Here’s the thing – you’re definitely not alone. Dr. Vahid Babaeian at Brace Connection in Downey, CA sees adults just like you every single day. People who finally decided that this is their year to stop hiding their smile and do something about it.
“But I’m Too Old for Braces!” (Spoiler Alert: You’re Not)
Can we just bust this myth right now? One in five people getting braces today is an adult. That’s 20%! So while you’re sitting in the waiting room at Brace Connection, you might be chatting with a 35-year-old teacher, a 45-year-old executive, or even a 60-year-old grandparent who decided it’s never too late.
The Real Reasons Adults Are Getting Braces (It’s Not Just Vanity)
Sure, we all want to look good. But here’s what really drives adults to finally pick up the phone and call Brace Connection:
That Annoying Jaw Pain Finally Makes Sense
You know that clicking in your jaw? Or that dull ache after a long day? Yeah, crooked teeth might be the culprit. When Dr. Babaeian straightens your teeth, he’s not just making them pretty – he’s getting your whole mouth to work together like it’s supposed to.
“I Can’t Clean There!”
Ever feel like no matter how much you floss, there’s that one spot that’s impossible to reach? Crowded teeth create these little pockets where gunk builds up. Getting adult braces means finally being able to actually clean your teeth properly. Your hygienist will be shocked at your next cleaning!
The Confidence Thing Is Real
Look, we can pretend it doesn’t matter, but feeling good about your smile changes everything. Job interviews, dates, even just ordering coffee – when you’re not worried about your teeth, you show up differently in the world.
Your Teeth Are On the Move (And Not in a Good Way)
Remember when you had braces as a kid but “forgot” to wear your retainer? Or maybe you never had braces, and now your teeth are doing their own thing? Teeth love to wander as we age. Dr. Babaeian sees tons of adults who need to get their teeth back in line – literally.
“Okay, But What About the Metal Mouth Look?”
This is where things get interesting. When you visit Brace Connection, you’re going to be pretty surprised at your options. Dr. Babaeian isn’t about to send you back to the office looking like a teenager from 1995.
Invisalign: The “Are You Even Wearing Braces?” Option
These clear aligners are basically invisible. Seriously. And get this – at Brace Connection, they use this super cool iTero scanner (no gross putty molds!) to create your custom aligners. You can take them out to eat, brush, and for important meetings or dates. Game changer.
Ceramic Braces: The Subtle Approach
Think regular braces, but the brackets match your tooth color. From a normal conversation distance, people probably won’t even notice. They’re like the stealth mode of braces.
Yes, Even Regular Metal Braces Are Different Now
If you do need traditional braces (sometimes they’re the best option for tricky cases), today’s versions are way smaller and more comfortable than what you remember from middle school.
What Nobody Tells You About Getting Adult Braces
Let’s get real for a minute. Here’s what actually happens when you decide to get adult braces:
Week 1: “What have I done?” Your mouth feels weird. You’re super aware of your braces. You might have a slight lisp. You question everything.
Week 2-3: You figure out what foods work (spoiler: soup is your friend). You master the art of brushing around brackets. The weird feeling starts to fade.
Month 2: You forget they’re there half the time. Coworkers stop commenting. Life goes on.
Month 6: You start noticing changes. That one crooked tooth? It’s moving! You become obsessed with progress photos.
The End: You literally can’t stop running your tongue over your smooth, straight teeth. You smile at everyone. You take selfies. You wonder why you waited so long.
Dr. Babaeian Gets It (Because He’s Not Your Average Orthodontist)
Here’s what makes Dr. Vahid Babaeian different: he’s board-certified (that’s like the PhD of orthodontics), but more importantly, he gets that adults have different needs than kids.
You’re not going to get a lecture about eating candy (though maybe lay off the Jolly Ranchers). You’re not going to feel like you’re back in high school. Instead, you’ll work with someone who understands you have a life, a job, and real concerns about how this all works.
Plus, Brace Connection has all the latest tech. That iTero scanner I mentioned? It means no gagging on impression goop. They can show you what your smile will look like before you even start. It’s pretty wild.
Ready to Stop Thinking About It and Actually Do It?
Here’s my challenge to you: Stop telling yourself you’ll do it “someday.” Someday isn’t on the calendar.
Dr. Babaeian and his team at Brace Connection offer FREE smile exams. Free! You can go in, ask all your questions (even the embarrassing ones), see what your options are, and then decide. No pressure, no judgment, just information.