Are you an adult who has recently noticed that your teeth seem to be crooked or misaligned, despite wearing braces in the past? Has your overbite or underbite from youth returned without you realizing it? Don’t worry, as it’s perfectly normal to need to wear braces as an adult, and many people end up going through a second round—or initial round—of orthodontic treatment later in life. Here’s what you need to know as you navigate this process.
1. You’re Improving Your Dental Health
When you have misaligned teeth or problems with your bite pattern, it doesn’t just impact your smile’s appearance; it can also be very detrimental to your oral health. You may not notice all of these issues, but they can even impede your ability to eat or speak properly. However, the risk they pose to your future dental wellness is pretty significant, and it’s better to correct them before they have the chance to worsen and trigger other issues.
2. It’s Only a Temporary Treatment
Some adults worry that if they wear braces, they are going to be stuck with them for a long time. However, the average length depends on a few factors, including the type of treatment you select, your overall willingness to comply with treatment guidelines, and how well you maintain your oral health. On average, adults wear braces for 14 – 26 months, and while this can’t be sped up per se, it can still be accommodated and kept on schedule with smart habits and a positive mentality.
3. Modern Braces Have Come a Long Way
If this is your second round of braces, or you’ve known people who’ve worn them, then you might have some slightly outdated impressions of the metal brackets and wires—in fact, sometimes metal isn’t even used at all! Clear aligners are now a popular treatment option that can accomplish the same job as braces. As for traditional metal braces themselves, they are now more comfortable, faster, and effective than ever before, so you’re certainly in for a better experience this time around.
4. Confidence Is Priceless
No matter how young or old a person is, confidence matters—it’s what allows us to make positive first impressions, engage in meaningful conversations, and even succeed in the professional world. Having straight teeth can change your appearance the same way that a new hairstyle or outfit would—and for the better. Furthermore, many people associate a healthy smile with reliability, intelligence, and approachability, so you’ll have the means to interact very meaningfully with others.
Your smile deserves to look and feel its best throughout every stage in life—and sometimes getting braces as an adult is simply part of this journey.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Holliston and all across New England for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, including tried-and-true traditional braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, please contact us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 429-7800.
Follow Us