Braces are not for children and teenagers anymore.

If you never saw an orthodontist when you were younger, there is no time like the present to set up a consultation with a certified orthodontist.

Modern orthodontics allows adults to get braces affordably, and in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

These are the eight key reasons you should consider getting braces as an adult.

1. First Impressions Matter Most

They say a person will make a first impression of someone else within 7 seconds of meeting them. It should come as no surprise that many people view your smile as a “visual signature”.

If you do not have straight teeth, then another person’s first impression of you could be lacking for no justifiable reason other than aesthetics.

If you don’t have straight teeth and you feel that it could be hurting your interaction with others, then you should be considering adult braces.

2. Personal Confidence

The first point focused on what other people think of you. However, what you think of yourself is the most important point when considering adult braces.

The confidence of straight teeth and a fresh-looking smile is by far the most rewarding aspect of adult braces. People find that they are happier when they look in the mirror and see beautiful teeth.

That kind of happiness can improve overall well-being and bring all sorts of other immeasurable improvements to life.

3. The Embarrassment Factor

Many adults fail to seek orthodontic treatment because they think braces will make them look silly. These days, you do not have to run around with headgear to get straight teeth as people did back in the ’80s.

There are a wide variety of options, including “invisible” retainers that work to subtly correct your teeth over time. Most people would not even notice these retainers, and even the look of standard braces has improved over the years.

If you are embarrassed about how you will look with braces, worry no more!

4. Technology Improvements

Many adults also fail to seek orthodontic treatment because they think the process will be long and painful and/or cause significant disruption to their lives.

Fortunately, the technological advancements in adult orthodontics have been tremendous in recent years.

Today, there are a significant number of options depending on your budget and orthodontics issues. New technology like digital impressions can make the process far easier than in the past. And in most cases, minor dental issues can be corrected in a short period of time. In fact, the average duration for a set of adult braces is only 24 months.

Some dental care, particularly in the space of “invisible” retainers, can even be done in a completely remote fashion. The provider can send you the products required to make an impression of your teeth. You simply do the impression at home, mail it back to the provider, and wait for them to send you your new adult braces.

5. Professional Advancement

While most human resource departments will not admit it, it is commonly known that good looking people get ahead at work. Many individuals looking to move into management or executive positions actually receive professional coaching about adult braces if they do not have straight teeth.

Often companies will encourage individuals to seek adult orthodontics treatment because there is an unspoken rule that great leaders have great teeth. Companies feel that people trust people with straight teeth.

Thus, if you are looking to get ahead at work and you feel you do not have your perfect smile, then new braces could be what you need.

6. Dental Insurance

Many adults avoid getting braces to correct teeth problems because they believe braces will be too expensive. Fortunately, dental insurance has evolved over the years, and most dental plans will have some sort of coverage for orthodontics.

Further, as mentioned above, the technology in orthodontics has evolved in such a way that the product itself is cheaper (resulting in even further savings to the consumer).

7. Improved Attractiveness

If you are dating, adult braces can improve your chances of snagging those digits. Especially in today’s world of online dating, where people are swiping left and right to make a decision about a potential date candidate within a matter of seconds.

Having straighter teeth could be just the thing you need to make sure the people viewing your profile are absolutely swiping right.

If you already have a partner, a fresh new smile could be just the thing you need to spice up your relationship. Think of it as a diet. Most people love their partners for who they are, but it does typically make a couple happier when they start to see physical improvements from things like healthy eating and exercise.

Getting adult braces is no different.

8. Health

For many adults, braces make sense because they can improve your health. Certain orthodontic issues, such as an overbite or underbite, need to be fixed to prevent further complications down the road.

Braces can also do wonders for people who grind their teeth due to misalignment issues. Further, straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene as they are easier to clean and floss.

As with all aspects of personal health, it is imperative to stay on top of your orthodontic and oral hygiene.

Learn More About Options to Get Braces as an Adult

If you are or have been considering adult braces, now is the time to take that first step and make an appointment for a consultation with a certified orthodontist.

Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics specializes in adult orthodontics and can get you set up to get braces in no time. They even do virtual appointments. You are going to love how you look and feel with straight teeth!