Am I too old for Orthodontic treatment?
Whether you didn’t have access to treatment when you were younger, or your teeth started shifting later in life, here are some things to consider before correcting your smile as an adult.
At any age, great teeth are an important and worthwhile investment. A dazzling healthy smile can do wonders for your confidence and ensures easier cleaning and access to look after the health of your teeth.
Your Orthodontist considers many variables when developing a customised treatment plan for their patients, but age is rarely a deciding factor. Orthodontic treatment can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents, so don’t let your age stop you from consulting an Orthodontist!
Whether you’re a teenager or 80 year old adult, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time, Many Orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for Adults as It is for children/teens.
The biggest difference for adults vs children/teens in Orthodontics is that adults are no longer growing, so adult treatment may take slightly longer than a younger teens with a similar problem.
They may be more likely to have fillings, missing teeth, worn down teeth, or other dental disease. Some medications as well as habits like smoking, clenching or grinding can all affect the outcome of treatment. Your specialist Orthodontist has a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience, which means that they will have no problem overcoming any challenge. In some cases, it’s common for Orthodontist to work closely with your family Dentist to coordinate care. For some adults to reach optimal dental health, other specialists such as an Oral Surgeon, Periodontist or Endodontists may need to be contacted.
What sort of braces should I get?
Ugly braces are well and truly a thing of the past, Technologies have evolved so wearing braces is no longer as aesthetically concerning or uncomfortable as it used to be. So why resign yourself to a life with crowded or misaligned teeth? The wires used are less noticeable, the stainless-steel brackets we use are now smaller and less protrusive in the mouth and we also have clear ceramic braces as a more discreet braces option.
How about clear aligner treatment?
Clear aligners such as Invisalign are one of the most common treatment options for adults. A series of removable, clear plastic trays are used to gently guide teeth into their new positions. They’re custom made for every patient and made to fit snugly on your teeth and can be removed for eating & toothbrushing. Another reason why clear aligners are more popular in older patients is review appointments can be spaced out and worked around a busy work schedule.
How long will my orthodontic treatment take?
This is one of the first questions an adult will ask their orthodontist. Ultimately the answer will depend on the type of treatment you chose to undertake, as well as the extent of orthodontic correction required. Treatment can take anywhere from 6 months – 2 years. Your Orthodontist will discuss estimated treatment duration during your assessment.
Your teeth are such an important and worthwhile investment in life, no matter what age! A dazzling smile can do wonders for your confidence, make your teeth easier to clean and look after which will reduce your risk of nasty tooth decay and other oral health