More and more adults are getting braces to straighten their teeth. This trend is understandable, healthy, and straight teeth give you a better chance of getting a job, a first or second date, and living longer.
While getting braces as an adult is possible, it can come with a few more complications than getting braces as a child. Oftentimes, adults have more dental wear and tear and may need a few more orthodontic treatments to correct years of damage.
If you are an adult who is thinking about getting braces, here are a few things you should know before making your final decision.
1. You Can Get Braces at Any Age
There is no limit on what age you can have adult orthodontics treatments, including braces. If you are in your 30’s, 40’s, 60’s, or even 70’s, you can have braces put on to straighten your teeth. This is great news for those who did not have proper dental care as a child and want to improve their teeth as adults.
2. Your Treatment Will Involve Several Visits
The process of getting adult braces is similar to getting braces as a child. You will make several visits to your orthodontist for evaluations, checkups, adjustments, and more. Make sure to attend these visits as they can determine how quickly your teeth improve.
3. Treatment Can Last up to 3 Years
Getting braces for adults can be a long process, one that lasts for up to 3 years. The length of time you will have braces depends on the initial condition of your teeth. Prepare to have braces for somewhere between 1-3 years.
4. There Will Be Pain and Discomfort
As any good orthodontist for adults will tell you, braces can be painful and uncomfortable. Not only are you learning to function with an apparatus on your teeth, but they also have to be tight enough to gradually straighten your teeth. Expect some discomfort and pain when getting adult braces.
5. Your Diet Will Change
When you get braces, your diet will naturally have to change. Braces make it difficult to eat certain foods, such as nuts, popcorn, ice, corn chips, and gum. You will also need to be careful when eating hard foods, including raw vegetables, hard rolls, meat, fruit, and croutons.
These Are the Things to Know Before Getting Braces as an Adult
This is the information you should know before getting braces as an adult.
You can get braces at any age, even well into your 70’s. Your treatment can vary, last up to 3 years and you will likely have several visits to your orthodontist during that time. You will experience pain and discomfort, a change in diet, and most likely have to wear a retainer after the braces are removed.
Getting adult braces can be a process but the result is well worth the effort.
Don’t forget to browse our site for all of your health and fitness needs.