Jun 25, 2018
For many of us, the thought of getting braces for the first time invites feelings of pure dread rather than excitement.
Maybe you don’t want to dish out $ 3k-$ 7k for the treatment. Or maybe you agree with 92% of kids without braces who think a “brace face” will prevent them from fitting in.
While everyone knows the main purpose of the treatment is to straighten teeth, there are many other valid reasons to get braces. If you learn what these are, you might end up finding out that the benefits severely outweigh the costs.
For example, did you know having straight teeth comes with unexpected social perks? Or that braces could help you prevent dangerous health problems?
If you’re on the fence about getting braces, and you need some convincing, here are 10 reasons why you should run to the orthodontist right now!
1. Avoid Serious Health Issues
There are many different types of misaligned teeth, from underbite to crowding.
Most of them seem harmless, but they make it more difficult to clean your teeth properly. This leads to greater plaque buildup, which can eventually lead to gum disease. And gum disease could increase your risk for heart disease, the number one killer in the US.
If you want to make it easier to keep your teeth free from plaque, correct your bite with braces.
2. More Adults Are Getting Them
As an adult, you may stay away from braces due to the fear of how other people will perceive you.
That said, over 1.2 million American adults now get braces each year, nearly a 40% increase since the late 90’s. So you can rest assured that most people won’t consider you a weirdo for wearing them after high school.
Unlike when you get braces as a teenager, however, your jaw is no longer growing. As a result, jaw surgery may be necessary to fix severe malocclusions.
3. Nobody Has to Know
The stigma of wearing braces as adults is all but gone. But even still, you may not be too happy with how you look with fixed braces.
However, the good news is that Invisalign braces offer a way for you to keep your “brace face” a secret. Not only are they see-through, but they’re removable too.
Invisalign may seem like the perfect option, but prepare to fork over more cash for them. If you can’t decide between Invisalign and traditional braces, read more here before making your final decision.
4. Kickstart Your Self-Confidence
It’s not uncommon for people with crooked teeth to go out of their way to hide them. After all, you wouldn’t want anyone to catch a glimpse of your less-than-stellar smile, would you?
Whether you realize it or not, this mentality puts a damper on your self-confidence. Being self-conscious impacts almost every aspect of your life.
For example, did you know self-confidence is positively correlated with earnings?
If your teeth are at the root of your self-esteem issues, you can grow more confident by getting orthodontic treatment.
5. Take Advantage of Social Perks
Believe it or not, people are 38% more likely to view you as intelligent if you have straight teeth. Imagine how this can impact a job interview, for instance
By simply fixing our smile, we can get a bit of a boost in every interaction we have with others.
6. Improve Your Success in the Dating World
Today’s dating world can be challenging for some of us to navigate. Dating apps provide us with seemingly unlimited options. But this also means you have to compete against more people.
Both sexes admit that nice teeth are the number one characteristic they look for in a partner. So if you want to maximize your dating success, don’t just hit the gym. Visit the orthodontist as well.
7. Payment Plans Make It Easier on Your Wallet
Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans don’t cover braces. Not to mention, the average American doesn’t have thousands of dollars to spend on their smile.
But you shouldn’t let money prevent you from taking advantage of the benefits of braces.
Inform your orthodontist about any concerns you have regarding the cost of braces. They’ll be more than happy to sit down and discuss payment plans and treatment options with you.
8. Save More Money in the Long Run
Braces may seem expensive now, but imagine how much you’ll end up paying in the future if you fail to straighten your teeth.
Misaligned teeth can eventually cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. Both are costly to treat. In the end, you’ll most likely save more money if you get braces now.
9. Prepare to Live Longer
Thanks to medical progress, the average lifespan in the US continues to increase. Americans today can expect to live about 3 more years than in the 90’s.
Since you’re going to be around longer, you’ll need to make sure you take better care of your teeth in the meantime. The inconvenience of dentures and the pain of dental implants are two more reasons to get braces.
10. A Crooked Bite Can Cause TMJ Disorder
Do you ever feel pain around your jaw area or notice a popping sound when you chew?
If so, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder. In some cases, TMJ can lead to tinnitus or even recurring migraines.
Thankfully, orthodontists can use braces to treat TMJ caused by misalignment. This type of treatment may ease your symptoms.
Final Thoughts on Reasons to Get Braces
Remember that misaligned teeth can lead to both minor and major health issues. If nothing else, put this at the top of your personal list of reasons to get braces.
Once you get braces, you won’t notice any funny looks from others, as it’s no longer uncommon for adults to have them. But if you’re really worried, opt for Invisalign to go about your daily business without drawing attention to your teeth.
At the end of the treatment, not only will you have more confidence, but people will see you as more competent. Plus, you can expect to have more dating prospects as well.
If you made it this far into the article, chances are that you’re the type of person who puts their health above everything else. So be sure to head over to the health section of our blog for regular health-related updates!