As an adult, you might think that options for having your teeth fixed are limited to dental surgery and that straightening teeth is something to worry about in the teenage years. However, dental practices all over Queensland, from Brisbane to Townsville, provide high quality orthodontics for adults. With the array of orthodontic options available today, you’ll know which treatment to integrate best into your lifestyle.
The notion that braces are only for youth is a thing of the past. Check out this list of reasons to get braces as an adult.
Straighter teeth are healthier in form and function
Many people consider crooked teeth as a cosmetic issue, but they also pose health issues such as difficulties in biting and chewing. When teeth are misaligned, the result is a malocclusion. Malocclusion is usually hereditary and causes problems in the way teeth come together when a person bites. Correcting malocclusion makes teeth easier to clean and eliminates strain on the teeth, jaws and muscle. Treatment decreases the risks of tooth decay, bite irregularities and periodontal diseases.
Braces are designed to straighten the teeth and move the jaw into the right position. While you would have to eat soft types of food for a while after application, the lasting effects after treatment are worth it. With straighter teeth, you prevent abnormal tooth wear because chewing is much easier and you have a strong defense against oral diseases.
Confidence and social life booster
Your smile is one of the first things people notice and it can leave positive lasting impressions. However, if you’re self-conscious of your crooked teeth, then maybe you’re uncomfortable meeting and interacting with new people.
It’s human nature to care about the way others perceive your looks. With braces that will straighten your teeth, you’ll feel happier and more confident because you won’t have to hide anything when you laugh, smile and talk. Braces won’t just change your appearance; they’ll improve your attitude and enhance your quality of life.
New options to choose from
Braces have evolved over the years. People no longer suffer the embarrassment of having a ‘metal mouth’. The brackets orthodontists use today are smaller and they seldom wrap bands around the teeth. Metal braces are the most affordable option, but more subtle alternatives have popped up for those concerned with the aesthetic appearance of braces.
Ceramic braces are popular with adults because of their cosmetic appeal. They’re made of translucent, clear material that cannot be seen while you’re wearing them. They blend in with your teeth which is perfect if you’re uncomfortable with wearing traditional braces.
Another well-known option is Invalisign, a series of customised, clear aligners. These are completely invisible and comfortable to wear because of their smooth and rounded edges that don’t irritate the mouth. Additionally, Invalisign aligners are customised. Orthodontists utilise 3-D computer imaging technology to replicate an exact impression of your mouth and teeth.
Although braces were normally associated with children and teenagers, the technology and options available have removed any stigma of using them in adulthood. Adults can seek orthodontic treatments for a variety of reasons — whether it’s to tweak their smile, correct their bites or improve their overall oral health. Whichever reason it is, braces are an investment with positive effects that’ll last a lifetime.
