So, you’re an adult who needs braces or Invisalign? Don’t worry – that’s completely normal. The American Association of Orthodontists says that 1 in every 5 ortho patients is over 18, and more people are using braces or Invisalign later in life. The rate of adult ortho patients is at a historic high! You might have heard that it’s ideal to get orthodontic treatment as a kid, but life doesn’t always work out that way, and anyway, things are changing.
There are a lot of reasons you might not have gotten braces or as a kid. Maybe you didn’t need them, or it was too expensive. You might have been scared to get them, or embarrassed. Or, you did get braces, but your teeth have since shifted. Fortunately, barring unhealthy bones and gums, it’s not too late for you to get treatment now. Here are 3 good reasons for adults, like you, to visit the orthodontist office and get braces or Invisalign:
Avoid Future Dental Issues
Let’s focus on the health benefits first. Some of the issues treated with braces and Invisalign, like overbites or underbites, and crooked or crowded teeth, can cause a myriad of problems such as:
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- Trouble chewing, swallowing, and even speaking
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- Gum disease
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- Tooth decay
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- Headaches/earaches
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- Gastrointestinal problems from not being able to chew properly
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- Bad bite, or malocclusion
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
These issues are painful and disruptive, and they can diminish the quality of your day-to-day life.
Improve Your Confidence
Don’t underestimate the power of improved confidence. It’s not vain to want to correct your smile, it’s practical and invaluable. Your ability to maneuver through life successfully is, at least, in some part affected by how comfortable you are in your own skin, or in this case, your own smile. If you feel comfortable speaking and smiling, you will already be ahead, both professionally and emotionally.
You Have Options
Whether this will be your first experience with braces or Invisalign, or the second time around, you have more options available to you. It’s not just the traditional metal braces anymore. There are also clear braces in addition to Invisalign, both subtle alternatives. They are all viable choices, but it’s nice to know that you have options.
In the end, it’s up to you, but keep in mind these 3 good reasons for adults to get braces or Invisalign. They could help you avoid future health issues and improve your confidence, and you have more options than you used to. Consider all these things when you make your final decision and just remember, you are not too old for braces or Invisalign!
If you want to learn more about dental treatments for adults, visit our “Types of Treatment” page! If you would like to visit Dr. Tina Reed at our orthodontist office for your own consultation, contact us today.