When you think of someone with braces, you probably think of a teenager, maybe with glasses or acne, going through a traditional phase of adolescence. However, the good news is that it is perfectly normal to need orthodontic treatment as an adult for any number of reasons. The even better news is that there are plenty of options available to adults who do not want to use traditional braces. Below are some of the most common alternatives for braces, as well as the pros and cons of each one and the reasons why some adults need orthodontic treatment in the first place.
WHY DO ADULTS NEED BRACES?
FIX CROOKED TEETH
This may seem like a somewhat obvious answer, but some adults are unable to have braces as a child for a variety of reasons, whether it be financial, medical, or just bad timing. Even some adults who had braces as children may need continued treatment since teeth can continue to shift around.
GOOD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Having clean and straight teeth does wonders for your people skills, which is especially important in the professional world. Did you know that having straight teeth could even lead to making more money?
OTHER ISSUES
Sometimes orthodontic treatment is about more than fixing your smile. Often, braces are used to fix bigger problems like a misaligned bite, incorrect jaw positioning, jaw joint disorders, speaking problems, difficulty in chewing or biting, and head or ear pain that could be related to the jaw or mouth.
ALTERNATIVES
INVISALIGN®
Made of plastic trays that fit your teeth, Invisalign® is one of the more well-known alternatives for braces. As your teeth become straighter, you transition to a different tray that continues your smile’s shifting progress.
RETAINERS
These are removable trays of metal or plastic used for minor teeth issues. Because they are removable, the wearer has no eating or teeth cleaning restrictions. Retainers are typically worn after braces.
Needing orthodontic treatment as an adult is nothing to be worried about; it’s not just for teens. There are plenty of alternatives for braces that you can consider, especially when you seek treatment at Unique Orthodontics in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and Tulare. Contact us today to book a consultation.
