You see children, teens, and young adults with braces everywhere. It might make you wonder; did you miss your opportunity to achieve a straighter smile? Fortunately, this isn’t the case at all. You are never too old to begin working towards a smile that you are proud to show off. Continue reading to learn about some of the benefits of getting orthodontic treatment as an adult.
There Are No Age Limits
Pre-teen and teenage years tend to be the ideal time to align teeth because the patient is still growing. Orthodontic treatment is still very effective at moving the positions of the teeth further into adulthood. If you are unhappy with your smile due to misalignment or bite issues, there is no reason for that to stop any adult from beginning orthodontic treatment.
Improved Self-Esteem
The way you feel about yourself affects many different areas of your life. Whether you are trying to preserve the health of your teeth, expand your social circle, attending job interviews, or on the dating scene, having beautiful teeth can help you to feel even more confident than you already do. After all, your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, so having one you are proud to show off is nothing but an advantage.
Improves Dental Health
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about appearance. Having straight teeth can also improve your dental health. When teeth are overcrowded or otherwise misaligned, it can be difficult to clean them properly when you brush and floss. With more food debris and plaque left behind, you are more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth infections, including bad breath. By correcting misalignment now, you may be able to prevent the need for additional, expensive restorative dental procedures in the future.
Multiple Orthodontic Treatment Options
Traditional metal braces may be what you picture when you hear “orthodontic treatment,” but they certainly aren’t your only option. While they are a great choice, not all adults are comfortable showing off metal brackets and wires. There are a variety of other options as well:
- Clear/Ceramic Braces: Clear braces use the same technique as traditional metal braces with one key difference – the brackets are made from durable clear ceramic, so they blend in better with your smile.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners use a series of plastic aligners to discreetly shift misaligned teeth into their ideal locations.
- Lingual Braces: Instead of being placed on the front-facing surfaces of the teeth, lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth, allowing for reliable results and invisibility!
- Accelerated Orthodontics:If you’re interested in traditional or lingual braces, you may have the option of undergoing accelerated orthodontics. Accelerated orthodontics can safely shift the teeth into their final positions two to three times faster than traditional methods! This is possible by combining orthodontics with outpatient oral surgery to stimulate bone growth, allowing the teeth to move more quickly and precisely.
You are never too old to take steps to improve the appearance and function of your smile. Whether you are 12, 40, 60, or older, orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the grin you’ve been dreaming of!
About the Author
Dr. Tom Hall earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston before obtaining a Master of Science Degree and a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics. Currently, he is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, Texas Dental Association, and the Southwestern Society of Orthodontics. For more information or to schedule a consultation at one of his two orthodontic offices in Houston, visit his website or call (713) 862-8223.