Braces without Shame

Maybe you didn’t wear braces as a child because your folks weren’t able to pay for them. Perhaps you didn’t wear braces because you were too self-conscious and thought crooked teeth would be easier to live with than a mouth full of silver metal and wires. As an adult, however, you may find yourself regretting you did not wear braces.

Approximately 20% of the people wearing braces today are over the age of 21. Increasingly, people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond are opting to wear braces in order to achieve that perfect smile. It’s not just a matter of cosmetics; having straight teeth can improve your overall oral health. Simply put, straight and properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean. There are fewer opportunities for tarter and disease causing bacteria to get trapped between teeth and this fact also reduces the risk of gum disease.

As well, crooked teeth may cause problems with bite alignment. As you age, these problems may become more apparent, possibly resulting in pain of the jaw and facial area or difficulties in chewing and swallowing. The end result could be anything from bouts with minor headaches to nutritional problems as you have to adjust what you eat.

Is it harder to straighten adult teeth?

The mechanism for moving teeth is the same, no matter what the age. Since the jaw is no longer growing, adults may have to wear braces for a bit longer than they would have had to when they were teens. The difference is not significant enough to deter most adults who need orthodontic adjustments. As well, methods and materials have improved over time, so even though you might wear braces a bit longer than the kid next door, it’s not likely to be longer than it would have been when you were a kid.

One to three years might be necessary to straighten the teeth with an additional year of wearing some sort of retainer to keep the teeth from drifting back into their old positions. The average adult will have to wear braces for 12 to 20 months. Most adults who have worn braces report that this was a small price to pay for a straight and healthy looking smile.

You don’t want to look like a teenager?

Wearing braces today does not mean that you are doomed to the nickname “metal mouth” or “brace face.” There are many options for people who don’t want their braces to be quite so visible. The brackets that are affixed to teeth now come in many different colors and are much smaller than they used to be. Talk with your dentist about the possibility of ceramic brackets which are often clear or tooth colored. They may not be invisible, but they certainly don’t stand out the way the traditional silver brackets do.

Depending on the extent of correction needed, you might be a candidate for lingual orthodontic treatment. In this case, the brackets are applied to the teeth on the inner side of the mouth. All wires and attachments are then completely invisible to anyone looking at you.

Another modern treatment that benefits many adults who need orthodontic adjustment involves wearing a series of clear plastic retainers. Retainers, which must be worn for a time after braces anyway, are another way the dentist can push or pull your teeth into proper alignment. Success, of course, depends on the dedication of the wearer and the willingness to wear such devices 24/7 even when they can be removed.

What a difference a smile can make.

Dr. Maria Lopez Howell of the ADA’s Dental Minute says, “For many adults, the improvement in their health and appearance after braces is well worth the time and expense.”

Remember that as an adult wearing braces, you are not alone. Many people are opting for this treatment later in life. Smiling with confidence can boost your career status, your relationships, and your overall self-satisfaction. If the state of your teeth currently makes you want to hide behind closed lips, talk with your dentist today about treatment options. An investment of time and money now will reap rewards for years to come.