Even if you had an evenly spaced grin for most of your life, it’s possible to experience dental drifting as you age. Daily use over time can eventually push your teeth out of alignment, which can wear down your enamel unevenly and increase your vulnerability to damage or decay.
Traditional orthodontics have a long history of successfully straightening smiles, but many older adults worry that they’ve waited too long to correct their teeth. Continue reading to learn why it’s not too late to get braces!
How Do Braces Work?
Standard braces are the tried-and-true method for addressing even the most severely crooked, overlapped, gapped teeth and bite misalignments. This method relies on metal brackets that are cemented to the fronts of your enamel, which are threaded with a thin archwire. Your dentist can adjust the tension on the latter to exert the right amount of force to gradually shift your pearly whites to their ideal places.
Some providers also offer options, like Fastbraces, that work faster by utilizing a square-shaped wire that extends to the base of your teeth to shift the crown and root simultaneously.
Does Age Affect Braces?
It’s incredibly common to undergo orthodontics in your youth, and as a result, many older adults assume that the treatment is no longer a feasible option for them. After all, your jawbone continues to harden in your twenties and thirties, meaning it’s somewhat more malleable when you’re younger. Braces tend to work faster and cause less discomfort as a result.
This may be partly why so many providers recommend making changes to your dental alignment during adolescence. They can help move your teeth to their ideal positions before your jawbone reaches peak density.
Am I Too Old to Get Braces?
Braces may take longer to shift your grin when you’re older, but it’s still possible to undergo treatment later in life. There’s no age limit on this service, so whether you’ve never had braces or your teeth have relapsed and you need to repeat treatment, there’s still hope.
However, that doesn’t mean this option is the best treatment to meet your unique needs. Consulting your dentist is the only way to know for sure whether you’re a good candidate for orthodontics. They’ll examine your mouth and discuss your smile goals, then recommend appropriate solutions based on their findings and your current condition.
Thankfully, there are ways to adjust your alignment to improve your appearance and your dental health regardless of your age!
About the Practice
Patients at 360 Dental Lounge benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who are passionate about providing one-of-a-kind, luxurious dental experiences. Dr. Bavishi and her husband, Dr. Doshi, collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services in an upscale setting complete with amenities like warm blankets, headphones and relaxing music, and aromatherapy. They can help with everything from preventive services to more complex treatments, including Fastbraces. You can request a consultation on the website or by calling (682) 370-0400.
