meeting or worse. . . in the middle of a date.) This is why it's a good idea to keep a travel toothbrush with you at all times.

In addition to your regular toothbrush, your orthodontist will be able to provide you with a special orthodontic toothbrush. This is essentially a teeny toothbrush with small, precise bristles to help you clean between brackets and small gaps in your teeth. If you plan to eat on the go with braces, this item will be almost as important as your house keys!

Faking confidence goes a long way

As previously mentioned, you have many more subtle (and practically invisible) options to choose from, but there will be days when you feel a tad self-conscious wearing braces. Try to keep in mind, however, that you're no longer in the playground. Your peers may barely notice a change in your appearance and if they do, they'll be too wrapped up in their own lives to be judging you. Just fake a little confidence and sass—it will soon show through in your smile.

Keep the benefits in mind

Lastly, always keep in mind why you decided to wear braces in the first place. Braces are a commitment, but one that pays dividends if you see it through. Staring into mirrors at every opportunity or obsessing about the physicality of wearing braces from day to day will not change a thing, so try to see the big picture and focus on the long-term benefits of a beautiful smile! 

Share