It seems that more adults have begun to utilize braces as a tool to align their teeth and give them the smiles they've always wanted. If you're considering adult braces, read on for advice on combatting societal norms, beating your fears, and what to expect after making your decision.   

Societal Norms & What to Expect

Search for images of braces on a search engine and your page will soon be filled with photo after photo of smiling teenagers. How can you, as an adult, overcome societal norms and feel comfortable with your own set of braces?

Luckily for you and thousands of other adults, braces have come a long way since they were first created. Smaller, clearer, and generally less noticeable – braces are no longer being associated with a mouth full of metal. And with nearly half of orthodontic patients being adults there's no longer a stigma surrounding adult braces. Adults have begun to take charge of their smiles and take the plunge.

It's Never Too Late

Forget what you've heard – it's never too late to fix your smile. There are a number of reasons people couldn't get braces until well into their adult years and there's nothing holding you back from getting the smile you've always wanted.

With the help of the right orthodontist, you can be well on your way to a beautiful, perfectly aligned smile. An adult can expect to wear their braces for an average of 12 – 20 months. That's nothing in comparison to the years you'll be spending with your new smile.

What to Do After Making Your Decision

If you've decided that braces are right for you, simply making an appointment with an orthodontist is your first step.

An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the alignment of teeth. After a thorough examination, your orthodontist will offer you the best treatment plans that they feel best fit your situation. A number of options may be available to you, depending on your situation. These include ceramic braces, which are less noticeable than conventional ones, or even custom-fitted liners which are typically only worn for part of the day. If conventional braces are more your thing, there are a number of options available for those as well in terms of style and minimization of their appearance.

It's never too late to get the smile you've always wanted. For more information on adult braces, consult with an orthodontist (such as one from Fayetteville Family Dentistry). After examining your teeth and coming up with a treatment plan, you can speak with them about all of the options available to you and decide if this is the step you'd like to take. 

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