Pros And Cons Of Getting Braces As An Adult

If you are unhappy with your smile because some of your teeth are crooked, you might be thinking about getting braces. However, even though orthodontics can be an effective treatment for misalignment, there are some important things to consider before booking any treatments. I recommend weighing out the positives and negatives of traditional braces as well as modern alternatives. To get you started, here are some of the pros and cons of getting braces as an adult.

Pro #1: Your Teeth Will Look Better 

The most obvious positive reason to get braces is that your teeth will look and feel better. Aligning teeth is something that can not only give you a better smile but can even improve your facial structure. Furthermore, putting teeth where they belong will also help to keep their integrity and health. One reason is that it’s easier to maintain your oral hygiene when there is better access between teeth.  

Pro #2: Boosts Confidence

Once orthodontic treatment is complete, you might experience a whole new outlook on yourself and life. Some people are literally transformed and experience life-changing opportunities when their teeth are fixed. This is often seen personally and professionally. Of course, everyone is different and will experience varying emotions and benefits from the process.

Pro #3: It Can Reveal Other Dental Issues 

During the process of qualifying for and fitting braces, other dental issues, like misaligned jaw bones or bone loss are revealed. In some cases, this is a benefit if these problems would not have been caught otherwise. Severe jaw problems and can cause other health issues like migraines, headaches, nerve pain, and difficulty eating. 

Con #1: The Treatment Takes a Long Time 

One of the biggest downsides of traditional braces is that the treatment takes a long time and is quite invasive. Adult bones are less adaptable than a child’s, so it takes longer for the teeth to move. You want to consider this time carefully, as you will have extra maintenance, food restrictions, can other things that you won’t be able to do as well. Make sure that you are able to commit to this journey to the end. 

Con #2: They Don’t Look Great

One of the big issues that people have with adult braces is the way they look. Though the size and color of the actual mechanism have greatly improved over the years, they are still not the most attractive things to show off. I believe this is something you have to decide based on how much you want to change your teeth.

The good news is, there are other options that are virtually invisible. For example, Invisalign® is an excellent alternative to braces that can take less time and is not as invasive. You can still eat as you normally would and because they are removable, caring for your teeth and the units is much easier.

Con #3: You May Need Teeth Removed 

Getting braces fitted can be quite an invasive treatment. In some cases, you may need to have some teeth removed beforehand. And, if you have a lot of anxiety about visiting the dentist, this could be a big hurdle. The braces can also cause pain and discomfort as the teeth move into place. However, depending on your case, you could be a candidate for modern alternatives to braces that don’t require you to have your teeth removed and don’t cause as much pain during the process. 

The decision to align your teeth with traditional braces or even the clear, modern version is one to take seriously. Though there are obvious benefits, the negative attributes could be more than you bargained for along the way. Talk to your dental care team, as well as your primary physician about all the possible pitfalls.

Another thing to think about is the cost. The average set of traditional metal braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 – $7,000. Ceramic braces will run you $4,000 – 8,000. Lingual braces (mounted on the backside of teeth) are more costly at $8,000 – 10,000. Invisalign® is usually $4,000 – 7,400. Though you might have good dental insurance or lofty savings to cover most of it, it’s still something to think about.