Smile, You Wear Braces

Perhaps you’ve dreaded the idea of getting braces since you were young. It is unfortunate that many of us are unblessed with crooked teeth. Heredity is beyond our control. We may have managed to avoid braces in our youth – through sheer stubbornness or to protect mom’s and dad’s wallets, but now as an adult you’ve had enough. For once, you’d like to smile at the mirror in the morning and be met with a row of gleaming white teeth, all in a neat and tidy row.

It’s not too late to straighten your teeth. Give into vanity and indulge a little. Talk to your dentist about braces today, and a year from now your smile could be changing the way people look at you.

Adults Wear Braces, too.

Approximately 20% of individuals wearing braces today are over the age of 18. In fact, it is not unusual for adults to begin orthodontic treatment even as they enter their middle years and beyond. More and more, even seniors are wearing braces for the purposes of straightening that smile. You’ve never too old!

Why are braces becoming more acceptable to wear in adulthood?

First, many people are deciding that just because they were unable to benefit from braces as a child, there is no reason to continue to deny themselves. Straight teeth make a difference in self-confidence and the way you are accepted. Your teeth are a part of what people first observe about you. If you smile with confidence, you appear to be confident. People are drawn to smiles and more comfortable with individuals who appear friendly.

Second, technology has advanced so that braces are not what they used to be. Adjustments can be made more quickly and successfully. Brackets aren’t as large and now come in every color of the rainbow. Braces can be modified to fit the individual, or even hidden entirely!

The Advance of Invisible Braces.

One reason so many adults are seeking orthodontic treatment these days is the advent of devices that can be worn to straighten teeth, but are almost entirely invisible. A popular technique for straightening teeth is in wearing customized clear plastic retainers. Using computer technology and 3D enhancement software, your dentist can take an image of your teeth and illustrate where those teeth ought to be moved to achieve alignment. A series of orthodontic devices are then made that are designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. These retainers slip over the teeth and can be taken out to eat, drink, and clean the teeth. Successful adjustment, of course, depends on the dedication of the wearer.

As an alternative to braces, these clear plastic retainers are gaining in popularity with wearers of all ages. They are especially helpful in cases where minor adjustments in alignment need to be made. Retainer based orthodontic treatment options are available at most dental offices these days. An appointment with your dentist will help you determine if invisible braces are an option for your case.

Do invisible braces require more time or money than traditional braces?

Total time for adjustments is probably similar as long as the wearer of invisible braces is dedicated and sticks to the treatment plan. Adjustments might take place in a series of anywhere from 12 to 48 alignment retainers, depending on the severity of the condition being corrected. A typical treatment plan includes wearing one aligner for 2-3 weeks and then switching it out for the next aligner in the series. Your progress will be checked regularly by your dentist who will provide you with a set number of retainers at a time and a schedule for wearing them.

This type of treatment does tend to cost a bit more than typical braces. If invisibility is important, however, the extra expense is worth avoiding a mouth of metal while undergoing adjustment. Unfortunately, most insurance policies are not going to cover alignment procedures for cosmetic purposes. Your dentist will likely offer reasonable payment plans, however, and the investment is going to last you a lifetime.

Additional Lessons in Brace Subtlety

There are other alternatives to traditional silver braces if the invisible option isn’t suitable for your condition. Sometimes brackets can be applied to the inner side (lingual) of the teeth rendering them truly invisible to those you interact with. There are pros and cons to this type of bracket placement and your dentist will be able to help you determine if this method will work for you.

As mentioned earlier, brackets now come in every color imaginable, including white ceramic to match your tooth color and clear plastic alternatives. In other words, you can wear braces in the traditional fashion without the flash of metal in your mouth. White or clear brackets are far less noticeable than the traditional silver brace.