While most people still consider braces a right of passage for children and teens, the truth is more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for crooked smiles and misaligned teeth. Today, over one million orthodontic patients in North America are over the age of 18, a 40% increase over the previous two decades.
Many adults seek orthodontic treatment because they missed out on braces as a child. Others find themselves returning to the orthodontist’s office because, much to their dismay, the results they received from treatment as children did not last as long as they would have liked. Regardless of an individual’s personal motivations, here are 3 reasons to consider braces in adulthood:
1. Straighter teeth are healthier teeth.
Improper bites and misaligned teeth, increase the amount of food build-up and plaque between your teeth and make effective flossing tricky. Ultimately, this can increase your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
2. Straighter teeth can increase your confidence.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice. If a crooked smile makes you self-conscious, you might find yourself shying away from friends and colleagues. Many people say their crooked or unattractive teeth are holding them back from living life to the fullest. For adults who find their imperfect smile is causing them to hold back from life, orthodontic treatment can bring a much-needed boost of confidence.
3. Straighter teeth can prevent other health issues in the future.
Many people are unaware of just how much influence our dental health has on our overall health and well-being. Misaligned teeth can cause an improper bite resulting in debilitating jaw pain. Crooked teeth can also cause headaches and earaches. Finally, if your teeth do not fit together properly, it is very likely that your chewing is not as effective as it could be, possibly leading to gastrointestinal problems.
If you feel your smile would benefit from braces, The Center for Beautiful Smiles would like to help you achieve a smile you can wear with confidence. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and we’ll be on our way to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.