Like many of you, I had braces as a teenager. It was ugly and painful and it seemed to last forever (both the braces and the teenage years). I have no desire to relive those years and though my teeth have shifted back out of that “perfect” smile, I’d need a darn good reason for getting braces as an adult.
So, why are so many adults considering and ultimately getting braces? Braces and the science behind them have come a long way from when I had them as a teenager.
Maybe you didn’t get to experience this rite of passage as a youth and you feel your life is somehow incomplete because you missed out.
Maybe you just don’t like your smile because it leaves you self-conscious and uncomfortable in social situations.
It could be more serious and your less-than-perfect smile is now causing tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, or earaches. It can even cause speaking, biting, or chewing problems.
Perhaps you are in a profession where a smile matters. There are times when a perfect smile can project the subtle message, “trust me” (and a few cases I can think of where it would say, “don’t trust me”).
If you think you might like or need braces, put your old fears aside and give it a chance. There are more options available. I’m also told it’s less painful than you might remember.
Metal brackets are still used but they’re smaller and lighter. They could also end up on the front or back side of your teeth.
There are also clear braces and braces meant to match the natural color of your teeth.
If you want to feel younger and take a walk on the fun side of life, there are also a multitude of other color options available.
Some oral problems can even be fixed without actual braces.
You’ll need to talk with your dentist or orthodontist to find out what options are right for you, how much it will cost you, and if your insurance will cover your situation. You’ll also want to consider any lifestyle changes that you might need to make to adjust to life with braces.
In the long run it sometimes just makes good sense to go through that long, ugly, and painful stage. (Braces, not puberty)
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