Don’t be mistaken: braces aren’t just for teens. The truth is it’s never too late to get braces to enjoy a straighter smile, even in your 50s and beyond. In fact, more adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment because they can now afford to get braces for themselves or to correct spacing issues developed in adulthood. Your Las Vegas dentist can help you determine if you’re a good candidate for braces and how they can give you the gift of a beautiful, straight smile.
Why Consider Braces as an Adult?
There are plenty of good reasons to turn to braces as an adult to straighten your smile and address crowding. While braces are common in adolescence because that’s when crowding, gaps, and other issues become apparent, teeth can still shift later in life. Even if you had straight teeth when you were young, you may now be facing a crowded or crooked smile.
Braces can also help you protect your mouth, teeth, and gums from other issues down the road. Misalignment increases the risk of food and plaque accumulating between teeth which increases the risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
Even if you had braces as a child, you may need braces again. This is because your teeth shift naturally as you age and some people experience more shifting than others. If your jaw grows more than normal or you failed to wear your retainer as recommended, your teeth may even revert to the original position.
Today’s braces are more comfortable, less noticeable, and more affordable than ever before. Your Las Vegas dentist uses smaller brackets than decades ago and there are several options available like ceramic braces that blend in with your natural teeth and Invisalign, which uses clear and removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal.
What to Know About Getting Braces
Childhood is the ideal time to get braces because it’s easier to change the position of the teeth but braces can still be very effective in adulthood. There are just a few key points to keep in mind:
- Because your bones have stopped growing, some structural elements of your jaw or bite can’t be changed without surgery.
- The treatment process can take longer as an adult than for a child. The average treatment for an adult is about two years but this can vary by person.
- Your dentist will need to check your oral health prior to recommending braces. You will need strong and healthy gums and bone to withstand the force of braces as they change the alignment of your teeth. Poor dental health, gum disease, or bone loss may make you a poor candidate for braces as an adult.
Considering braces after 18? It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment and enjoy the confidence that comes from a straight smile. Schedule an appointment to discuss the best solutions to address your dental concerns and learn more about getting braces as an adult.
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