Why Braces Aren't Just A Kids' Thing
Posted on: 21 May 2015
Braces are for kids, right? Because we've all had friends who wore braces through middle school, we think of them as childhood relics, but that's not entirely fair. While many kids get braces, so do adults. In fact, today more and more
In one study, objective observers ranked pictures of people who had straight teeth 10 percent higher in social characteristics like leadership, popularity, intelligence, and athletic ability over pictures of people who didn't. In other words, as much as you don't want to be judged by your looks, it happens, and it could be holding you back from living your life to the fullest.
If that's not convincing enough, there are other great upsides to wearing braces as an adult. Here are the top two to consider:
Your Health Will Thank You Later
Your dental health is even more important than your looks, and wearing braces can help you improve it. Due to the way they lean against each other, crooked teeth can harbor bacteria buildup, leading to more cavities and other dental work down the road, even if you have your oral health routine down pat.
When chewing, your mouth may be working overtime to correct your bite, putting more pressure on your teeth and increasing the risk of jaw pain. The consequences of crooked teeth can even travel all the way down to your stomach. When your bite is off, chewing food properly is harder, which can spell digestion problems.
Braces Have Changed
Braces have come a long way in the last two decades. Gone are those metal clunkers you may remember from your school days, replaced by neater, more comfortable, and all-around better designs.
If, like most people, you worry about braces being too obvious, clear braces are the way to go. Ceramic and invisible – the two main types of clear braces – are designed to blend into your teeth for effortless, all-natural results.
The comfort level has also increased, so you don't have to worry about any significant soreness, pinching, or pain. Modern braces are made with smaller, less invasive brackets and wires that adjust to your body heat for pain-free movement. Even less noticeable are invisible braces, which are easily removable and designed sans brackets.
Since invisible braces are made to correct minor problems, don't get discouraged if you need a more heavy-duty design. Stronger and available with tooth-colored wires, ceramic