When most people think about braces, they often think about metal braces that are synonymous with teens. However, there are a lot of great options for adults that do not look that awkward. These options come with great health and cosmetic benefits, although it is important to consider if they are the right option if you are thinking of getting braces. Many people want to get better smiles since they are working from home and want to look better on camera. Some want to look better for esteem and confidence reasons while considering them for health issues. Here is everything you need to consider to determine whether braces are right for you.
Why People Get Braces
The main reason for getting braces as an adult is for teeth straightening. Many people have orthodontic problems as kids and teens which cause teeth misalignment. This misalignment then leads to underbites, overbites, crossbites, and jaw issues, and it can affect your smile.
Misaligned teeth can cause serious issues as we grow older. These include issues chewing and speaking, jaw pain, teeth erosion caused by grinding as well as neck and shoulder pain. Headaches, earaches, and sleep disturbances have also been reported. Fortunately, braces can correct many of these issues.
If you think you are too old to get braces, you are wrong. Kumra Orthodontics Washington DC say age is not a determinant and instead they look at the health of the teeth and gums to decide if you are a good candidate.
Types of Braces
If you have health, personal or professional issues caused by misaligned teeth, you might be a great candidate for getting braces. But which braces do you get? There are three main types.
Metal braces remain a very popular option, but among teens and kids rather than adults. These braces include brackets that are attached to the teeth and the wire that connects them. These wires push and pull the teeth to get them in the right position.
Although they are very effective, the reason they may not be a good option for adults is that they are very conspicuous. That said, they are better-looking, less cumbersome, and less noticeable than they once were. They are also the cheapest option.
Next, we have ceramic braces. These work the same as metal braces, with the key difference being that they are clear because they use ceramic for braces instead of metal. Ceramic braces can also be made to match the color of your teeth so that they are less noticeable. Their main downside is that they stain easily and thus call for a lot of care.
Lingual braces work in a similar way to metal and ceramic braces but they go inside the mouth. They are specially made for the shape of your mouth’s inside and, because the process is very delicate, they are more expensive than other options.
Aligners
Aligners are a great alternative to braces, and they are just as effective. The main difference is that they are made out of a clear material that grips the teeth during the alignment process. They can be fitted at the dentist’s office or at home, but the procedure is very similar.
When getting these braces, the dentist has to get an impression of your teeth. Once they do this, they use 3D modeling to create the best aligners according to your needs. These aligners are a great option for professionals who want an inconspicuous option. They can be worn in most professional settings with few people noticing. If you still want to keep your teeth straightening a secret, you could try night-only aligners.
As their name suggests, they are only worn at night. With these night-only aligners, you do not have to plan wearing the aligners around your meals and other activities. Companies like ALIGNERCO make their night only aligners using BPA-free plastic to ensure they remain comfortable and straighten your teeth while you sleep. ALIGNERCO also has other affordable invisible aligners, all made with the latest technology and in consultation with professionals and experts.
Getting the Braces or Aligners
With at-home aligners, you only need to get the impression kit, make an impression, send it back and wait for the aligners to arrive.
With traditional braces, you will have to visit an orthodontist to get them fitted. They will talk to you about your lifestyle as well as habits and medications that can affect the braces. They will then perform an x-ray to determine how healthy your gums and teeth are. If they are healthy enough, the orthodontist will work on attaching the brackets to the teeth. They will then pass a wire through the brackets to hold them together.
Getting braces as an adult is not much different from getting them as an adolescent. The procedure is not too involved, and you also get a choice between different types of braces and aligners.