What to Know Before Getting Braces as an Adult

There are more than one million adults in the United States that wear braces. While many people wear braces to fix crooked teeth, you can also wear them to fix a misaligned jaw, add space between overcrowded teeth, and more.

While getting braces as an adult may mean you need to wear them longer than a younger patient, there are still many ways to straighten teeth as an adult. Keep reading to learn more about adult braces, to learn more about teeth straightening options, and to find an orthodontist for adults.

No Age Limit

One of the first things you need to realize about getting braces as an adult is that there is no age limit. Many adults feel self-conscious about getting braces when they are older. Whether you were unable to afford braces as a child or whether your teeth recently shifted, you can still improve your smile as an adult!

When you get braces as an adult, you can get the smiles and bite that you always dreamed of having!

Timeline

When it comes to the timeline of adult braces, it is vital that you are patient. If you want to remove your braces as soon as possible, you may not be able to get good results. By patiently waiting and taking care of your teeth, you will be satisfied with the results!

It is also important to realize that adult braces may require more time than braces for children. Because your teeth are fully developed as an adult, they are set in place. This means it will take more time and pressure to move them.

However, the time it takes will be absolutely worth the changes you see!

Not Just for Aesthetic

Another thing you need to realize is that adult braces are not just for aesthetics. Braces are great if you want a straighter smile. However, you can also get braces to improve your jaw and the bite of your mouth.

If your teeth do not meet properly or if you have constant jaw pain, meeting with an orthodontist can help.

Increased Confidence

Another thing you should consider when you get adult braces is that they can increase your confidence. Many people who have crooked teeth or misaligned jaws are not confident in their smiles.

However, braces can improve your smile and make you a more confident person!

You Can Get Free Consultations

Something else that may help as you are finding an orthodontist to help with your adult braces is that they often offer free consultations. Even if you are not sure that you are ready to get adult braces, having a consultation with your orthodontist can help you!

They can discuss how long you would need to wear your braces and can even give you an estimate of the cost. This consultation will help you be more prepared if you decide to get adult braces!

You Need to Take Care of Your Teeth

Having great oral health is vital if you want to see good results with your braces. Without good oral health, you may be wasting thousands of dollars on your braces for results that don’t last.

First, you need to make sure you brush your teeth several times per day. Otherwise, you may find that food gets stuck inside your brackets and may cause other issues.

You also still need to floss daily. While it is much more difficult to floss with braces, it is a necessary habit to maintain proper gum health.

It Isn’t Painless

Because braces are pushing and pulling your jaw or your teeth around, you need to realize that it may be a painful process that hurts for a while. After a few days, you will find that your mouth is sore and tender.

It may also take you a few weeks to get used to the metal in your mouth. However, there are ways that you can soothe this pain and protect your mouth as you get your braces.

However, the pain will eventually fade and will be worth it when you have your straight teeth!

Wear Your Retainers

Finally, it is vital that you wear your retainers. Why spend thousands of dollars to shift your teeth if they will just shift back to their original places? After you get braces, your orthodontist will make you retainers that fit your mouth perfectly.

These will help you maintain your straightened teeth and will prevent them from moving and becoming crooked again. While it may be difficult or uncomfortable to constantly wear your retainers, it will make it so you don’t have to get braces for a second time.

Your orthodontist may also put a permanent retainer into your mouth. These are bonded to your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about taking it out or putting it back in.

It is also important to keep your retainers clean. Because bacteria can build up in your mouth, make sure you clean your retainer regularly and brush them with your toothbrush and toothpaste to kill the bacteria.

Learn More About Getting Braces as an Adult Today!

Getting braces as an adult may seem stressful. However, it is important to realize that it is never too late to get a perfect smile! When you find a reliable adult orthodontist, you can increase your confidence and improve your oral health.

By taking care of your teeth and wearing your retainers, you can be sure to have a great smile for years to come. If this article was helpful, you should check out the other blogs on our site! We have articles that can help you learn more about health, lifestyle, and more!