When most people think of braces, they picture a teenager with a mouth full of brackets and wires. They might even think of extreme headgear and unseemly appliances. In the modern age of orthodontics, however, braces are designed for people of all ages — and they are a lot more aesthetically pleasing, too!
As braces have become more sophisticated and advanced, more and more adults have walked through our doors to align their smiles. From patients who forgot to wear their retainers after having braces in their teens to patients who have never had braces at all, adults are coming in droves to correct their smiles. Adult braces have become so popular, in fact, that one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18!
There are so many reasons you might benefit from braces as an adult, and at Petrunic Orthodontics, we believe that you are never too old to get the straight smile and improved self-confidence you deserve. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of getting braces as an adult.
Confidence is Key
Feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness about t are not limited to teens. When your smile is the first thing people notice about you, it can be hard not to let it affect your self-confidence. The team at Petrunic Orthodontics believes you should feel confident in your grin because regardless of age, your smile makes a huge first impression.
Adults who receive orthodontic treatment benefit from a massive boost in confidence. Sometimes that confidence comes down to the simple act of smiling more often and not being afraid to hide it. Psychologists say that smiling more makes you happier, and with your new smile from Dr. Petrunic’s office, you’ll be smiling your way to happiness!
Better Health
Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, so it is no surprise that misaligned teeth can cause issues with your overall health. Many chronic problems adults often develop as they age directly result from unaddressed orthodontic issues. Common health problems such as jaw pain, headaches, and even sleep and digestive issues can be fixed by introducing an orthodontic treatment plan from Dr. Petrunic.
Because your teeth play such a crucial first role in the digestive system, their alignment affects the whole process. If your jaw is misaligned, you may experience difficulty or even pain when chewing, and it takes no leap of the imagination to know how that might affect your digestion as a whole. When your jaw or teeth do not meet properly when you’re chewing, you risk over-exerting your jaw muscles, leading to complications like TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. The result of not chewing properly is that your digestion can be compromised, as food is not adequately digested, and can lead to diminished nutrient absorption, indigestion, and reflux.
The extra care and attention that Dr. Petrunic will be giving your teeth will result in better oral hygiene and a reduced risk of severe orthodontic issues in the future.
Cost-Effective
Braces are one of the most cost-effective methods of treating all sorts of medical ailments. Because the health of your teeth is connected to your overall health, orthodontic treatment can solve problems with digestion, sleep, and chronic pain without other extensive treatments. They can also help you fight cavities, reduce your risk of gum disease, avoid expensive dental procedures like tooth extractions, and even eliminate the need for prosthetics in the future.
Many orthodontic issues such as jaw misalignment can wear your teeth down over time, leaving your teeth chipped, cracked, or missing. These issues all require costly dental procedures that braces could have prevented. However, with braces, you get the benefits of a healthier, happier smile at a lower price.
Variety of Treatment
Perhaps the most significant reason adults are turning towards braces more than ever before is because of the variety of treatment options that are now available. Braces are now more discrete and comfortable, meaning you have options that will blend in with the crowd — almost like you aren’t going through treatment at all!
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment. They are the most recognizable type of braces, and their technology has come a long way with durable stainless steel brackets connected by metal wires that are gradually tightened to adjust your teeth over time. Your orthodontist secures the brackets to your teeth with mouth-friendly glue, and the braces are worn with elastic bands that help secure the archwires and assist with bite correction. Plus, the bands come in a variety of colors so that you can add some fun personality to your braces!
Ceramic braces
Want something more visibly discreet? Ceramic braces, also known as “clear braces,” provide a more subtle alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces work similarly to metal braces but are designed to appear almost invisible with a smaller size and are made of tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. This one is popular among adults and older teens for its more covert aesthetic. The only downside to ceramic braces is that these braces are more likely to break or stain depending on your eating and lifestyle habits. This is because the polycrystalline ceramic is not as durable as the mix of high-grade metal used for traditional braces. As long as you maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine, ceramic braces offer the same effectiveness as metal braces with a more aesthetic design.
Clarity Aligners
Don’t want to deal with brackets and wires? Invisalign is made from clear, acrylic aligners that fit over your teeth. Each aligner is custom-fitted for your unique teeth using a 3D image of your mouth made from photos and X-rays from your orthodontist. It’s removable, making eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing easier. This treatment will have to be worn twenty-two hours a day to be effective. Most patients wear theirs for nine to fifteen months, depending on individual needs. They go through several trays throughout the treatment: no wires, no metal, no bands, just a clean, comfortable, easy-to-remove solution.
The Perfect Smile is Just Around the Corner at Petrunic Orthodontics
Dr. Petrunic knows that orthodontic care is necessary for patients of any age. Our team is committed to helping you choose the treatment plan that is best for you and your needs so that you can face the world with the clear confidence of a straight smile.
Ready to meet for your free consultation? Let’s get you scheduled today!