Braces and other orthodontic treatments are often considered a part of adolescence. It’s common to see a young teenager with a mouth full of metal brackets. But what about adult orthodontics? Plenty of adults aren’t happy with their smiles, but the stigma of orthodontics being something for teenagers keeps them from taking action.
Fortunately, adults have access to plenty of simple solutions if they want to improve their smiles. What are the benefits of adult orthodontics?
Improved Dental Health
Most people think of braces and other orthodontic treatments as aesthetic improvements. However, in many cases, improving dental alignment affects oral health. People with misaligned teeth struggle to reach certain areas of their mouth when brushing and flossing.
Hidden areas trap food particles and bacteria, increasing plaque buildup and the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. For many, improving dental alignment can reduce cavities and gingivitis (gum disease).
Improving your dental alignment can also help your digestion. Chewing your food properly makes it easier for your digestive system to do its job. Correcting malocclusion and ensuring you can comfortably chew your food into the smallest particles possible helps digestion.
Many people with TMJ and jaw pain also find that correcting their dental alignment improves their pain. Dental misalignment causes jaw pain due to uneven pressure distribution when chewing. This strains muscles and joints, leading to TMJ disorders and other chronic jaw pain.
Decreased Financial Burden of Dental Care
It’s no secret that adult orthodontics are a financial investment. Even if dental insurance covers part of the cost of treatment, there’s a good chance you’ll have some out-of-pocket costs. The good news is that the money you invest in corrective orthodontic procedures can save you money in the long run on dental treatments. The sooner you invest in orthodontic treatment, the more you’ll save over time.
Orthodontic treatment can help you avoid complex dental problems, including:
- Severe tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Jaw misalignment
- Excessive tooth wear
- Bite problems
- Speech difficulties
In addition to preventing more expensive problems, acting sooner rather than later when it comes to adult orthodontics saves you money in other ways. You can assume the cost of treatments will only increase over time. Rather than waiting 10 or 20 years, taking action now avoids dealing with the ever-increasing cost of care.
Boost in Self-Confidence and Improved Appearance
Improving your smile has a positive impact on self-esteem. Many people dismiss aesthetic reasons for investing in adult orthodontics, but it’s an important outcome. How you feel about your appearance influences your personal and professional interactions. Don’t discount the importance of feeling good about looking your best.
Do You Have Concerns about How You’ll Look with Adult Orthodontics?
Many adults who aren’t happy with their smiles are reluctant to seek treatment because they don’t want to “look silly” with braces. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for discreet dental treatment. Orthodontics has come a long way in the last several decades, and there are plenty of less noticeable orthodontic options for adults and adolescents.
Some of the most popular choices include ceramic braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Advancements in orthodontic care mean that treatments are less noticeable and more effective. Many treatments use 3D imaging and CAD/CAM to ensure the best possible results.
Advancements in the materials used in care also make them less noticeable, more comfortable, and less risky. In many cases, treatment times are shorter and require less intervention from your orthodontist.
It’s also possible to customize treatment plans based on your needs and dental concerns. Personalized treatment plans ensure the best possible results and make treatment easier to manage throughout the process.
Your orthodontist can monitor results remotely or through telehealth appointments, so you don’t need to worry about fitting visits to the orthodontist’s office into your busy schedule.
Where to Begin?
Have you decided you’d like to pursue orthodontic treatment and improve your smile? Are you wondering where to begin? Start with research. This lets you explore your options and understand what’s available in your area.
Meeting with one or more orthodontists for a consultation can help you learn more about which treatment option is best for you. This also lets you find the person you are most comfortable working with.
During the initial consultation, the orthodontist will assess your dental health and problematic conditions, discuss your treatment goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
During this consultation, you’ll get to ask about your treatment’s expected duration, cost, and potential outcomes. If you’re concerned about the cost, you can also discuss your options for funding treatment. Next, you’ll want to consider the lifestyle adjustments and other things you’ll need to do to ensure optimal treatment.
Adult orthodontics is a commitment and might include dietary restrictions. You’ll also need to commit to a solid dental hygiene routine if you haven’t already. The last thing you want to do is invest a lot of money in corrective procedures and have them fail over time because you aren’t doing your part.
Are you ready to improve your smile? We can help. Book a consultation to learn more about your options and discuss your treatment plan.
