It may be a common thought that braces or Invisalign are only to be used as a treatment for teenagers or young adults. However, now more than ever, older adults are choosing braces and Invisalign to correct their smiles and align their teeth. In fact, it is a very effective treatment regardless of age, and more people are choosing to improve their smiles into their older, adult years.
After all, it’s never too late to correct your smile and enjoy the benefits of straight, perfect teeth. Don’t count yourself out! If you or someone you know is interested in getting braces or Invisalign as an adult, keep on reading to find out why this is a great idea and how they can prepare for this treatment beforehand.
You Have Options
When you think of braces, the first thing you might imagine is the traditional metal types that are usually very obvious and worn by teenagers in their formative years. However, when it comes to braces today, you have many more options than you think.
There are several different kinds of braces such as traditional, ceramic, and even lingual, which go behind the teeth for total invisibility. Clear aligners such as Invisalign are also a good option and reduce the chances that people actually notice you are wearing braces. So, if you are afraid of people noticing that you are wearing braces, keep in mind that there are various options available to you.
Also, braces these days are much thinner and more compact than they used to be. With technology constantly improving, the braces you wear as an adult are sure to be less noticeable and possibly more modernized and effective than the braces of the past.
They Won’t Take Longer
A common misconception about adult braces is that they will take longer as an adult, and you will have to wear them for more time than you would if you got them in your younger years. This is not the truth. The severity of your dental issues will determine how long you wear your braces.
While some people can wear braces for a one-year period, others may take longer with their treatment, such as two or more years. If you are concerned about the length of time that you will need to wear braces, it’s a good idea to sit down with your dentist and have a discussion. They will be able to tell you about the complexity of your issues and treatment time frames.
You Will Wear a Retainer
Many people don’t realize that even after dental treatments such as braces or Invisalign, you will still need to wear a permanent retainer to keep your teeth aligned. This is because regardless of age, teeth can keep shifting and move over time from the final position that braces put them in. If you don’t have a permanent retainer implanted, be prepared to wear nightly retainers to keep your teeth in check.
Benefits and Insurance Can Help Affordability
As a working adult, you will likely have access to benefits and insurance that can help subsidize or totally cover the cost of your braces. While braces and Invisalign can usually cost around $4000 to $6000, benefits and insurance can reduce some of the cost as long as your reasoning for treatment isn’t solely cosmetic. If you have a speech impediment or any other oral issues, you could qualify for benefit coverage. Make sure to speak to your provider to be certain.
Improve Oral Hygiene
Not only do braces improve the look of your teeth and any other alignment issues, they also help make your mouth easier to clean and improve your overall oral hygiene. Once your teeth are perfectly aligned and straight, they will be easier to clean, brush, and floss, and less likely to develop plaque and hardened tartar. It’s a win-win situation!
Feel Confident
Once you are finished with your braces or Invisalign, you will surely find that it was worth the wait. Your beautiful smile will make you feel more confident to go out into the world, and you will never have to hide your teeth again. Think of it as a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain.
It’s never too late to obtain a beautiful, perfect smile. If you missed out on getting braces in your teenage years, rest assured that there are options available for you in your adult years. More adults worldwide are wearing braces, and even if you feel self-conscious about wearing them, keep in mind that there are alternative options such as Invisalign or clear braces as well.
For more information on orthodontic dentistry in Mississauga and the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 866-673-2109 or contact us here. Our representatives are professional and courteous and will be more than happy to answer your questions about any dental treatment you may need. We have a proven track record of excellent client service that you can rely on. Please contact us today to start on your journey to a perfect smile.