When most people think of braces, they imagine a pimply 13 year old who walks down the a school corridor while his peers chants of ‘brace face’. We associate braces with adolescence, with growing up and with trying to figure out how to have your first kiss with a metal mouth. But what about those kids who were too scared for braces? What about the kids whose teeth got out of place later on down the line? So many people think that braces are just for teenagers, so much so that they get to a certain age and become reluctant to deal with their dental problems.
There are many older people out there who wake up one day and realise that they really do need braces, but worry that they’re too old. But the question is, are you ever too old to have braces?
What are the advantages of getting braces as an adult?
Most people imagine braces as a massive metal monstrosity screwed to your teeth, when that it no longer the case. Modern braces are smaller, sleeker and in some cases clear, so it’s hard to see if you’re even working them. Invisible braces are a great option for adults who do not want their orthodontia on display. Others don’t even try to hide their braces, instead they make them creative by adding colours and other features. Another thing is that you’re not alone: more than 20% of brace-wears are adults. It is not unknown for parents and children to go through the process of getting orthodontia together. Often when a parent realises that their smile too can be fix, they opt in. In fact, adult patients are more likely to follow the rules to the letter, meaning that overall care is better. Orthodontic treatment is not expensive and these days is relatively quick and painless compared to how it may have been when you were a child. So if it’s the terror of the idea of braces putting you off, have a look at what options are out there.
What are the disadvantages?
Of course, it may feel a little uncomfortable wearing orthodontia that is more suited to a 13 year old. Even if you get invisible braces, the fact you know that they are there will probably impact on your self-esteem. If you’re on the dating market, you may feel that braces detract from your appearance and will be a turn-off. It may seem a little strange as a twenty or thirty year old when you lean in for a kiss and your partner realises you are wearing braces.
But at the end of the day, all these disadvantages are temporary. No matter how uncomfortable or painful braces are, they do the job well. You may go through some slightly uncomfortable times, but you will come about with a lovely set of teeth at the end of it.
So, are you ever too old to have braces?
At the end of the day, what is a year or two of wearing braces when compared to an entire lifetime of bad teeth? Make the jump and get braces. Even if you don’t feel self-conscious about your teeth now, the improvement in your smile will make you feel so much better about yourself. You will appreciate the decision later in life when having good teeth becomes of the upmost importance. The most beautiful model would be unemployed if she had bad teeth, and the same logic applied to ordinary people. Your smile is the most beautiful thing on your face, so take care of it.
Citations:
- photo from shutterstock
This is a guest post by Sam Frankl. Although he didn’t know it at the time teeth issues can be causes for headaches, Sam has now seen his dentist and is pain free!