Top 5 reasons why adults need braces

Braces were once thought of as a treatment for older children and teenagers – best to have while their jaws are still developing before the teeth settle in adulthood, right? Well, not necessarily. Modern orthodontics recognises that, in fact, the teeth can continue to move at any age, and adults with misaligned teeth may very well benefit from braces too. Esteemed dentist Dr Moira Wong explains:

Much like children, adults whose teeth were previous straight can find them moving out of position, becoming misaligned or overcrowded. Others may have missed out on braces when they were young or have suffered injuries or health conditions like gum disease that have caused their teeth to shift position. Luckily, it’s never too late to have orthodontic treatment to get that perfect smile. Here are our top 5 reasons to get braces as an adult:

1. Adult orthodontics help many dental problems

Almost half of the UK’s adult population have crowded teeth, while others have gaps between teeth, or teeth that stick out. Many have problems with their bite, which may be too open or too deep, or they have crossbite, where the lower teeth rest in front of the top ones. Accidents and gum disease can contribute to these dental issues, and braces can provide a solution.

2. Braces can be invisible

Metal braces are not always regarded as a visually appealing option and are hard to hide, which puts many adults off. However, modern plastic braces, such as Invisalign and Incognito are almost unnoticeable. If these “invisible” braces are suitable for you, your orthodontist is likely to recommend them.

3. Improved dental function and oral hygiene

Straight, well-aligned teeth don’t just look pretty; they are also functional! A crossbite and misaligned teeth increase the chances of trapped food and plaque, which, in turn, raises the risk of gum disease. Conversely, straight teeth reduce the risk of tooth decay, wearing away of tooth enamel and jaw discomfort as well as improving chewing function.

4. You may only need a brace for as little as six months

The length of orthodontic treatment depends on each individual; however, with modern brace technology, it can take as little as six months to re-align the teeth of some adults. For others it may take longer, but once you have the perfect smile, it will be on your face for the rest of your life.

5. It’s never too late…

At any age, a great smile with straight teeth can boost your confidence and self-esteem, which can benefit your social life and profession life. It’s never too late to get that perfect smile, so if you are interested in re-aligning your teeth, contact your dentist or a specialist today!