Do You Dream of Having a Beautiful Smile, But Worry That You’re Too Old to Get Braces?
Did you know that twenty-five percent of patients who wear braces are adults? Lots of adults believe that because they never got braces as a teenager that it’s too late. Many people go through their entire lives with self-esteem issues and oral health problems because of the appearance of their teeth. What lots of folks don’t realize though is that getting braces has health benefits, and that there are orthodontic options available today that are just about as close to invisible as you can get! Your perfect smile is easier than you think!
I had a wonderful experience going to A Perfect Smile! I always had friendly service and I was always taken in in reasonable time. I would definitely recommend this orthodontist to anyone. My teeth are straight and beautiful and I couldn’t be happier.” – Jadyn B.
Misaligned Teeth and Jaw Problems Can Create Health Issues
Braces can fix problems with teeth that are crooked, too crowded, or have unsightly spaces between them. They can also correct misalignments with the jaw. When misaligned teeth are left untreated, other serious health issues can occur such as gum disease, tooth decay, difficulty chewing, and abnormal wearing of tooth enamel. In some situations, getting braces can actually help you keep your teeth longer.
Bacteria can congregate in small, tight areas where teeth are misaligned which will create cavities, gum disease. Left untreated, these can lead to very expensive dental repairs, or even the need to replace the teeth. Unaligned bites can put too much pressure on some areas of the teeth causing the teeth to wear down and thus become more prone to decay and even tooth breakage or cracking.
Up to 50% of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease; some don’t even know that they have it until it’s a very advanced and an expensive problem to treat. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and if it’s not treated, it can cause plaque to form and spread below the gum line which is called periodontitis. When teeth are in proper alignment, they are much less prone to gum disease.
Additionally, if the bite and jaws are misaligned, it may cause other issues such as TMJ, or Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This can cause ongoing headaches, difficulty chewing, pain when chewing, jaw pain, and clicking noises.
I always had the best experience when I came into Perfect Smile! Dr. Taylor and all the dental assistants were amazing. They always had a great attitude and made sure you felt comfortable. Also loved my outcome and am feeling 100% more confident on my smile.” – Daniella C.
Would you like a FREE, no obligation consultation?
Call us at 956.630.6166!
At What Age Are Adults Too Old to Get Braces?
There really is no age limit on braces. Here at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we’ve treated adults of all ages and can provide orthodontic treatment for the whole family! Basically, anyone who wants to improve their oral health and get the smile they have always dreamed of can get braces!
The only difference between an adult getting braces and a child or teenager getting braces is that adults are no longer growing. Healthy teeth can still be moved just as they can in kids. Some patients may have crowns on their teeth or may have had other dental work completed and might worry those types of repairs will prevent them from getting braces. Teeth that have crowns on them can still be moved since the crown only covers the surface of the tooth.
Dr. Taylor is happy to go over options with you in the free consultation that he provides to anyone considering braces. If you have missing teeth, Dr. Taylor may be able to close the gap with braces, or he may want to hold that space open for an implant or a bridge. He is always willing to work with you and your dentist so that you can achieve a smile that you can be proud of!
What Types of Braces Are Used on Adults?
The short answer is that any type of braces can be used on adults, just as they can on kids. However, your orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be noticeable to others. There are many more options available today that are designed to fit your lifestyle.
Lots of our adult patients choose Invisalign braces which aren’t braces in the traditional sense. Instead, these are clear, plastic aligners that are virtually invisible and are changed out every few weeks throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment. They are removed for eating and drinking, and adults love them because they don’t have to feel self-conscious about wearing “braces.”
Another advantage to wearing Invisalign braces is that there are fewer appointments needed since your trays are all provided to you at the beginning of treatment; a visit is not required for you to switch from one tray to another. Additionally, oral hygiene is easier to keep up with since you remove your trays to brush and floss your teeth.
Dr. Taylor is a Board-certified Orthodontist and the only Invisalign “Elite” provider in the Rio Grande Valley, having provided Invisalign treatment for hundreds and hundreds of patients.
Would you like a FREE, no obligation consultation?
Call us at 956.630.6166!
Clear braces are another option for adults who want to avoid having visible metal in their mouths. These types of braces are based on the same concept as traditional metal braces except that the brackets are made out of porcelain and can be matched to your tooth color. Elastic bands and crosswires can either be clear or white which also help with an inconspicuous look.
Clear braces can help give you the confidence to excel in school, work and personal life.
For those whose professions involve public speaking or interaction with people, clear braces can be a good option to straighten your teeth in a way that is barely noticeable to others if at all. And they can give you clearer speech for interviews, public speaking, etc. than with clear aligners.
Adult patients who do choose to go with traditional metal braces can rest assured that today’s metal braces are not the same as they used to be! The metal brackets placed on the teeth are a fraction of the size that they were when you were a kid and are much less noticeable!
The most important thing to remember is that you’re never too old to get braces and obtain the gorgeous smile that you’ve always wanted! Straight teeth are attractive and can create confidence like you’ve never had before!
This a place really does live up to its name as the services provided give exceptional results not to mention the staff and dentists are extremely hospitable to their patients as they accommodate to the patients needs in order to provide them with a perfect smile!” – Cielo C.
Come in For a Free, No Obligation Consultation!
Dr. Taylor offers a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone considering braces. If you have been on the fence about whether or not to explore braces as an adult, give us a call! Our family-friendly environment is welcoming to patients of all ages and our staff is eager to help you with your orthodontic needs!
Your consultation includes a complete, painless exam by Dr. Taylor which will include x-rays. He can go over exactly what to expect and what options work best based on your individual needs and budget.
We believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different financial situations and can provide you with several payment plan options.
Get Started Now!
Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!