Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.
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If you find that you avoid showing off your smile or feel self-conscious when you do smile, it is time to consider getting braces. Regardless of your age, braces can help straighten and correct your smile so that you feel confident when it is time to show off those pearly whites. Check out a few reasons getting braces as an adult may make sense for your situation.
1. Properly Spaced Teeth are Less Likely to Get Cavities
Not only will braces improve your smile, but they can also promote a higher level of overall dental health. If your teeth are crooked or too close together, this makes it easy for plaque and food particles to accumulate in the spaces between the teeth. Even if you regularly brush and floss your teeth, it can be tricky to clean these areas adequately. For some individuals, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Once your teeth are properly-spaced, you will find that your daily dental tasks are much easier and more effective at keeping your mouth clean.
2. Your Dental Insurance Like Provides Some Level of Coverage for Orthodontia
Check your dental insurance policy for the details, but it is likely that your policy provides some type of coverage for orthodontia. Your benefits may have a lifetime limit, or you may have an annual limit for orthodontia-related costs. Understand what your policy will cover so that you can get the most from your coverage.
If you have a shortfall between the cost of your braces and what your dental insurance will cover, know that many orthodontists offer payment plans. These payment plans have variable terms and usually have affordable interest rates.
You can also use money in your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your braces with tax-advantaged dollars.
3. Advancements in Braces Technology Do Not Require You to Avoid Certain Foods
If you are concerned about having to avoid certain foods while you have braces, it is time to research invisible braces. With invisible braces, you receive a series of aligners. Each aligner has a slightly different shape to help straighten your teeth. Every week or two, you switch to a new aligner.
One of the biggest benefits of invisible braces is that you can take them out when it is time to eat. You don't have to worry about food getting caught in the brackets of your braces because there are no brackets. Sticky foods like caramel and gum are not an issue, nor are hard foods like nuts and popcorn.
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