Worried about getting braces as an adult? You’re not the only one trying to avoid the potential hit to their self-confidence. Without braces, however, you could experience unwanted tooth decay or disease. Why risk it?
Instead, join the other 1.4 million adults who saw an orthodontist in a single year. In fact, the number of adults with braces is increasing, making it a new trend.
Still think getting braces is for kids? Keep reading to discover seven tips that will help you get through the process with confidence.
Pretty soon, you’ll grin ear to ear with your new smile:
- Personalize Them
Instead of thinking of your adult braces as an inconvenience, see them as an accessory. Getting your braces is like getting a new piercing—you’ll need to stick with it for a while. Since your braces are going to become a part of your new look, have fun personalizing them.
For example, you can use colorful elastics to brighten your smile. You can also match your braces with colorful lipsticks and complementing colors. Instead of hiding your braces behind closed lips, personalizing your braces will help you show them off!
If metal braces don’t appeal to you, don’t worry; there are alternatives. Ask your dentist about less obvious braces options. For starters, see if they offer Invisalign clear orthodontic aligners. You can view here to learn more.
You can also ask for lingual braces. While this option still involves metal, these braces are attached to the backs of your teeth.
Personalizing your braces to fit your style and comfort can make getting braces as an adult a lot easier.
- Look at Your Wallet
Many people think of getting braces as expensive and time-consuming. If you don’t get braces, however, you could risk setting yourself for even more financial woes. Without braces, you’re leaving your teeth out of place. This can make it easier for bacteria to hide under your teeth.
That bacteria can lead to a number of problems, including bad breath and gingivitis. Trying to handle these problems on an appointment-by-appointment basis can get expensive. You’ll spend countless hours trying to fix symptoms instead of the root cause.
You might even need expensive procedures to clear cavities and tooth decay away. Adults with braces are less likely to face these problems. Plus, orthodontic appointments are scheduled ahead of time. This gives you the chance to save up for your appointments.
Instead of worrying about people making fun of your braces, think about how much money you can save with this preventative measure.
- Consider Your Breath
When your teeth are crooked, they become more difficult to properly clean. This gives bacteria the chance to slip between your teeth, causing bad breath. Straightening your teeth with adult braces will make them easier to brush in the future.
As a result, you’re able to practice good oral hygiene and keep bad breath at bay.
Otherwise, you might experience a new hit to your self-confidence when you realize how bad your breath is.
- Chew Easily
One in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. These patients will find it easier to chew and enjoy their food. A misaligned bite, on the other hand, can make chewing uncomfortable.
Many people end up sticking to softer foods to avoid the pain. Unfortunately, this could leave you missing out on all of your favorite foods.
By straightening your teeth, you can correct your bite to make chewing pain-free!
- Ensure Your Oral Health
Bad breath and chewing issues are only a few future issues you’ll have to face with misaligned teeth. In fact, there’s the risk you’ll have to deal with a number of health concerns.
When you can brush your teeth properly, the bacteria that builds up will cause new problems, such as cavities. Bacteria build-up can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Either way, you’ll need to visit your dentist to deal with the problem.
Instead of waiting for the worst to happen, take preventative measures by getting braces as an adult. Your braces will help straighten your teeth, making them easier to clean. As a result, you can clear away the bacteria and keep your teeth healthy.
- Deny Future Damages
One little trip could cause you to chip or break a tooth. Car accidents and other events that put too much pressure against your teeth could also lead to damages.
When your teeth are crooked and protruding at odd angles, they’re more likely to sustain an injury. Straightening your teeth with braces, on the other hand, can help you avoid a painful break or chip.
Breaking a tooth will lead to another expensive procedure you could otherwise avoid.
Instead, straightening your teeth with braces will keep protruding teeth properly aligned. As a result, you’re protecting your teeth—and yourself!
- Think About Your Future Smile
Why are you getting braces as an adult in the first place? If the thought of adult braces impacts your self-confidence, imagine the end result. Picturing your brand new, perfect smile will get you through the process.
Imaging your straighter smile can also give your confidence a boost.
According to this research, having a straighter smile also impacts how we’re perceived. For example, a straighter smile:
- Helps us make a positive first impression
- Tells people we’re professional and financially successfully
- Makes us more likely to get a date based on a photo
- Indicates we’re healthy, smart, and have a good personality
The wires and brackets can make it difficult to imagine what your smile will look like. Even so, the promise of straight teeth and a beautiful smile can give you the confidence boost you’re looking for.
