Almost 50% of adult Americans express an interest in orthodontic care. If, like them, you’re wondering, “can you get braces as an adult?” the answer is yes! It’s never too late to get a straighter, healthier smile.
Many adults in Little Rock and Conway, Arkansas, are discovering that braces can help them achieve their desired look, no matter their age. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to expect when getting braces late in life, the pros and cons of braces, and why it’s never too late to get braces. Read on to find out more!
Can You Get Braces as an Adult?
This is among the most common questions at our offices in Conway and Little Rock, Arkansas. More often than not, the answer is a resounding yes. Barring dental complications like the need for restorative orthodontic care, adults can get braces.
Adults often hesitate to get braces due to fear of ridicule in social and professional circles. That’s because we perceive braces as a sign of adolescence instead of what it really is- dental care. Straight teeth don’t just look good; they also offer some impressive health benefits.
We encourage you to push aside fears of ridicule in favor of your dental health. Having braces may be an adjustment, but it’s never as bad as anxiety makes it seem. The benefits you will receive from braces far outweigh those potential downsides.
How Long Will Adult Braces Last?
Depending on the severity of your correction, your adult braces experience may not last very long. At a minimum, expect to wear braces for several months. However, if you need more corrections, you could wear them for up to three years.
Adult corrections can take longer than teen teeth straightening. During the teenage years, your mouth and jaw are still growing. Plus, your teeth haven’t yet hardened.
Such factors make realigning them and setting them easier. However, adult teeth are hardened and resistant to aligning, making the braces process take a little longer in some cases.
What Is the Best Age to Get Braces?
While it is true that the best age to get braces is between the ages of 8 and 14, this doesn’t mean adults can’t benefit from orthodontic treatments. More and more adults are opting for adult braces to improve their smiles and oral health.
Regarding adult braces, there are a few additional dental issues in adults that orthodontists must consider. These include:
- Gingivitis
- Marginal bone loss as teeth shift
- Receding gums
- Tooth decay
You and your orthodontist must address and correct some of these issues before you can get braces. Other issues, like gingivitis, need close monitoring while you have the braces.
With the right orthodontic treatments and guidance from your trusted orthodontist in Little Rock or Conway, Arkansas, you can still achieve your desired results, even if you’re not a teenager. So don’t let your age hold you back from getting the smile you deserve. Age shouldn’t be a factor in improving your oral health.
Pros of Adult Braces
As an adult, you may consider getting braces or orthodontic treatments to help improve your smile and self-confidence. But, getting braces as an adult offers many more advantages beyond self-image.
Adult braces can fix a plethora of dental issues that adults often experience, such as crowding, spacing, and correcting underbites. Some of the other advantages of getting adult braces include the following:
- Straighter teeth that are easier to clean and maintain.
- Improved facial appearance due to better bite alignment.
- Reduced risks for gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw joint problems.
- An overall boost in self-confidence
You deserve the smile you’ve always wanted, regardless of your age. Adult braces offer a safe, effective way to achieve a perfect smile without compromise.
Cons of Adult Braces
Before you get braces as an adult, there are some risks you should consider. Depending on your individual needs, these risks can range from negligible to severe, impacting your ability to get braces. To comprehend what to expect when getting adult braces, you should talk to an experienced orthodontist.
The primary cons of adult braces are that having them is a more risky and lengthy endeavor for adults than teens. There are more complications, and it takes longer to set up adult teeth than for teenagers.
Luckily, adulthood combats these cons because you’re more responsible and patient than you were when you were a teen. You have more autonomy to make intelligent decisions about your braces. Moreover, you know that sometimes good things take time.
Finally, remember that these risks are minor for the average adult. They shouldn’t dissuade you from seeking orthodontic care if you need it.
Adult Braces Alternatives
The most compelling con for adult braces is their social stigma. As an adult, you may feel like you don’t want to draw attention to yourself by wearing braces.
If that stops you from wanting to pursue a straighter smile altogether, you should understand your options. For example, treatments like Invisalign can be a great alternative to braces for those who don’t want to draw attention to themselves.
Invisalign is an invisible liner that straightens your teeth over time. Most people find wearing Invisalign comfortable and sometimes forget they have it in. They report feeling confident throughout the aligning process.
However, Invisalign is not a replacement for traditional braces in every case. If your dental situation calls for standard braces, it’s important to face that social anxiety head-on and get the smile you want.
Where to Get Braces Near Conway Arkansas
So, can you get braces as an adult? Absolutely! Adults can enjoy a wide range of orthodontic treatments at Wardlaw Orthodontics in Little Rock and Conway, Arkansas.
Our experienced team can help identify and address your unique dental issues as an adult. No matter your age, it is never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. To get started on your journey to a beautiful smile, contact Wardlaw Orthodontics and schedule a consultation at our Conway, Arkansas office today!