Once considered a treatment for children and teens, the number of adults getting braces and other orthodontic treatments is on the rise. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, in 2014 the number of adults who had seen an orthodontist had risen to 1.4 million, increasing 40% from 2012.
From traditional braces to Invisalign, adults have many options when it comes to transforming their teeth into the smile they’ve always wanted. Here are three reasons you should consider braces as an adult:
1 – Confidence Booster
Regardless of age, self-confidence is important in both your personal and professional life. When socializing, your smile is generally the first thing others notice about you, lending a first impression. Straighter and brighter teeth are perceived as an indication of good health and proper grooming habits.
If your smile has some imperfections that you’ve been considering straightening for a while, you may have formed some habits that affect the way you interact with others including covering your mouth when you laugh, avoiding smiling in photos, and even just keeping your teeth hidden.
2 – Shift Happens
In an ideal scenario, if you’ve had braces as a child or teen, the results last a lifetime. Unfortunately, for many adults, orthodontic relapse is a reality. Because there is natural movement of the teeth over time, not wearing your retainer after having braces will impact the way your smile develops as an adult.
3 – You Have Treatment Options
With advancements in orthodontic technology, sleeker, less noticeable, and more comfortable options for braces are available. Some types of orthodontic treatment options include:
- Traditional braces
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Ceramic braces
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Lingual braces
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Self-ligating braces
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Clear/invisible braces