When braces are mentioned, the first thought conjured is of braces for teens and preteens. Nevertheless, braces are becoming more common for adult patients. Millions of adults already have braces. Even more, are becoming interested in braces for adults.

Are you uncomfortable with your smile? It’s harder as a working adult to socialize and portray a positive self-image when you aren’t comfortable smiling. Do you have persistent bad breath? Misaligned teeth make it difficult to have excellent oral hygiene. These are just two cases indicating why adults are interested in having their teeth straightened. There are many reasons to invest in braces for adults. The top five are below.

1. You Are More Aware of the Importance of Braces

Typically, teens get braces because their parents want them to have better oral health. They may even understand why getting braces younger is smart and appreciate them. With age comes wisdom. Adults fully understand the importance of a healthy smile with straight, attractive teeth.

Braces for adults are a great financial investment in your personal health and self-confidence. Having a smile that makes you comfortable is an enormous benefit in work and social settings. This is especially true when your personal appearance has a great bearing on your overall success. Straight teeth are also easier to clean and have restorations such as veneers and crowns applied.

2. There Are Many Options Regarding Braces for Straight Teeth

Metal braces are traditional and tend to be the norm. However, your orthodontist will introduce you to many other treatment options, as well. Depending on your misaligned or crooked teeth, it may be suggested you try lingual braces, dental aligners such as Invisalign, or porcelain braces to effectively straighten your teeth.

There are many options for braces for adults. You do not have to deal with a mouth full of metal if you do not prefer. However, advances in technology have made metal braces smaller as well as less obtrusive than they used to be. You have plenty of alternatives and the expert orthodontic advice needed to make the right choice for you.

3. Braces for Adults Are About More Than Straight Teeth

When you age, your jaw and mouth change shape. The jawbone loses density naturally and causes teeth to shift. Over time, your teeth could become crowded and cause you discomfort and pain while chewing and swallowing. Overlapping teeth are more difficult to clean and make adults more susceptible to dental decay.

Braces will straighten your teeth and make your smile look more natural. You gain better oral health and a beautiful smile. Many adults opting for braces are over the age of 50 and choosing braces to ease oral discomfort.

4. Straight Teeth Allow You to Gain More Confidence

Many adults are opting for orthodontic treatment in their 40s and 50s. The main reason is so they can be proud of their smile. It is also more socially acceptable for adults to wear braces. Can you picture yourself getting the treatment and care you need to improve your smile? A significant confidence boost awaits you when you visit a Spokane orthodontist’s office.

5. Braces Aren’t Worn Forever

The average amount of time an adult tends to wear braces is typically 2 years. Of course, the amount of time you will need to wear braces all depends on the style you choose, how crooked your teeth are, as well as many other factors. Every several weeks you will visit your orthodontist for a wellness check and adjustments as your teeth shift into alignment in response to treatment. Once your braces are removed, you may be fit with a retainer to keep straight teeth better aligned.

Braces are an ideal solution for people whose teeth are crowded, crooked, gapped, or misaligned. The first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss how braces can improve your oral health. Caring orthodontists will evaluate your bite and teeth and offer a broad array of braces for adults.