Who says you have to be young to have braces? What about the people who didn’t have a chance to get braces when they were young? Surely there’s hope for them too? Each day, Dr. Jared Lee and our teams in Oxnard and Santa Paula enrich dozens of adult smiles. In this blog, you will discover 4 reasons to get adult braces. Likewise, we aim to educate you on the different options of braces for adults.
4 Reasons In Favor of Adult Braces
Reason #1: A Boost of Self-Confidence
An improved smile doesn’t just alter how you look. It can change how you feel about yourself. Adult braces can influence how you perceive your own face. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that nearly 2 million adults receive orthodontic treatment. At our Santa Paula and Oxnard locations, many patients are over the age of 18.
But our teams in Oxnard and Santa Paula want our clients to think beyond numbers. That figure represents people with fuller lives. Whether at yourself in the mirror or a passing stranger, smiling elevates your confidence. Visit us in person to find out why changing lives is our forte!
Reason #2: An Upgrade in Physiological Health
Proper brushing and flossing contribute to oral health. But they aren’t magic. If teeth are out of alignment, brushing and flossing may not be able to resolve the problem. Misshapen teeth create nooks and crannies in which plaque festers. If left untreated, excess plaque can lead to sore or bleeding gums, pain in the jaw, and headaches.
But the physical ailments don’t stop with oral hygiene. Especially later in life, irregularly shaped teeth can complicate our ability to chew food. This means that a task as simple as eating has now become a choking hazard. And what’s worse, swallowing unchewed food can cause severe abdominal discomfort.
Reason #3: Yes, You Can Afford Them
Our team understands how hard it can be to obtain care for ourselves and our families. Above, we mentioned that technology had provided us with more options to serve you. In addition, orthodontic remedies are more affordable now than they have been in the past. For adults, braces might be the first line of defense. As a result, they are a less expensive option.
Dr. Lee has resolved to never recommend anything a client doesn’t need. We’re happy to work with you to design a payment plan that fits your budget. Have insurance questions? No problem! We can work with your insurance company to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Reason #4: Better Dental Health = Better Mental Health
Still not convinced that orthodontic intervention is right for you? Dr. Lee’s standard for our Oxnard and Santa Paula offices is that we intend to improve lives. And that means much more than rearranging teeth. Adult braces can decrease anxiety and depression and boost overall mental health. Furthermore, if you like your smile, you’ll want to show it off. Smiling makes your brain pump out neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters influence your motivation and sense of well-being. And guess what? People who feel good about themselves smile more! Our teams want to help you tap into this kind of healthy feedback loop.
Types of Braces Dr. Lee Recommends
Dr. Lee will speak with you directly to determine which treatment option you need. Here are some of the possibilities you may come across.
Consider Invisalign
What if you had braces that you could remove whenever you wanted (within Dr. Lee’s guidance, of course)? Our team uses clear, lightweight plastic aligners by Invisalign®. They offer the wearer much more comfort and convenience than conventional braces. In general, you’ll wear your aligner for 9-15 months and will use between 18 – 30 sets. We recommend keeping the aligner on for 22 hours a day.
Clear Braces Work Too!
You may also hear clear braces referred to as ceramic, tooth-colored, or aesthetic. This is because they are designed to blend in with the teeth. Clear braces empower you to continue your daily routine without fretting about your appearance. They are more discreet and less obvious than metal braces. As a general rule, Dr. Lee recommends clear braces for most adults.
Even Metal Braces Work Wonders for Adults
An oldie, but a goldie! This is the image most people have when they think of “braces.” They’ve earned something of a stigma over the years, but Dr. Jared Lee intends to change that. Modern metal braces have lighter wires and sleeker brackets. For you, this means less pain and irritation. Our braces are compact and comfortable. A major advantage of metal braces is that they can potentially shorten the duration of your treatment.
Depend On Dr. Jared Lee for Adult Braces
While Dr. Lee is passionate about repairing teeth, his mission serves a bigger purpose. He wants to make people’s lives easier. Our team wants to remind you that braces aren’t just for young folks. Adults have smiles too, and they ought to love them.
We have access to all the orthodontic resources you need. We’re in the smile restoration industry, and we believe teeth ought to look their best, regardless of how old they are.
Don’t think that you’ve waited too long to get a great smile. Children and teens aren’t the only ones who can benefit from braces. They work well for grown-ups too! Now that you’re ready to get started, go here to schedule a free consult. Hesitant about an in-person visit? Take advantage of our virtual consult!