From social media filters to just wanting to feel good, people are always looking for new ways to look better, feel better, and gain that Hollywood glow. In an airbrushed world, it can be a challenge to feel accepted and beautiful in every situation. One available procedure that is often overlooked by adults is orthodontics. These days there are many ways to achieve a beautiful smile without feeling like an awkward teenager again. Orthodontics can help boost your overall appearance and give your self-esteem a charge as well. Here are five reasons braces can benefit you as an adult.

1. Look Good and Feel Good

How you look, or how you think you look, has a major impact on how you feel about yourself. Crooked or gapped teeth, jaw misalignments, or other dental issues can deal a major blow to how you see yourself. With a few tweaks to your smile, whether using traditional braces or one of several invisible options, you are on your way to feeling more vibrant and confident in yourself.

2. Correct Age-Related Jaw Bone Changes

Let’s face it—as we get older, our bodies change. Your teeth and jaw are no exception to this. Orthodontic treatment is one way to keep oral discomfort from getting worse, but it can also help reverse damage that has already been done. Teeth that are straight allow brushing and flossing to do their job, which can reduce cavities and even gingivitis. At the same time, your orthodontist can correct issues like buck teeth, overcrowded teeth, and misalignment in general, relieving pressure on your jaw.

3. Improve Your Overall Health

Believe it or not, the mouth is the gateway to a healthy body. Disorganized teeth can actually have negative effects on your body, specifically the respiratory system. Research shows there is a direct correlation between misaligned teeth and sleep apnea. Misalignments can also create difficulty swallowing, which can lead to bloating and indigestion. For more information, check out the link here.

4. Try More Attractive Options for Braces

Braces aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days of the obvious metal wires and brightly colored rubber bands. Today, there are plenty of options. You could look at getting clear aligners, such as Invisalign. You might also consider ceramic brackets, which are tooth-colored, or lingual braces, which go on the back of your teeth rather than the front. All of these options offer the benefit of orthodontia without the stigma attached to it that you remember from high school.

5. Look to the Future

The most important reason for adults to consider braces is that it will make any future dental procedures much easier to perform. From routine cleanings, implants, and even teeth whitening, future procedures will be easier and more effective if you have straight pearly whites to start with.

Oral care is one of the most overlooked areas of a healthy life. It’s never too late to make adjustments to live a healthier lifestyle, and orthodontia can be a step in the process to live your best life now.