Considering getting braces? At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we say it’s never too late! These days, nearly 50 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults hoping to finally achieve the perfect smile they have always wanted. Over the last 15 years, the technology used in braces has advanced considerably. Gone are the days when wearing braces meant being a “metal mouth,” as a number of lightweight and cosmetically friendly versions are available. Brackets have become smaller and orthodontists don’t use bands or appliances that wrap around a patient’s teeth like they once did. Patients can even elect to wear ceramic braces that appear clear and far less noticeable from a distance when compared to metallic braces. The advances made in orthodontics also mean that patients experience less discomfort than before, and the time adult patients need to wear braces has shortened considerably. Most adults can expect their treatment to only last 12 to 20 months, a short duration when you consider the lifetime of enjoyment you’ll receive from having straighter, healthier teeth.
Preparing for Braces
At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, adult patients of Dr. Senestraro have many reasons why they decide to get braces. Reasons range from finally being able to afford treatment their parents could not or simply becoming more conscious of the health and cosmetic benefits afforded by having straighter teeth. Everybody wants a great-looking smile, and most adults understand the kind of difference straighter teeth can have on their professional and personal lives. Many patients of Dr. Senestraro eagerly agree that a lifetime of straighter teeth is worth the temporary expense and inconvenience associated with braces. While it’s understandable to have some initial concerns about getting braces, most patients quickly put aside any lingering doubts they may have experienced once they make the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. Once you begin treatment with Dr. Senestraro and our friendly and professional staff at Senestraro Family Orthodontics, your concerns will be put to rest as you begin to appreciate the long-term difference braces will have on your oral health.
A Healthy, Happy Smile
In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, getting braces can also have an enormous impact on your overall oral health as well. Crooked teeth can be far more difficult to properly clean when brushing and flossing daily when compared to straighter teeth. Failing to clean your teeth properly increases the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay, which can cause serious long-term health problems if left untreated. Patients who suffer from improper bites can also have difficulty chewing their food properly, which can lead to the development of gastrointestinal problems. Patients may also inadvertently grind their teeth together, which can cause teeth to wear down, crack, and break. Receiving treatment for these types of health problems can cost far more than the expense of undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you have always wanted a straighter smile, now’s the time to finally take action and enjoy the benefits offered by braces. Portland orthodontist Dr. Senestraro and his staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about braces and can help put your mind at ease. After all, everyone deserves the best-looking smile possible.
