The number of people opting for adult braces has surged in recent years. No longer are orthodontic services just for kids and teens. Adults now realize that they can also benefit from straightening their smiles in many important ways.
As recently as a few years ago, it was uncommon to spot an adult with braces. Today, it is easy to detect adults wearing braces, even celebrities. This has helped to erase much of the stigma formerly associated with dental braces.
Choosing to straighten your teeth goes beyond just having a better smile. If you have a poorly aligned bite or crooked teeth, it can lead to health issues. If you have had constant headaches or earaches, we can help determine if your oral health may be involved. This may mean that an orthodontic issue must be corrected.
Before discussing why you should consider getting adult braces, let’s take a quick look at this type of orthodontic service and what is involved.
Traditional Braces
Although there is an undeniable stigma among many adults regarding traditional metal braces, they are still as effective as ever at straightening teeth while also being less obtrusive than in years past. This treatment no longer involves having a mouth crammed full of metal brackets. The orthodontic technology has evolved, leading to braces that are lighter and smaller. You can also get ceramic brackets or clear brackets that are a much more attractive treatment option.
Clear Plastic Aligners
Clear plastic aligners are a virtually invisible treatment option favored by many adults, kids, and teens. It relies upon the use of clear plastic aligners that snugly fit over your teeth. Periodically, your aligners will be swapped out for a new set to continually shift your teeth into their proper positions. This typically occurs about every two weeks.
Adult patients love the fact that clear plastic aligners are virtually undetectable. Unless someone is standing directly in front of you and squinting, they will not know that you have anything done to your teeth. Clear plastic aligners are also much more comfortable than the traditional dental braces that you may be familiar with from the past.
Important Reasons to Get Adult Braces
There are many compelling reasons to get adult braces. We will now look at three important reasons to get adult braces:
- Less Obtrusive: Needing a mouthful of metal and headgear for braces is a thing of the past. Today’s brackets are much smaller, and the prominent wrap-around bands are no longer used. We can consult with you to determine if you would make an appropriate candidate for clear ceramic braces or clear plastic aligners. Both of these options are quite popular among adults.
- Removable Options: One great thing that clear plastic aligners users love is that they can remove their aligners at any time to brush and clean their teeth. The only drawback here is that the system relies upon patient compliance. Your aligners need to be on your teeth whenever you are not cleaning your teeth or plastic aligners to be doing their job of shifting your teeth into the correct positions.
- Fewer Food Restrictions: With clear plastic aligners, you don’t have to worry about many of the food restrictions necessary with other types of adult braces. Some other systems require you not to chew hard food or sticky foods that could attach to your braces. You can also remove your aligners at any time. This convenient option means that you do not have to give up your favorite foods and snacks.
Schedule Your Consultation at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village Today
Are you considering getting adult braces for straightening your teeth? If so, we encourage you to reach out to a dental specialist for more information about orthodontic services. Call Lovett Dental Piney Point Village at 832-242-2030 to schedule your initial consultation.