Curious about adult orthodontics? Some adults who could not get braces as kids due to various factors (like the cost) now find themselves with the means necessary to straighten their teeth and achieve a more attractive smile.
The pros and cons of adult orthodontics
As the field of orthodontics has evolved and improved, more adults have gotten braces and are now reaping the benefits of a straighter smile.
However, some of the downsides of getting braces as an adult can include:
1. Treatment takes longer
The bones of a person’s facial structures stop growing by adulthood, which means it takes longer to move teeth into their correct positions. Orthodontic treatments are more effective on children since the bone structures in their faces and jaws are still soft. That goes away as a person enters adulthood. Also, the healing process naturally slows down as an adult, so the inflammation caused by tooth movements lasts longer.
2. Treatment requires more supervision
Dentists need to periodically increase the tightness of the orthodontic appliance being used to straighten a patient’s teeth and monitor their progress. Adults getting teeth straightening treatments need more of these visits since moving their teeth is more challenging. These visits may interfere with some obligations, including work, school, or other social functions.
3. Increased cost
Orthodontic treatments require the investment of time and money. One of the biggest deterrents to getting braces is the cost. Since adult teeth straightening takes longer, it typically costs more, as well.
Now that we have explored some of the drawbacks of getting adult teeth straightening treatments, here are some of the benefits of getting orthodontic treatment as an adult:
1. Increased confidence
The most common reason that adults get orthodontic braces is to increase their self-confidence. The time and money put into getting braces are often returned ten-fold with the amount of satisfaction that patients get from having the smile they have always wished for.
2. Health benefits
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, thus preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Orthodontic braces can also fix crowded teeth, excessive spacing, and bite misalignments which can lead to issues later in life, including jaw pain and tooth discomfort.
3. Better outcomes
Adult patients often have better outcomes since they are often more compliant with the directions from their dental professional. They are more likely to take better care of their teeth, follow instructions closely, and wear a retainer so that their teeth do not shift back to their previous positions.
Ready to get a straighter, more attractive smile?
A beautiful smile is a tool you can use to improve your confidence and quality of life. It is often the first thing people you interact with will notice about your appearance. Ready to straighten out your misaligned teeth? Contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation appointment. During your appointment, you can find out whether you are a good candidate for orthodontics.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasstarsmiles.com or call Texas Star Smiles & Fastbraces at (254) 237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Killeen, TX.
Related Posts
Invisalign® is a low-profile way to adjust the position of your teeth without needing to wear noticeable brackets in your mouth. The trays are simple to use and gradually shift the teeth over time to improve oral health and the aesthetics of your smile. The Invisalign process only takes a few steps from start to…
Invisalign® is a teeth straightening treatment that uses a series of clear aligner trays. While Invisalign can complete the straightening process faster than other options, proper maintenance of these trays is essential to an effective, comfortable treatment. The good news is that proper maintenance is easy for patients to complete regularly.While the dental provider will…
Orthodontics is a holistic way to improve the look and function of teeth. Orthodontic appliances exert steady and gradual pressure to improve the alignment of the teeth. Common appliances are braces, which do most of the heavy lifting for patients with moderate to severe malocclusions.Do you think that your child needs orthodontics? Keep going to…
While Invisalign® is an effective alternative to braces, it may not be the ideal treatment for everyone. The candidacy process happens in one appointment, involving X-rays, a physical examination, and a review of the patient's dental records. Here is a closer look at the factors we consider when choosing an ideal candidate.While we strongly advise…