Am I Too Old For Orthodontic Treatment?

“Am I too old for braces?” It’s an interesting question that comes up quite often here at Brodsky Orthodontics, and the answer may surprise you! If you’re an adult who has spent many years of your life hiding your smile because you don’t like the way it looks or feels, you may think the ship for a straighter smile has already sailed. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of all ages! 

As long as the surrounding bone and gums are healthy, your teeth can be successfully moved at any age. We’re seeing more adults than ever before looking to improve their oral health with braces and aligners, with about 1 in 5 current orthodontic patients over the age of 18. But what’s caused this increase? What are the benefits of adult orthodontic treatment? Let’s take a closer look! 

Why are more adults choosing to explore orthodontic treatment? 

We all have personal reasons for choosing the things we do, and making the decision to straighten your smile is no different. 

For some adults, it’s simply a matter of aesthetics. Never underestimate the power of a smile you love! Studies have shown that a beautiful smile can increase your confidence and have positive benefits both personally and professionally. You may finally be in a position to achieve the healthy smile you’ve always wanted, or maybe you want to replicate the incredible results a friend or family member has gotten with braces or aligners. 

Orthodontics can be used to assist in the prevention and treatment of a number of medical and dental issues. These include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, headaches, jaw pain, sleep apnea, speech impediments, and difficulties with chewing and eating. Additionally, treatment can assist in better dental health. Crooked or crowded teeth can be difficult to clean effectively, increasing the chances for cavities, tooth decay, and even gum disease. 

Even if you seek out orthodontic care later in life, treatment will help reduce or eliminate certain issues and can stop some of these problems from becoming more complex as time goes on. 

Are there any drawbacks to adult orthodontics?

There’s a reason the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by around the age of 7! When treatment is initiated in children and teens, it can be easier and take less time because their mouths are still growing and developing. Because adult bones are no longer growing, any structural changes in the jaw and mouth may require surgery before braces or aligners can be used. Adults who are experiencing gum disease or bone loss may also face longer treatment times. 

What treatment options are available to adult patients?

Orthodontic technology has come along in leaps and bounds over the last several years! Today’s braces are lighter, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever before, and there are multiple ways to straighten your smile discreetly. Brodsky Orthodontics is proud to offer our adult patients the following treatment options. 

Miniature metal braces

Metal braces are one of our most popular and efficient treatments. Generally made of high-quality stainless steel, our miniature braces are small in width and depth, making them much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be. They’re also customizable, with a variety of fun colored bands to choose from if you want to show off a little personality with your smile! These braces deliver excellent results and are particularly helpful in cases that are more severe or complicated.

InBrace lingual braces

InBrace is the newest in orthodontic technology and we’re excited to offer it to our patients! Like traditional braces, these braces work by applying gentle yet continuous pressure on the teeth to help them slowly shift into the desired positions. However, InBrace uses just a few robotically bent wires behind the teeth to discreetly create a beautiful custom smile.

The process for lingual braces involves taking a digital impression (scan) of the teeth, which is then sent to a dental laboratory and used to create the customized wires. This generally takes about four weeks and, once complete, allows us to cement the braces onto the back surfaces of the teeth.

Clear braces

Also known as ceramic or tooth-colored braces, these function the same way metal braces do. However, they provide patients with the additional benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Both options blend in well with your natural smile.  The brackets are about the same size and shape as metal braces, but much less noticeable. When we pair them with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile. This makes them an especially attractive choice for our adult patients!

Invisalign clear aligners

Invisalign is our most popular alternative to traditional braces. This innovative system allows us to give you the same beautiful results without any brackets or wires. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners to move the teeth gently over time. 

These customized plastic trays are constructed of a special thermoplastic resin that allows them to fit snugly but comfortably over the teeth. When worn as directed, Invisalign clear aligners have proven to be just as effective as traditional braces. Drs. Joel and Charles Brodsky can tell you firsthand about how successful this system can be—they’re former Invisalign patients themselves! 

Get the beautiful smile you deserve at Brodsky Orthodontics

You’re never too old to take advantage of orthodontic treatment! As long as your gums and jawbone structure are in good shape, braces or aligners can be an excellent way to improve your oral health and help you achieve a smile you can be proud of. 

Straightening your teeth and aligning your bite can improve your self-esteem, reduce symptoms associated with orthodontic issues, and leave your whole mouth feeling like a million bucks! 

If you’re in Lakewood or the surrounding communities, we’d love to discuss the many ways orthodontic treatment can transform your smile—and your life! Get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE virtual consultation with us and take the first step towards the happy, healthy mouth you deserve.

If you would like to discuss your options with respect to any form of orthodontic treatment, contact your nearest clinic to make an appointment. One of our specialist Orthodontists will be only too happy to have an obligation-free discussion. Ask as many questions as you like so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether orthodontics is right for you.