Many adults are choosing to obtain orthodontic treatment for a variety of different reasons, including aesthetic reasons and to improve their overall oral health. As dental technology advances, there are many different options on the market if you are looking to get orthodontics on your own terms.
When teeth are not properly aligned, they can cause a myriad of oral health issues. Everything from your speech to your eating patterns can be affected and lead to uneven tooth wear from your jaw not working properly. Misaligned teeth can also affect your oral hygiene. When your teeth are in their proper positions, it is easy to floss and brush them. But if you have a misaligned tooth or teeth, then bacteria and food can remain on the tooth in places where your toothbrush or floss cannot reach to get rid of it. This can often lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Some individuals might also suffer from insecurities related to the misalignment of their teeth, they might avoid showing their smile to others or in pictures. They might not be able to speak confidently in social situations, and they might even start avoiding eating in public because they are so embarrassed.
Some adults might not seek orthodontic treatment because they are concerned about how braces look. Fortunately, there are low profile orthodontic options out there for adults. There are many discreet and convenient options for adult patients to pick and choose from.
Your orthodontist can inform you of the ones available. You can choose to get traditional metal braces, which will be the most noticeable option, but still the most effective solution for straightening your teeth.
However, if you feel as if the appearance of traditional braces is not to your liking, do not worry, there are other options available that are more discreet.
For example, ceramic braces work the same way as traditional braces. The main difference being the brackets are made from a different material, which can be the same colour as your teeth, so many people will not be able to tell that you even have braces.
There is also the option of getting clear aligners. Clear aligners will take longer to be effective, however, they will be almost impossible to spot during your treatment. Clear aligners are also removable, which allow you to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth like normal. This combination of convenience and transparency make clear aligners one of the most attractive options when it comes to adult orthodontic patients. Your dentist can help you decide which option will be best for you and can help you go through the pros and cons of each option. Then, together you can decide on one that makes the most sense for your lifestyle and oral care needs.