Did you miss out on orthodontic treatment when you were younger and are now considering getting braces as an adult? You have much to look forward to! In several months, you could be the proud owner of a straighter, healthier smile. Still, you might hesitate to commit to treatment because braces have traditionally been the realm of children and teens. Don’t worry — age is not an obstacle to effective treatment. Let’s talk about what you can expect as you begin your journey with braces.
You Are Far from Alone
Between 1994 and 2010, there was a whopping 58% increase in the number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment. Between 2012 and 2014, there was another increase of 16%. It’s reasonable to think that trend has continued; more and more adults are deciding to improve their smiles with braces, which means that people in general are getting accustomed to seeing adults with orthodontic appliances in their mouth.
You Have Options
A few decades ago, your options for orthodontic treatment were pretty limited. Today, though, most patients have a variety of types of braces to choose from. Traditional metal braces are effective and more comfortable than ever before. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a great choice for adults who want their treatment to be as subtle as possible. You could also opt for something like Six Month Smiles, which is designed for patients whose primary goal with treatment is to quickly improve the alignment of their teeth for aesthetic purposes. Your dentist will be happy to help you compare your options and settle on the one that best fits your circumstances and goals.
Your Smile and Your Oral Health May Improve
While many adults want to straighten their teeth simply to enhance their appearance, it’s important to keep in mind that your oral health is involved as well. Many people whose teeth are not straight are at a heightened risk of cavities, TMJ discomfort, broken teeth, and other dental problems. Braces can lower the risk that you will suffer from such issues.
Braces Are Easy to Adjust To
You lead a busy life, and the idea of getting braces might seem like a big time commitment — but most people find their treatment easy to adjust to. You’ll need to make some modifications to your oral hygiene routine, and you’ll need to visit your dentist periodically for checkups and/or adjustments. However, you won’t need to worry about your treatment overwhelming your schedule.
The fact that you are an adult shouldn’t stop you from getting necessary dental treatment. Countless grown-ups have benefited from braces — and you may be able to as well!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page isthe doctor at Capital Smiles in Schenectady, NY. She is proud to offer convenient orthodontic treatment options for adults, including both Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. If you would like to learn what you can expect as you straighten your teeth, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 518-374-0317.