Large numbers of adults are unhappy with their crooked teeth. Sometimes the problem is that their parents couldn’t afford orthodontic treatments when they were children. Sometimes, children are treated with braces but due to failure to wear a retainer the teeth revert to their pre-treatment alignment. And sometimes the teeth just shift around and become crooked on their own.
At Grace and Bowman Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. A growing number of adults are now taking to getting braces or Invisalign treatments to correct oral and tooth issues. It’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment. Contact Grace and Bowman Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Brodie Bowman. He can help customize a treatment plan to give you the best possible results.
Not Too Late
Orthodontists say it’s never too late to straighten the teeth. Adults currently make up about half of patients visiting orthodontists for tooth straightening. Even senior citizens are coming in to finally get the smile that they’ve always wanted.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits of straighter teeth, there are also health benefits. It’s more difficult to chew properly with crooked teeth. Crooked teeth also meet each other abnormally, which can result in excessive wear on some teeth. A poor bite can also lead to more food particles getting trapped in the teeth and gums, which of course can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Better Braces
Braces today are much improved over the ones used just a few decades ago. The ugly, painful “metal mouths” are a thing of the past. Many adults can have their teeth straightened with Invisalign. Invisalign straightens teeth with clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. The user can remove the aligner for eating and tooth-cleaning, and it is basically invisible when in place. Adults with more complex tooth straightening problems can get white or clear ceramic braces that are also practically invisible.
For severe bite abnormalities and very crooked teeth, metal braces are still the best choice. Metal braces are also cheaper than other types of braces. However, most adults opt for white or clear braces even if it means they have to wear them longer.
A Year
Most adults will need to wear braces for 12 to 20 months, and then wear a retainer at night. Years ago, many orthodontists thought that retainers only needed to be worn for a year after braces removal, but throngs of adults whose teeth have reverted to their pre-braces alignment has led to a new recommendation: wear the retainer for life.
A great smile is the first thing most people notice when meeting someone new. Investing in a lovely smile can improve a person’s professional and personal life. If you’ve always wanted straighter teeth, there’s no reason why you can’t have them.