Can Adults Get Braces? Absolutely. And Here’s Why They Should.
Adults often wonder if they’re too old for braces — the truth is, you’re almost never too old for braces, and if you’re thinking about them, you should probably get them. Why? Braces, like all orthodontic treatments, are one of the best preventative, non-invasive options to help both children and adults keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Braces, and orthodontics in general are also one of the most under-appreciated treatments: Many people think orthodontics is just about making your smile appearance better.
But braces and orthodontic treatment are about much more than cosmetics. Keep reading to find out why you—and adults of all ages—should consider getting braces.
Why Do Adults Need Braces?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about aligning your teeth for a better smile. For adults (and patients of all ages), braces and other orthodontic treatments are about your health.
The position of your teeth is directly linked to your overall dental health.
When teeth are badly positioned, it can cause significant damage to your healthy, correctly placed teeth. Simply moving the teeth to a better position can help protect your teeth from a lot of wear and trauma over the course of your life.
Braces and other orthodontic treatments can also improve your overall dental health. When teeth are crowded in an are of your mouth, it becomes the perfect hiding place for harmful and hard-to clean bacteria. More often than not, this leads to painful gum infections (periodontal disease). By seeking orthodontic treatment, patients say good-bye to gum disease for good.
Orthodontics also protects your teeth from abnormal wear and trauma. When we chew our food every day, our teeth come together. If they’re positioned badly, that can cause them to bang into each other and damage each other. Getting the teeth into a healthy position can help you avoid chipping and cracking over time.
The benefits to adult braces are seemingly endless. To find out about the additional health benefits of orthodontic treatment, schedule an appointment today.
Treatment: Braces and Orthodontics for Adults
If you’re an adult considering braces or other orthodontic treatment, think of it as an investment in your dental health: getting treatment now not only straightens your teeth, fixes your smile, and corrects current dental health issues, but it also prevents more serious problems from developing.
As an orthodontist, I’ve noticed more and more adults seeking treatment later in life. Many patients still think that orthodontists only treat kids – that’s not the case anymore! We treat lots of adults, and many tell us the results are life-changing. Sometimes parents will decide to go through treatment with their kids!
Now that you understand some of the health benefits, here are some things to consider when seeking treatment:
- As an adult, if you prefer clear aligners such as Invisalign, make sure to find an orthodontist who is very experienced with this type of appliance – it requires an entirely different skill set than placing traditional braces.
- Plan both your finances and lifestyle around your decision to seek treatment. Maybe that means putting away Flexible Spending Account money to fund your treatment, or opting for orthodontic insurance next year. Also plan for a time in your life when you’ll be able to commit to treatment.
- Find a place where you’re comfortable going, and you like the doctor and team. Unlike many medical treatments with orthodontics, you’ll come to the office about every 8 weeks – so it’s nice to go to a place you enjoy!
- Ask your orthodontist what specific health benefits you’ll gain from pursuing orthodontic treatment. It’s so important to understand your dental health risks of having your teeth in an unhealthy position, and what it will mean to you later in life. Then you can feel great about making this investment in your dental health.
We’re here to help you!
Give our office a call today to schedule a free consultation, and learn more about preserving your teeth for a lifetime.
