Kids and Teeth from Babyhood to University

Do you ever cover your smile with your hand? Do you ever feel embarrassed about being in photographs due to your teeth? Do you wish you had a straight smile? Did you miss the chance to get braces as a kid or did your childhood braces fail to correct all the issues? If you've answered yes to any of those questions, you may want to consider adult braces.

Worried that they aren't right for you? You may be surprised. Here's what you need to know.

1. Braces Aren't Just for Kids

When many people think of braces, they think of junior high or high school students wearing metal braces. However, that is no longer the case. Many younger kids are now getting braces at earlier ages, and adults are getting braces as well. In fact, one in five people with braces are adults.

2. It's Never Too Late

In fact, it's never too late to get braces. Whether you are in your 20s or a senior citizen enjoying retirement, you can consider adult braces. That said, in order to be a good candidate for adult braces, you need to have healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist or orthodontist can let you know if your oral health is strong enough to handle braces.

3. Braces Aren't Just Cosmetic

As an adult, it can sometimes be hard to treat yourself. You may feel like you need to put any extra money toward your children's needs, into your retirement account, or toward paying off your mortgage early. First of all, it's important to treat yourself—sometimes you deserve things that are frivolous.

Second of all, braces are not frivolous. Braces do improve your smile, but they aren't just cosmetic. Braces can fix issues with your bite. If your bite is not in proper alignment, your teeth may rub against each other in odd spots. That can wear down the enamel, potentially leading to cavities.

When teeth are crowded or overlapping, that can make it hard to floss. As a result, debris and bacteria can get caught in these spots, and that can lead to cavities. When you get braces to correct this issue, that helps safeguard the long term health of your mouth.

4. There Are Discreet Options

Are metal braces with garish colored rubber bands the first thing that pops to mind when you think of braces? If so, you are in for a treat. Contemporary braces come in all sorts of discreet styles. In particular, you can opt for ceramic braces that feature brackets and wires about the same color as your teeth.

There are also products such as Six Month Smiles that are designed to work quickly and be discreet. With this option, however, the braces only straighten your front teeth. They don't adjust issues with your bite.

5. You Can Get Removable Braces

Another discreet option that many adults consider is Invisalign. This type of orthodontic treatment actually consists of retainers or trays. You are supposed to keep them in as much as possible, and most orthodontists will advise keeping in the trays all day and night long.

However, if you need to remove them for a special occasion, that is possible. This is a great option to consider if you want to get started on straightening your smile right away, but you don't want to have braces visible in a family photograph that is scheduled in a few weeks or a few months.

To find out if you are a good candidate for adult braces, contact an orthodontist today. Orthodontists and dentists who offer orthodontic care are very welcoming to adult patients.