Braces are necessary to correct the alignment and position of one’s teeth, improving overall dental health, and providing a better smile. They can address a myriad of dental problems, such as crooked teeth, underbite, overbite, tooth gaps, and other conditions of the teeth.
Braces are typically worn in childhood or adolescence for varying lengths of time. Typically, a wearer has to keep them on for around two to three years and then switch to a retainer for a couple more years. But what if you wait until adulthood to wear braces? It can certainly feel awkward being a 20 or 30-something with braces on your teeth. Sometimes, it can even lower your self-esteem and affect your self-image.
Nevertheless, there are lots of ways you can look your best in braces. Here are some examples:
Spruce up your brackets
The brackets are the tiny metal things that are installed on your teeth and held together by wires. Luckily, modern dental medicine now offers the chance for wearers to make a fashion statement by upgrading their braces with gold braces or brackets. Not only do these brackets make your braces look more sophisticated, but it will also give you a great confidence boost knowing there is literal gold on your teeth.
Choose invisible braces
If you don’t want your braces to change your appearance drastically, invisible braces are a great option for you. This type of braces function just like normal braces, but are instead made of ceramic brackets and transparent aligners, which are much less obvious than metal braces.
Wear eye makeup
Taking the attention away from your mouth has a lot to do with eye makeup. Start wearing darker eyeshadows and mascara to make your eyes pop, drawing people’s attention to your eyes instead of your mouth. This may make your morning routine longer, but at least you’ll feel better knowing that your braces aren’t the first thing people will notice about your face.
Avoid eye-catching bands
Your orthodontist will allow you to choose from an assortment of colors when installing rubber bands on your braces. To avoid unnecessary attention on your mouth, avoid rubber bands with bright and eye-catching colors. Get white or clear bands instead to keep them inconspicuous.
Get a new hairstyle
Another great way to take the attention away from your mouth, and give yourself a whole new look is to get a new hairstyle. You can even take it a step further and dye your hair a different color.
Opt for lingual braces
Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back of your teeth, which makes little to no change in your outward appearance. However, lingual braces are reserved for non-severe dental cases only. So if you are not facing serious tooth problems, ask your orthodontist about lingual braces.
Smile
Lastly, don’t forget to smile. Your adult peers are more mature now than they were in elementary and high school; they won’t make fun of you for having metal on your teeth. So don’t be afraid to show others your work in progress; remember that the best accessory you can wear is a smile.
Wearing adult braces can be tough. Aside from the pain and discomfort that comes along with it, there are also cosmetic issues to deal with. But with these tips, you can still look your best even while wearing braces, no matter how awkward you feel with them.
