Going To The Orthodontist For Adult Braces

A Few Things To Think About

Getting an orthodontist to put braces on your teeth is a big decision. It isn't one that should be made lightly. Before you get it done, you should decide if it's really worth it. Are your teeth really so bad that you need it done? This is a completely personal decision, but the reason you need to think about it is that it's tough to take care of braces. There is the care and cleaning that has to be done, as well as the risk of plaque build-up and other hygiene issues. You also have to consider the fact that you'll be wearing them for three years. And those adjustments they make aren't fun!

One advantage of getting them as an adult, however, is that they're much easier to take care of then. It's tough for kids to follow the cleaning routine the way they're supposed to, but as a mature adult, you're much more able to take care of them.

Different Types Of Braces

Another thing to talk over with your orthodontist is the variety of options. Aside from the regular braces that you remember kids wearing, there are also lingual and self-ligating braces. Lingual braces are only placed in the back, so they're much less noticeable. Self-ligating braces are lighter ones that aren't applied to the front. They're more comfortable and less noticeable. Your dentist may have other options as well, so talk to them about what they can recommend.

Alternatives To Braces

Finally, there are alternatives to braces that we're lucky to have today. Because everyone hates braces, they've developed new styles such as Invisalign. Invisalign uses aligners, or trays that are connected to the jawline.

These trays are traded out at intervals, and they gradually reshape your teeth in a much gentler way than traditional braces. The aligners are custom made to fit your teeth exactly, and they use computer imaging to change them over time to get the results you want. The only downside to Invisalign is that it's a bit more expensive than traditional braces.

No matter what style you choose, it's never too late for an adult to get their teeth realigned. Your orthodontist has lots of options to offer you. Talk to them about your problem and how you'd like it solved, and they can recommend the best method for getting it done. If you settle for traditional braces that require care or maintenance, or decide to try new treatments that are less uncomfortable, you'll eventually have the smile you always wanted. The dental technology your orthodontist uses has improved in leaps and bounds to make it a lot easier.