Five Common Reasons Why Adults Get Braces

Braces are something that many people associate with the pre-teen and teen years. It’s almost like a rite of passage that you go through some sort of corrective procedure with your teeth. But here’s the thing, braces aren’t purely for teenagers as the statistics show. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, today 20% of orthodontic patients are in fact over the age of 18. Sure, it can be easier to move around your teeth when you are under the age of 18, but it’s not impossible when you’re an adult.

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So what exactly is prompting adults to go ahead and get braces at this less than traditional age? Well there are actually a few common reasons. Let’s take a closer look.

Clinics Are Offering More Advanced Services

A big part of why it’s so common for pre-teens and teens to get braces is the fact that it’s easier to move around the position of the teeth since their bones are still growing. However, thanks to advancements in procedures and tools used by orthodontists, there are more services that exist today that can address the needs of adults.

Take for example Aesthetic Dental in Santa Clarita, California, which offers a full-service state-of-the-art technology approach to oral health care. There is no question that treatment as an adult can be more difficult and complicated, so having these state-of-the-art technologies available makes a massive difference.

They Want to Feel Confident in Their Smile

One of the most common reasons that you’ll come across is that adults want to feel more confident in their smile. They want to be able to show off a gorgeous and healthy smile, and unfortunately this isn’t always possible without intervention.

There have been a number of studies done in the past decade or so that show many Americans are embarrassed to smile, which can have serious emotional effects. Not only that, but never smiling means a person is portraying an image that isn’t exactly welcoming, and is probably the exact opposite of how they truly feel.

Correct Other Health Issues

Another interesting reason adults are going the route of braces is that they are looking to avoid or correct other health problems. For those who suffer from regular earaches and headaches, the problem could be an improper bite. Correcting your bite can thereby correct your health issues.

It Comes Down to Dollars and Cents

Then there is the fact that braces have become more affordable in general. The price to get braces is much cheaper than it was 10, even 20 years ago. Combine that with the fact you may have a dental insurance plan that covers at least a portion of the procedure and suddenly it fits in the budget.

No Longer an Eyesore

Finally there is the fact that braces are less noticeable, so they are no longer an eyesore. You can have them put on and not feel self-conscious since they are smaller and can be clear.

As you start to examine the many reasons that adults go ahead and have braces, it’s clear that age is not a factor when it comes to pursuing a healthy and great looking smile.