Having Orthodontics When You are Older

As you get older, there is no reason why you cannot have an attractive and healthy smile. Increasingly, older adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment, sometimes when they are well into retirement. In fact, it is never too late to move your teeth, and there isn’t any such thing as being too old for braces. Nowadays, it is estimated that one out of every five people wearing braces are adult. However, there are many more who might benefit from treatment and who never had the chance to wear braces during childhood.

Why Straighten Up?

An attractive smile is an excellent way to boost self-confidence, and the effects can positively impact a person’s social life or even their career, but there are other, less obvious benefits too. Adult braces can correct a whole host of different orthodontic problems, including issues with overcrowded or misaligned teeth that cannot bite together properly. This can potentially improve oral health as misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. When teeth are straighter, it can also make chewing your food more comfortable.

What Determines If You Are a Good Candidate for Adult Orthodontics?

Initially, you will need a consultation with our dentist in Clarington to determine your current oral health. It is important that your teeth are strong and free from tooth decay that could weaken them. Also, it is critical that you don’t have periodontal or gum disease because this can cause the loss of bone supporting your teeth.

It’s an important consideration because orthodontic treatment works by moving the entire tooth, including the tooth root through the bone supporting them. The pressure created by orthodontics causes part of the bone next to the tooth root to resorb, while on the other side, the new bone begins to form, holding the tooth securely in its new position. If you have existing gum disease, it’s essential to receive treatment before any form of adult orthodontics. When you visit us here at West Bowmanville Family Dental, we will make sure adult orthodontics is the most appropriate choice of treatment for you.

Isn’t It a Bit Embarrassing to Wear Braces as an Adult?

No, not these days because adult braces are invisible. We provide Invisalign braces in Newcastle which consist of aligners made from clear, thin BPA-free plastic. The aligners fit tightly over your teeth, forming a thin skin of plastic that is virtually invisible. Invisalign is one of the most well-known orthodontic systems worldwide and provides proven results. It’s highly likely that you know at least one or two people who have received Invisalign treatment, but unless they told you they were wearing braces, you probably didn’t even notice.

How Does Invisalign Work?

After assessing your suitability for Invisalign, we can plan your treatment by digitally scanning your teeth and taking photos and x-rays. Specialized software turns this information into virtual 3-D models of your teeth so we can plan precisely how each tooth will move during your treatment. You can even preview images showing how your teeth will look once they are straightened, something most people find very exciting!

The next stage is to custom-make your aligners, so they fit comfortably yet tightly over your teeth. All you must do is to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day, exchanging them for a new set every two weeks. Every time you want to eat, you simply remove your aligners, so there’s no need to change your diet. It’s simple to keep your teeth clean as you can brush and floss normally.

To discover more about Invisalign in Courtice, contact our friendly dental team to arrange your consultation.

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