In 2014, 1.4 million adults all over North America sought orthodontic treatments.

What’s more, experts say this will continue to increase as more U.S. adults visit their dentist. In 2018 alone, 70% of adult Americans received regular dental care.

That should tell you that you’re not alone in thinking of getting braces as an adult. So long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can enjoy straighter teeth even if you’re already in your 30s or 40s! In fact, there’s no age limit to having your teeth straightened.

Besides, straighter teeth from braces don’t only make your smile better and more dazzling. They can also be stronger and less prone to diseases. They can even help make your gums healthier!

Ready to learn all the reasons why dental braces on adults are a great investment? Then let’s dive right into it!

Years ago, it was common for treatment with braces to take anywhere from 18 to 36 months. Today’s most innovative orthodontic appliances have shortened that to only 12 months. Some braces, such as the SureSmile system, even have a treatment length of only nine to 12 months!

Orthodontists also use the latest imaging technology to capture dental x-rays. This provides them much more accurate details than plaster models. This then allows them to come up with a precise diagnosis — and the needed treatment — from the very start.

Furthermore, they use 3D computer models of their patient’s mouth when planning treatment. This technology gives them a clearer insight into how a patient’s teeth will move and how long it’ll take.

All these contribute to faster, more comfortable orthodontics for adults.

Did you know that in the U.S., up to 65% of adults have some type of bite problem?

Furthermore, 15% of adults have bite issues severe enough to affect mouth functions!

The good news is, there are dental braces for adults for each of these bite issues. For instance, most orthodontics can correct both class 1 and class 2 malocclusion.

• Class 1 is the most common type of malocclusion. If you have this, then your upper teeth only slightly overlap your lower teeth.
• Class 2 malocclusion is the technical term for an overbite. In this case, the overlap is much more severe. There’s a huge gap between the protruding upper teeth and lower teeth.
• Class 3 malocclusion is the most severe, affecting up to 5% of the U.S. population. Also known as an underbite, this causes the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. There’s also an obvious protrusion of the lower jaw itself.

 
If you have class 3 malocclusion, the best braces for adults can still correct your bite issue. Note that for a severe underbite, treatment may take longer than if you only have a class 1 bite. Still, getting your teeth and jaw aligned is much better than keeping your underbite.

Over 90% of adults in the U.S. have tooth decay. What’s more, a quarter of adults have untreated dental cavities.

It’s no wonder then that as many as 120 million Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth. In fact, 36 million have no remaining teeth!

Granted, poor oral hygiene is the main culprit behind tooth decay and loss. Crooked teeth, however, can also contribute to these dental problems.

Crooked or twisted teeth create areas that are harder to reach and clean. These areas are more prone to retaining plaque, which can harden into tartar. This can then lead to increased risks of decay and gum disease.

Both decay and gum disease are leading causes of tooth loss. Preventing these should be enough reason for you to get dental braces for adults.

Almost half of Americans aged 30 and older have periodontal or gum disease. It’s an infection of the gum tissues that secure the teeth in place. In more severe cases, it can cause gum bleeding, soreness and even pain, as well as tooth loss.

Incorrect positioning of the teeth increases one’s risk of developing gum disease. For one, because it makes brushing and flossing more difficult. This also makes biting and chewing harder, which can put more stress on the gums.

As you can see, healthier gums are also one of the many benefits of braces for adults. With straighter teeth, you can ensure optimal brushing and flossing. With properly-positioned teeth, you can bite and chew with more ease and less stress on the gums.

Is the thought of glinting metal braces holding you back from having straighter teeth? Then you’ll be happy to know that there are now much less obvious orthodontic appliances!

One of your options is the Invisalign system, which utilizes thermoplastic materials. There are no metal brackets and wires involved, only clear, removable aligners. They’re almost invisible that people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

You need to wear the aligners at least 22 hours every day though, as well as get replacements every two weeks or so. If this isn’t something you’d like to keep up with, you can choose ceramic braces. They function much like traditional braces but are clear- or tooth-colored.

Untreated tooth loss and gum disease can lead to jaw bone loss. That’s because the teeth provide stimulation to the jaw bone. If you lose one or more teeth, your jaw bone will start to “resorb”.

The best way to prevent jaw bone loss is to keep all your natural teeth. If you have overcrowded teeth or bite problems, get them corrected with braces ASAP. This way, you can maintain optimal oral hygiene that is key to preserving all your teeth.

Many studies, like this one show that dental disorders can affect one’s mental health. They can have a huge impact on one’s self-esteem and social behavior. In fact, another study found that people with tooth loss have more anxiety than those without.

Adult braces can help you prevent these problems and even raise your self-confidence. With straighter teeth, you no longer have to hide your smile or feel embarrassed.

As you can see, getting braces as an adult can help you live healthier and to the fullest. No matter how old you are now, you can enjoy straighter teeth and all the health benefits they provide. Plus, the best orthodontic treatments won’t need years to give you straighter teeth!

Ready to flash all those dazzling smiles? Then please get in touch with us now to find out more about your orthodontic treatment options!