It’s Never Too Late To Have The Perfect Smile

The American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Adults may choose to correct their orthodontic problems not only for cosmetic reasons, but to maintain their health as well.

Many adults do not realize that braces are, in fact, a viable option if you are looking to fix your teeth after your teenage years. Yes, many people go through the process of braces earlier in life, but there are many valid reasons to get braces as an adult too! Braces help contribute to higher self-esteem and confidence, as well as solving many health issues that you may not realize are connected to your orthodontic health. If you are an adult that is debating braces treatment, read on to learn more about what this process entails and if you are a candidate for braces.

Am I A Candidate For Braces?

Most people know that braces are very useful for straightening crooked teeth. For some adults, a cosmetic fix like straighter teeth is exactly what they want out of braces treatment. This can help boost confidence and make patients feel more comfortable sharing their smiles. Aside from cosmetics, braces are also extremely effective at correcting orthodontic issues such as bite misalignment and overcrowding. These types of problems can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as pain in and around the mouth. If you have experienced problems such as chronic jaw pain, TMJ, earaches, and bone erosion, braces could be a great treatment option for you.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for braces is to book a consultation with us. At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations so that everyone has access to accurate and reliable information regarding their orthodontic health. During this preliminary appointment, our team of doctors will perform a visual examination of the mouth and take digital scans using our equipment, like the iTero scanner, to determine the underlying jaw position. You will have time to ask any lingering questions and decide the best way to move forward with treatment if it is needed.

Did you know that 4 million people in the U.S wear braces? Twenty-five percent of that number are adults. The braces that are available today are quite different than what was available when you were a child. Because of these advancements, more and more adults are seeking solutions to correct alignment issues that were not addressed in childhood.

Have you been wanting to straighten your teeth? It’s not too late!

How Long Will I Wear Braces?

One of the most important things to know about braces is that the total length of time you can expect treatment to last will vary depending on the individual. On average, most people usually wear some form of braces for about two years. However, this can increase or decrease depending on the specific issues you’re trying to correct, as well as their severity.

What Can I Eat With Braces?

Overall, there are definitely certain types of foods you’ll want to steer clear of during the course of your treatment. These include any foods that are particularly sticky, such as hard candy. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid foods like popcorn that could potentially get stuck in and around the brackets, and you’ll want to stop eating very hard foods like hard pretzels that could cause damage and delay the completion of your treatment.

How Do I Care For My Braces?

Caring for your braces is a very precise process, yes – but it isn’t exactly difficult at the same time. In addition to practicing proper oral hygiene, all you really have to do is make sure that you clear all food particles and other obstructions from in and around the braces after each meal. Usually flossing on a regular basis will help get this particular job done.

The Benefits Of Braces For Adults in Central, Prairieville, Addis & Baton Rouge LA

The biggest benefit that adults usually enjoy as a result of braces has to do with improved confidence. Indeed, this is why people typically choose to pursue this option in the first place. Likewise, braces can help correct small dental issues now before they become much bigger and more dangerous ones down the road.

Your Health Matters

Our promise is that we provide “more than smiles” because we are here to help you have a better quality of life. Ask us about your own personalized orthodontic treatment plan today.