A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.

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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

The Pros And Cons Of Getting Braces As An Adult

Bella Snyder

When we think about braces, we tend to think about teenagers.  For many of us, in fact, braces were a big part of our own childhood.  Less well-known is the fact that adults can often benefit from braces as well.  Like any procedure, getting braces as an adult has both its positives and negatives.  Here's a closer look at what you might expect as an adult getting braces:

Why Might I Need Braces as an Adult?

There are a variety of reasons why you might need braces as an adult.  Perhaps you had crooked teeth as a child that were never seen to.  Maybe you did have braces as a child, but your teeth shifted back to their original positions.  Even if neither of those are the case, it's not uncommon for teeth to shift with age.  Whatever the reason, don't worry - having braces as an adult is actually fairly common, so you know you won't be alone.

The Pros

Having a healthy smile is a boon for both your personal and professional life.  Many adults report feeling better about giving presentations, meeting new people, or working in their job with teeth that are healthy and straight.  In addition, braces can definitely help your teeth and mouth to be healthier.  When you have a misaligned bite, there is an increased chance of plaque and bacterial buildup.  This can lead to cavities and gum disease.  Getting this problem corrected with braces can prevent costlier and more serious problems down the road.

The Cons

Many people are concerned about the way braces will make their teeth look.  There are clear braces available to help offset this problem, although they tend not to work quite as quickly as metal ones.  Braces also tend to be more expensive for adults than they are for children and teenagers.  According to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, the average cost of braces for an adult is $4,800 in the US.

Is it Worth It?

Whether or not getting braces will be worth it for you of course comes down to your own personal situation and preferences.  Everyone has different priorities and reasons to balance when they make the decision of whether they should get braces or not.  Most importantly, though, don't let age deter you.  You're never to late to update your smile or improve your oral health.  So if you think braces might be right for you, talk to your dentist.  No matter what your individual situation is, your dentist can help you to get the right treatment for you.


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