For years whenever anyone thought about braces, they pictured kids or teenagers. That is not true these days. More and more adults are realizing the benefits of investing in braces for their overall dental health.
As a society, we are always looking for ways to improve and become the best version of ourselves. A winning smile and good oral health are at the top of the list for many adults who were unable to get braces when they were younger. They have discovered it is never too late to take care of themselves!
Here are the benefits of getting braces for adults.
Increased Confidence
A great smile is one of your best accessories. It not only makes you look great, but it can actually put you in a better mood.
Some adults with uneven teeth are too self-conscious to smile or feel awkward when laughing. After wearing braces to straighten crooked teeth, these same people now have the confidence to face the world with a smile.
This very act releases hormones in your brain, so you not only look fantastic, you feel that way as well. It has also been proven that people who smile attract other happier people around them.
If you are interested in braces but afraid of the dentist, this information should help calm your fears.
Less Gum Disease and Decay
It just makes sense that straight teeth are easier to clean. Having misaligned teeth leaves food particles hanging around even after brushing. It is difficult to get them completely clean.
Bacteria will then build up and increase the risk of gum disease and decay. There is also a higher percentage of cavities. Also, the build-up of plaque and bacteria will give some people embarrassing bad breath.
Once the teeth are straight, brushing becomes much more effective. Of course, you will still need regular professional dental cleanings, but your teeth will stay healthier longer.
Decreased Incident of Injuries With Teeth
You may not realize it, but protruding teeth are much more prone to injury.
Whether it be a car accident, sports mishap, or even an unfortunate incident at home, the impact on a mouth with crooked teeth can result in them breaking or cracking.
Not only is this painful, but it can also even create a more unsightly appearance. Having braces that even out your teeth alignment will keep them safer from unforeseen injuries.
Braces for Adults Aids in Digesting Your Food
Another little known fact about crooked teeth is that it can put a strain on your digestive system. Teeth that do not line up correctly make it difficult to properly chew food into the tiny particles needed for proper digestion.
You will do your stomach a big favor by fixing those crooked teeth and making your digestive system work a little more effectively.
Certain foods are better for this function as well. Here are the best foods to improve digestion.
It’s Not as Hard as You Think
While it is true that having braces involves extra work and a bit of discomfort, it is not as difficult as you might imagine.
The pain is generally minimal and can be managed. Care will also need to be taken when cleaning, especially after meals. However, this is not a big deal and just takes a few minutes to complete.
The time investment is also limited compared to the benefits that will last the rest of your life with proper care. With just the investment of a couple of years, you can enjoy your straight and beautiful teeth for many years to come.
Here is additional information on mistakes to avoid if you are new to braces.
Braces for adults are even more affordable than you think. The cost of braces depends on a few variables, but with financing options available, your new smile will not set back your wallet.
Types of Braces
Maybe when you think of braces, you remember someone from your youth who had what looked like a mouth full of metal. This look does not necessarily fit the one you are going for. Are there other options? Yes!
Metal Braces
As mentioned above, you may not be interested at all in the traditional metal braces. The look and feel may turn you away. Before you dismiss them entirely, though, here are a couple of things to know.
Metal braces are usually the most cost-effective teeth straightening option. They also tend to work the quickest. So if money or speed is important to you, this might be worth looking into.
Ceramic Braces
Have you heard of ceramic braces? They are positioned on the front of the teeth like metal braces. However, they are made of ceramic material and colored to blend in with the teeth.
They also work pretty quickly, but they are more expensive than metal braces. Because of their lighter color, they can also become stained if not cleaned properly and often.
Lingual Braces
Wouldn’t it be great if the braces could attach behind your teeth? Well, with lingual braces, that is precisely what happens.
These metal braces are affixed to the backside of your teeth. While this does reduce the normal unsightly appearance of braces, they can become uncomfortable. They often irritate the tongue and softer tissue on the inside of the mouth.
Besides, lingual braces do not work for all dental realignments and are more expensive than both the ceramic and metal braces.
Invisalign
The most popular choice of braces around today is the Invisalign system.
The concept here is to use clear plastic trays that slide onto the teeth and not attach to them. You keep them on as long as you want but can remove them for an event or any amount of time you don’t want them on.
The look and ease of use make them highly popular, but they also do not work in all situations. They can also take longer to work, depending on how often they are kept on. This option is usually more expensive than regular metal braces.
Don’t Put It Off
If you are tired of crooked teeth or a smile that just does not wow, then today is the day to move towards a healthier mouth and radiant smile.
Braces for adults are a growing trend with many benefits. For more information on all things relating to dental health, check back for updates.
