Deciding to pursue orthodontics as an adult can feel like a huge step and a bit unnerving. After all, when you think of someone wearing braces, it’s not uncommon to imagine a spry, young highschooler. Our Grand Rapids, MI, orthodontists are here to tell you that you have nothing to fear and that braces can be for preteens, teens, adults, and seniors!
Here are 4 positive benefits of and what you should keep in mind prior to moving forward with a treatment plan.
Few Things to Know Before Treatment
One of the main things that’s important to be aware of before getting adult braces is that you have so many options! At Miller Orthodontics, we offer adult patients everything from metal braces and ceramic braces to hidden lingual braces that are placed on the backside of your teeth.
Another tidbit to consider is cost. How much are you willing to spend and will your insurance cover a portion of the treatment? Metal braces are going to be less expensive but it all depends on the degree of correction you need. Lingual braces, on the other hand, consist of custom-made brackets which are more time-intensive to place, thus upping their overall cost.
Learn More → Is It Worth Getting Braces as an Adult?
Lastly, can take longer compared to plans designed for growing teens. This is mainly due to the fact that there’s denser bone which makes it slightly more difficult to move teeth into position. Achieving alignment is still very much possible, it just may be slower. Our orthodontists can go over all timelines with you so you’re kept aware of the commitment.
Adult Braces Can Lead To:
1. Improved Oral Health
All in all, adult braces can help to properly align teeth, reduce gaps, correct overcrowding, and improve bite functionality. These positive changes can result in better oral hygiene as it is easier to brush and floss teeth that are in alignment. Ultimately, straighter teeth mean there’s a reduced risk of developing gum disease and dealing with tooth decay because plaque can be more easily reached both at home and by your general dentist.
Give These a Try → Tips for Brushing & Flossing With Braces
Just think of any teeth that overlap for you currently. They’re probably a bit tougher to fully clean, right? Sure, you can technically work the floss in between teeth, but the efficiency of the action is hindered by their closeness and doesn’t result in the best plaque removal. By moving teeth into position, you effectively streamline the oral hygiene process as each tooth surface is easier to access, meaning less bacteria build-up.
2. An Enhanced Appearance
It goes without saying that most adults are cosmetically motivated to pursue braces later in life. Of course, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best! Straighter teeth can improve the appearance of a person’s smile, thus leading to increased confidence and self-esteem. Making the decision to get braces can have a positive impact on both personal and professional relationships, and can help to improve overall quality of life.
3. Long-Term Cost Savings
can potentially prevent more serious dental problems in the future, such as jaw pain or tooth loss. These can be expensive to treat down the line which can hit your wallet hard. By investing in adult braces at this time, patients can possibly save money in the long run by avoiding more costly dental procedures and saving teeth from abnormal wear.
4. Better, Clearer Speech
Bite problems can really affect how you sound when you speak. Depending on the severity of an overbite or underbite, certain words can even prove difficult to pronounce and be understood properly. Our orthodontists can work with you to not only find the treatment option that suits your situation best, but move your teeth and jaw where they need to be so you can talk with others confidently.
Make Time for Your Perfect Smile
Our orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, are ready to give you a helping hand if you’re on the fence about adult braces. We can speak with you in depth with regards to how the move can not only transform the look of your smile, but improve its overall health as well. Get started by calling Miller Orthodontics today at (616) 803-8938 or going online to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
