Getting braces as an adult may be the right decision in order to improve your ability to chew and make it easier for you to properly brush and floss your teeth. Many individuals also feel better about themselves and their appearance after straightening their teeth with braces.

Reasons to Get Braces as an Adult

Adults have many reasons for getting braces and clear aligners. They may be concerned that their crooked teeth are preventing them from excelling in their profession or creating a negative impression while on job interviews. They may also have problems chewing and experience frequent accidental bites to the cheeks. They may have even had braces as a child and their teeth have since shifted, or their parents may not have had the money to purchase braces.

Benefits of Adult Braces

Braces aren’t just for preteens and teenagers anymore. Many adults choose to straighten their teeth in order to improve their appearances and to make it easier to clean every surface of the tooth and between the teeth.

1. You have More Options

Braces no longer have to be metal. Instead, you can choose to wear clear aligners or ceramic braces. Clear aligners are an alternative to metal braces, and they are able to fix many of the same problems as metal braces, including crooked and twisted teeth and bad bites. Clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, and they can be removed to eat and drink. If you have a bite problem that cannot be correct with clear aligners, you still don’t have to choose metal braces. Ceramic braces are clear, which means they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

2. Braces Can Help You Improve Your Oral Health

Teeth that are irregularly spaced, crooked, twisted and crowded can cause problems with your oral health by making it hard for you to brush every surface of your teeth and between your teeth. When food particles and plaque are left on the teeth for an extended period of time, it can result in tooth decay cavities and gum disease. Having your teeth straightened can make it easier for you to crush and floss your teeth, which reduces your risk for developing gingivitis and periodontal disease as well as cavities.

3. You Want to Correct Face and Jaw Pain

Severely crooked teeth and bad bites can lead to jaw pain, headaches, ear aches, TMJ disorder and pain in your face. If you have crooked teeth and are experiencing any of these problems, straightening your teeth and correcting your bite may be able to help lower your face and jaw pain.

4. You Want to Improve Your Appearance

If you constantly worry about how your teeth look when you smile or if other people are judging you on your crooked teeth, straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners can help you feel less self-conscious and boost your self-esteem. You may even feel like getting additional cosmetic treatments in the future, like teeth whitening or veneers.

5. You Have Dental Insurance

As an adult, you probably have dental insurance either as a plan you pay for as an individual or as part of your employee benefits. Dental insurance often covers most of the costs associated with braces and orthodontic treatments, even if you’re older than the traditional age for braces. You may also be able to pay for your treatments with your HSA or FSA account.

Adult Braces at Valderrama Orthodontics in Melbourne, FL

If you are considering straightening your teeth with adult clear or lingual braces or clear aligners, our dentist Dr. Natalia Valderrama at Valderrama Orthodontics in Suntree, Melbourne, FL can help you make a decision. Our orthodontist can examine your mouth to determine if you need your teeth straightened, and he can give you all the pros and cons of the various types of braces available to adults, including metal, lingual and ceramic braces or clear aligners or a combination of all. Sr. Valderrama can even answer all of your questions regarding treatment times and oral health benefits.

To learn more about braces for adults and to schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation,, call us at 321-425-5050.