Many young orthodontic patients struggle with the idea of braces. As tweens and teens, they already feel awkward about their appearance and envisioning brackets and wires on their teeth doesn’t always help. Adult patients can also feel self-conscious – they no longer want their misaligned or crooked teeth but they are also reluctant to make a change with braces. Even though orthodontics affect daily life significantly, they are something to be proud of, and here are just some of the reasons why.
1. You Are on Your Way to the Healthiest Smile
Braces are often thought of as a cosmetic change only, a method to make teeth straight and give you an aligned smile. Orthodontics, though, are so much more than aesthetics. Take pride in the knowledge that your braces journey will not only deliver a gorgeous smile, it will give you a healthier smile too.
Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to floss, brush, and keep clean overall. If you maintain a solid at-home oral hygiene routine and never miss a regular dental cleaning and check-up, you will keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. People who are prone to teeth grinding or have jaw problems benefit from the realignment of their bite, teeth, and roots, minimizing potential damage that teeth can unconsciously inflict upon each other.
2. You Can Express Yourself
It might not feel like you have a lot of freedom where braces are concerned, but if you’re wearing metal or clear orthodontics, you always have the option to brighten up your look with colorful elastics. You need them no matter, and they will be changed at every adjustment. Many patients look forward to this element of versatility and enjoy that they have the power to name the color of their switch. You can even see what your elastics will look like before you make a change.
For most patients, especially teens, elastics are their favorite part of treatment. They decorate their smile with school colors, favorite colors, or a rainbow of combinations that express how they’re feeling that day or that celebrate a particular time of year.
3. You Have Chosen the Best Option for Your Smile
Depending on the condition of your teeth and severity of your misalignment, bite problems, gaps, or crooked teeth, you could have multiple orthodontic treatment options available. Many adults are interested in Invisalign, with clear, removable trays that do not include major eating restrictions and are hardly noticeable if at all. Invisalign Teen is available for qualified teenagers too. Many patients do best with traditional metal braces that are in place 24/7 and align teeth in about 18 months.
Whatever option is right for your smile, you can be proud of the choice you made to align your teeth and give yourself strong, beautiful teeth.
Find Out What Braces Are Right for You
Whether adult or teen, patients of Dr. Mariana Orthodontics in Monroe, WA, grow to love their orthodontics and the entire journey. Our team puts you first and we are proud to guide you through your new life with braces. To find out what’s possible for your teeth or your child’s teeth, schedule an evaluation today.
