Should Adults Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Should adults get orthodontic treatment? The short answer is yes! There are many benefits to straightening your smile, no matter your age. With more discreet treatment options, more perks, and more adults hopping on the orthodontic bandwagon than ever before, there are more reasons to start treatment than ever before. Keep reading to learn more about adult orthodontic treatment at Hansen Miller Orthodontics.

Why More Adults Are Seeking Orthodontic Treatment

It’s a common myth that orthodontic treatment is only for teens. In fact, one in every four orthodontic patients is over the age of 18! From touch-up treatments to newfound financial freedom, there are many reasons patients are making the jump. 

Touch-Up Treatment Following Relapse

Not everyone wears their retainers like they should. Many patients who had braces as teens experience shifting in the time since treatment, and this is usually because they forgot to wear their retainers. Fortunately, orthodontic relapse is typically easy to correct with less complex orthodontic adjustments, which is why many adults choose to correct their smiles when they’re old enough to know how important it is to wear a retainer. 

More Discreet Treatment Options

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since the days of headgear and bulky brackets. With treatment options like ceramic braces and clear aligners, fewer adults see the aesthetic appearance of orthodontic appliances as an obstacle to treatment. Instead, the smaller, tooth-colored brackets or clear plastic aligner trays are a pro rather than a con. 

Self-Esteem Boost

Crooked or crowded teeth can make a person feel self-conscious, and that can lead to stifling your happiness or hiding your smile. With the promise of a straight smile, however, adult patients feel more confident to tackle their social lives and careers than ever before.

Better Oral Health & Hygiene

Straight teeth are easier to clean and care for, and that’s a fact. Getting orthodontic treatment can reduce tight, hard-to-reach spaces in the mouth that often attract cavity-causing bacteria. When they’re easier to clean, you’re at a lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which becomes more important as you age. After all, you only get one set of teeth! Taking care of them is an investment in and of itself. 

Improve Difficulty Speaking or Chewing

When you have crowded or misaligned teeth, you might also struggle with speech or difficulty chewing. Getting orthodontic treatment as an adult can make it easier to pronounce words without a lisp, and it can also make chewing more comfortable. 

Reduce Sleep-Breathing Issues

For patients with difficulty sleeping, orthodontic treatment may be able to help. Sleep conditions are often a result of an obstructed airway or mouth-breathing pattern. By straightening your teeth and correcting your bite, you may experience more comfortable and restful sleep overall. 

Financial Freedom

Sometimes, adult orthodontic patients decide to get the orthodontic treatment they wanted as a kid. The financial freedom that comes from your own hard work and life choices can help make your straight-smile dreams come true. Plus, with flexible payment plans and affordable treatment options, it’s never been easier to start orthodontic treatment. 

Milestone Moments

Graduations, weddings, career moves. A self-conscious grin shouldn’t overshadow these key moments in your life. Getting orthodontic treatment ahead of a key life milestone can be a great way to celebrate your wins while also feeling better about yourself. Plus, feeling proud to share photos of these events can often enhance your memories of the event and make you feel confident enough to reminisce for years to come. 

Should Adults Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Treatment Options for Adult Orthodontics

No two smiles are the same, so no two treatment plans are either. With three different options to choose from, you and your orthodontist can make an informed decision that you feel confident in. 

Invisalign for Adults

As one of the most popular choices for adult orthodontic treatment, Invisalign clear aligners are an aesthetically pleasing option that won’t attract the notice of your peers. Using a series of clear, plastic aligner trays designed to fit the unique contours of your teeth, these trays gradually shift your teeth in line without the need for brackets and wires. Because they are removable, you get the added benefit of easier maintenance without adjusting your diet to accommodate your appliance. 

Metal Braces

For patients with more complex orthodontic concerns, we might recommend traditional metal braces. The good news is that modern braces are much more discreet and comfortable than they used to be, making them less noticeable and more effective overall. 

Ceramic Braces

Like metal braces, ceramic braces use a system of brackets and wires to guide your teeth into their correct positions. However, ceramic brackets are made of a tooth-colored material that blends in with your teeth. This option is often the best of both worlds for an adult orthodontic patient who requires more complex treatment but wishes to keep that treatment a secret. 

Should Adults Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Come Smile with Us

At Hansen Miller Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves the confidence of a straight smile. With modern treatment options and top-of-the-line technology to match, our team makes the adult orthodontic treatment process a breeze. If you’re ready to start, schedule a free consultation with us in Las Vegas or Henderson today!