Our teeth and smiles can change over time — not always in the way we want. As an adult, you may think that you missed your window for braces and are now stuck with your new smile. But that’s not true. Adults of all ages can be great candidates for braces, which include subtle and barely noticeable options.
So when should adults consider getting braces? Let’s look at some of the most common reasons to look into braces and why adulthood can actually be an ideal time to transform your teeth.
Who Should Get Braces as an Adult?
So who exactly is a good fit for braces as an adult? Quite a few people, actually. Braces may be an option for you if:
Your teeth have shifted
We often think of childhood as the prime time for teeth movement. Yet, our teeth aren’t locked in place after puberty. As we age, our teeth can continue to move ever so slightly, to the point where you only notice the migration after a few decades.
You experienced an injury
Maybe you got beamed by a foul ball in your softball league. Or perhaps your dog accidentally headbutted your jaw in just the right way. Injuries can affect multiple teeth, as well as your entire jaw. These issues can often be corrected with braces.
You’ve never been happy with your teeth
Some people have disliked their teeth since their first school photo. For these patients, adult braces are a great option to correct crossbites, gaps, crowding, and more. Braces can also be a helpful treatment before getting cosmetic dental work completed.
Why Adulthood Can Be the Best Time for Braces
With more discreet options than ever, adult orthodontics are becoming a popular choice for people who are over tolerating their crooked or crowded teeth. Here’s why.
You get to be in charge of your smile.
Not all of us were able to get braces as kids. But now, as an adult, you get to be your own advocate for your dental care. If your teeth have been a source of insecurity, you now have the power to correct your smile — and gain confidence in the process.
You’ll follow care protocols more closely.
Children often do the best they can when it comes to taking care of their braces. But at the end of the day, they’re kids! They might forget to floss or think they can get away with chomping down on ice now and then. As adults, we know better. When you’re the one investing in your own braces, you’re going to follow every instruction to the T to make sure your orthodontic intervention is as successful as it can be.
You’ll be able to take better care of your teeth after.
Oftentimes, crooked or overlapping teeth can make it difficult to properly clean every corner of your teeth. This can lead to cavities or gum disease (some of which you may have experienced already). After you get braces, you’ll be able to more effectively clean your teeth, which can lead to fewer dental problems in the future.
You may experience less pain.
When kids get braces, it’s typically a proactive treatment. As an adult, however, you may be experiencing pain from your teeth or jaw. Oftentimes, realigning your teeth can relieve some of this pain you’ve dealt with for years.
You can get other oral surgical procedures.
As an adult, you may have developed or uncovered medical issues you didn’t know about as a child. Let’s use sleep apnea as an example. To help you breathe better at night, your doctor may recommend moving your jaws forward through surgery. An important precursor to surgery is using braces to move your teeth, so they’re in the proper position once your jaws are moved. In this case, braces are an important part of a larger treatment plan designed to give you a healthier life.
What Kind of Braces Are Available for Adults?
At Greeley Family Orthodontics, we work with discreet braces options for our adult patients. Two of our most popular options are:
- Invisalign, which is nearly invisible and can be removed for eating or social events
- Clear or traditional braces, which offer targeted, consistent treatment for moderate to complex dental correction
Trust Greeley Family Orthodontics for Your Braces
We understand that getting braces as an adult is a big decision. At Greeley Family Orthodontics, we’re here to explain every pro and con of each braces option, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your smile. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.