Most adults are reluctant to even consider the idea of getting braces, and in some ways, it’s understandable.
Braces are more associated with kids and teenagers and lots of people are worried about the aesthetic problems of having a mouth full of metal!
However, there are many long-term benefits of opting for braces as an adult, as well as lots of options that can ensure that they’re nowhere near as noticeable as you would think.
Here are three reasons why you should consider getting braces as an adult:
Aesthetics
It goes without saying that we live in a society where our appearance is important, and our teeth and smile play a big part in this.
For example, did you know that more than half of singles said that teeth are the most important physical characteristic for them on a first date?
A survey of almost 5,500 singletons found that both men (60%) and women (71%) were looking for potential partners with straight, white teeth.
A similar study in America backed up the findings and found that two in five would not go on a second date with someone with crooked teeth.
Perhaps even more surprisingly, the same study found that more than half believed that those with crooked teeth would be less likely to get a job compared to someone of equal ability and straight teeth!
Dental Health
While the aesthetic argument is all well and good, it’s ultimately your health which is the most important thing.
Many people didn’t have braces when they were younger when they perhaps should have done and now suffer from dental problems later in life.
And in others, the problems simply develop later on in life. Our teeth are always shifting and moving and this can result in painful misalignment.
Whatever the reason, if you suspect you may be suffering from orthodontic problems, the sooner you get them sorted, the better.
Discreet Options
One of the reasons you might be reluctant to explore orthodontics might be the thought of an ugly metallic brace.
However, orthodontics has come on a long way over the years and there are many subtle options available.
Here are some of the most popular:
- Ceramic braces: These braces are very similar to the metallic ones you might be used to, however instead of using metal they use either clear or white ceramic brackets which will blend into the teeth, with some even used white wires to connect the brackets. One thing to bear in mind is that these can stain easily without proper care.
- Lingual braces: Again, these are very similar to metal braces, however, they are applied to the back of the teeth so that they’re less visible. These braces are essentially invisible from the front although they can be a little more difficult to maintain and could provide a little early discomfort.
- Invisalign: This is probably the most effective form of modern braces, and is a clear, removable aligner which is changed every couple of weeks. However, these braces are only available at certain specialist clinics such as Queens Gate Orthodontics. The best thing about Invisalign is that it allows you to eat, sleep and brush as normal.
