Most people who hear the words “orthodontic treatment” think of teenagers in braces. Children and teenagers are the most common patients for orthodontics. But that doesn’t mean adults can’t get the smile of their dreams, as well.
You may think you’re too old for braces or clear aligners, but nothing could be further from the truth.
At Freeman Orthodontics, many of our patients are adults. Though there are some differences between adult and child treatment, braces and clear aligners can be just as effective for you as for your child.
How Old Is Too Old?
You may think that there’s no point in getting braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth at a certain age. After all, you’ve lived with crooked teeth this long, right?
The problem is your current dental problems can lead to more later on. Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to:
- Jaw pain
- Temperomandibular Joint pain
- Excessive tooth wear
- Accelerated tooth decay
- Head or neck pain
- Problems chewing properly
That’s why you’re never too old to fix your dental issues.
Braces for Adults — What’s Different?
Orthodontic treatment for adults uses the same principles as for children and teenagers. Braces or clear aligners use gentle pressure to move teeth into position.
That’s easier to do for children and teenagers, however, because their jaws are still developing. That means their bones are more malleable, so the teeth move easier. Adult bones have finished growing and are set, so they don’t move as easily.
That doesn’t mean they won’t move at all. Braces and clear aligners can be just as effective for adults. The difference is that it may take a little longer for the appliances to work.
For older adults, you need to have dental and medical exams before orthodontic treatment to ensure your jawbones are strong. The doctor and dentist will determine whether bones are weak from tooth decay or medical issues such as osteoporosis. More fragile bones can complicate treatment, but it doesn’t mean treatment is out of the question.
Freeman Orthodontics will look at your results and figure out what treatment would be best for your overall dental health.
What Options Are Available to Me?
If you’re ready for that perfect smile, good news! There are more options available than just the stainless steel braces you expect.
Freeman Orthodontics offers three main options for patients: braces, clear aligners, and the InBrace lingual system.
We use the Pitts21 brackets in our metal braces, which are designed to move teeth faster and with less force than traditional braces. The result is shorter treatment times and more effective treatment.
Many adults feel a bit self-conscious about wearing metal braces. If you’re one of those adults, no problem! We offer clear ceramic braces with brackets that blend better with the tooth, making them much less visible than metal braces.
We also offer clear aligners from Invisalign and Spark. These acrylic aligners are customized to your mouth and are virtually invisible. But they still provide the same level of treatment as clear or metal braces.
For those who want an invisible option, InBrace may be the best treatment for you. This customized wire system fits behind the teeth but still pulls them into position. The InBrace system isn’t visible from the front of your teeth.
Whatever treatment option you choose, the orthodontic appliance can create the smile you’ve always dreamed of having — whether you’re 20 or 70!
Getting Started
It’s easy to get started on your orthodontic journey, no matter your age. If you’re in the San Jose area or The Bay area in California, Freeman Orthodontics can guide you on that journey. Start with a virtual consult, and we will lay out your treatment and financing options. It’s easier than you think.
No matter what your age, you deserve to enjoy that beautiful smile of your dreams!
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