5 Reasons to Get Adult Braces

Of all the braces myths, one of the most common is that braces are reserved only for middle and high-schoolers. In movies, TV, and social media, teens are all depicted with a mouth full of metal, but this rite of passage isn’t just for teens. Our team at RiverView Orthodontics often sees adult patients of all ages walk through our doors looking for a happier, healthier smile. 

There is no such thing as being “too old” for braces. In fact, as many as one in every five orthodontic patients are over the age of 18! As treatment methods become easier to hide from the world around us, adults visit our office in droves for consultations. If you’re an adult who has been considering getting braces, we are here to let you know precisely why it is time to hop on that trend. Keep reading to learn RiverView Orthodontics’ five reasons adults are getting braces. 

The Power of the Confidence Boost

Adults often forget the simple importance of a confident smile to their overall happiness. At RiverView Orthodontics, we offer more than just straight teeth – we offer confidence. With so many triumphant smiles stories, we can’t help but rank this reason in the number one position. Don’t discount adult orthodontics as frivolous – the added confidence is worth the investment. 

Many brides and grooms-to-be find that getting braces while planning their dream wedding makes them feel more confident that their wedding day will be the happiest day of their lives. We hear stories about patients whose work lives have been more successful with the confidence boost their new smile gives them. If that weren’t enough, the facial feedback hypothesis is a psychological theory that tells us that the act of smiling tricks our brains into feeling better – so braces really can make you happier!

Wide Range of Treatment Options

One of the most popular reasons adults are getting braces is because of the new and varied treatment options that are now available to them. Usually, an adult’s most significant obstacle to a bright and shining smile is the fear of feeling self-conscious. While Dr. Upton understands this concern, the treatments that are now available are discrete and reliable, meaning you can rest easy knowing you don’t have to worry about the look of braces. 

Metal Braces

Because metal braces are typically the most cost and time-effective option, many adults take this traditional route to a straighter smile. In this method, brackets are secured to your teeth using special glue, and by tightening the connecting wires with gentle and steady pressure, your teeth will gradually shift in line. 

Clear Braces

Like metal braces, this option uses ceramic brackets that match your teeth to make for a less-noticeable treatment plan. This plan bodes well if you are an aesthetic-minded individual who wants to balance cost with discretion.

Invisalign

This removable treatment option uses a series of clear trays that adjust your teeth without wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth without attracting notice. By wearing these trays for 22 hours per day for 9-15 months, you’ll see results in no time. 

5 Reasons to Get Adult Braces

Feel Healthier Overall

Did you know that your oral health is considered a gateway to your overall health? Dental care is essential to maintaining a balanced body and is one of the main factors causing adults to turn to their orthodontists for alignment. The reason for this fact is that your mouth is one of the first points of entry into your body, meaning orthodontic problems can cause a range of health issues that can be a source of jaw pain, headaches, or even sleep apnea

For example, have you ever felt that clicking sensation in your jaw when you yawn or chew your food? You aren’t alone. The misalignment of your teeth and jaws that causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) can affect your ability to chew, swallow, and digest your food properly, leading to additional health issues down the road such as acid reflux and headaches. Fortunately, applying an orthodontic treatment plan can help take care of these issues at the root.

Additionally, there are only benefits to the extra attention your teeth will be receiving from a trained professional. This extra care will ensure your teeth stay healthier over time and allow an orthodontist to track any possible issues in the future.

Shifting Teeth

Like many of our patients, you might have had braces as a teenager but neglected to wear your retainer. If that is the case, your teeth may have shifted back to their old positions, and you feel a growing uneasiness around the look of your smile. Many adults seek treatment to readjust their teeth after years of wear, and it is not as uncommon as you might think! Braces are not a permanent solution, so the results can fade over time without the proper use of a retainer. 

Dr. Upton sees patients whose teeth have shifted since their teenage years all the time. Don’t let the choices you made in the past keep you from making new ones today! Your smile is a lifetime investment, and RiverView Orthodontics can help you regain that old status. 

Affordability

At RiverView Orthodontics, we believe that money shouldn’t be the reason you can’t get a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. That is why we offer a range of payment options for our patients, including flexible financing, insurance plan compatibility, and a FREE consultation so you can make the best choices for yourself and your oral health. 

However, orthodontic care can also act as a preventative measure for future health concerns that may arise. Caring for your teeth now may save you boatloads of money in the future – and that’s an investment worth its weight. 

5 Reasons to Get Adult Braces

No Matter Your Age, We’ve Got Your Back.

Our team at RiverView Orthodontics knows the value of a confident smile, whether you are a teenager or a retiree. If you’re an adult considering braces, there has never been a better time than now. Check out our website and schedule an appointment for a free consultation!