Welcome to Friday Focus’s latest installment. This is your Phoenix orthodontist, Dr. “O” coming to you from E&S Orthodontics. Today, I want to make it clear that, contrary to popular belief, orthodontic treatment is not exclusively reserved for teenagers, or even adolescents.
The answer to the question “Am I too old for braces?” is this: regardless of your age, you should think about getting orthodontic treatment if you don’t like the way you smile.
Since this type of care is truly appropriate for people of all ages, we meet with many adult patients at our Phoenix office. People between the ages of 40 and 70 commonly visit us to have the aesthetic appeal of their smiles and overall dental health improved. In fact, one of our current patients is 74 years old!
The Biological Process
It’s crucial to realize that every healthy person experiences the same underlying physiological mechanism that causes teeth to move. Most people are unaware that adult teeth can shift just as easily as a toddler’s. Addressing this oral phenomenon through the acquisition of braces helps create a stable bite pattern and therefore better alignment for potential bridges, implants, or crowns to be added to one’s smile if such measures are necessary. Simply put, orthodontics significantly improves the health of your oral cavity, which translates to extending the lifespan of your natural teeth.
Braces Can Enhance Good Health at Any Age
A better bite and grin will aid you the rest of your life. Because crowding makes it difficult to properly clean teeth, even a small degree can result in periodontal (gum) issues. You will benefit from good dental health since it is simpler to maintain your teeth when they are straight and aligned, making flossing, brushing, dental cleaning, etc., easier.
The effects of poor oral health, such as bone deterioration, tooth decay, enamel erosion, jaw joint pain, and headaches, are the last things any of us want to experience. It’s also crucial to remember that getting orthodontic treatment later in life can significantly improve your appearance and self-esteem. People are living longer, which means that maintaining a good quality of life is more important than ever, but it is also more demanding of a task. The best health and wellness plans take your dental health into account as well.
Other Options
Orthodontic treatment has advanced greatly over the years. Today, there are multiple avenues patients can explore when it comes to straightening their teeth. Treatments are more straightforward, and are tailored to meet each patient’s individual circumstances.
No matter how old or young you are, orthodontic treatment can improve your life. If you’ve been debating about visiting an orthodontist in Chandler but are worried that you might be too old, please reconsider! It’s never too late to obtain that smile you’ve been dreaming about. Contact us for a free consultation if you’d like to learn more about your options.
