We can quickly answer “Am I too old for braces?” in one word: Nope! We can get a little more detailed, too: Almost anyone with decent oral health and alignment issues can benefit from braces. But we at Heinrichs Orthodontics know you might need more information than that when making an important treatment decision. We’ll happily give you the rundown on how your age can affect (but not prevent!) your braces experience.
Why Would You Need Braces As An Adult?
When you think of braces, you might think of the teen character Sharon Spits from Braceface or the young Tootie Carter in Fairy Oddparents, but these young and younger age groups are not the only ones who might need braces. You can get braces even if you’ve surpassed your high school years, but why would you need braces as an adult?
Usually, adults get them for the same reason that younger patients get them. You don’t like your smile! Maybe your teeth have always looked that way, or maybe you had braces as a child, but your teeth shifted a little. No worries! Whether you just need a touch-up or you need to start from the beginning, we’ve got you covered. Braces can help!
What Are The Benefits Of Getting Braces As An Adult?
Despite popular belief, orthodontic care can help with more than just improving the appearance of your smile. Here’s how:
- Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Having a healthier mouth can save you time and money spent at the dentist’s office!
- Improved Lifestyle And Mental Health: Oral health issues and crooked teeth can cause low self-esteem, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and isolation and decrease your chances of getting a job, having second dates, and making friends. This difference in quality of life is because straight teeth are often associated with positive characteristics, such as good health, responsibility, and cleanliness. Better teeth can improve your confidence and help you present your best self to the world.
- Safer & More Comfortable Eating Experience: Malocclusion can make chewing challenging and increase your risk of choking. In severe cases, it can lead to poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and digestive problems. Straighter teeth and properly aligned jaws make eating safer and more enjoyable.
- Reduced Pain: You are likely to suffer from dry mouth, migraines, and jaw pain if you have malocclusion. This discomfort in the jaw or mouth can make talking, eating, and performing oral hygiene unpleasant or even painful. A good alignment can reduce or eliminate this!
- Easier Breathing: Poor alignment can create narrow air passageways, which can make it difficult to breathe. If you suffer from sleep apnea or mouth breathing, braces might be able to help you!
- Reduced Teeth Damage: Grinding and friction from improper teeth and jaw placement can produce abnormal wear and tear on the teeth. Besides the pain and dull teeth from the pressure on your teeth and tension in the jaw joint, this malocclusion side effect can also wear down your enamel, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to plaque and bacteria!
What Are The Braces Options For Adults?
The number of adult orthodontic patients has grown steadily over the past few years and is expected to continue to grow. This is in part because of all the different types of braces that are available now. Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, adult patients can pick between various treatment options that will require little to no changes in their day-to-day lives!
Let’s check them out.
- Traditional Metal Braces: While they are the “oldest” type, metal braces have gone through many updates over the years. They are sleeker and more comfortable than those of the past. Metal braces are highly effective for all cases, including complex ones, because of their incredibly durable mix of metals.
- Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are a great option if you’re looking for something less noticeable. Their stain-resistant brackets blend in with the natural color of your teeth, offering discretion while providing the same effectiveness as metal braces.
- Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are hidden from view because they are attached to the back of your teeth! They are a fantastic choice for adults concerned about the aesthetic aspect of orthodontic treatment. No one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them!
- Invisalign: The leading orthodontist-provided transparent aligner system, Invisalign, offers the utmost discretion and convenience. Their clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, so they’re virtually invisible and surprisingly comfortable. The removability of the clear aligner trays offers patients the most flexibility throughout treatment, but it also comes with more responsibility.
Each type of orthodontic braces has unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your orthodontic needs and lifestyle preferences. However, most of our adult patients gravitate toward the more subtle aesthetic options because they are minimally invasive to most lifestyles. They love that they can straighten their teeth without their braces being the center of attention during meetings, on dates, or other important occasions.
During your consultation at Heinrichs Orthodontics, Dr. Heinrichs will discuss these options in detail to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional life.
Get Started With Heinrichs Orthodontics Today!
Don’t let your age stop you from loving your smile. Schedule a consultation with our team in Saskatoon and find out how adult braces can help you upgrade your mental, physical, and oral health today! We hope to see you soon!
