Getting braces as an adult: Is it too late?

It is common for most people to assume that orthodontic care is only for teens and pre-teens. While seeing an orthodontist for your child in their early years is always recommended, adults can also seek treatment for correcting jaw irregularities and misaligned teeth. In fact, in recent years, more adults have been keen to get a straighter, more aligned smile. A visit to your general dentist in Denton, TX, can help you get started, but for your help, here are some things to know. 

It is never too late

Let’s do away with a common misconception – You are too old to get braces or correct concerns related to malocclusions. At the least, check with your dentist to know if you can benefit from orthodontic care. There are better and more advanced ways to correct issues like misaligned, crowded, and crooked teeth. However, it is always better to consider treatment sooner rather than later. 

Why spend on orthodontic care?

While the first reason for most patients seeking orthodontic care is aesthetics, there are several advantages of correcting malocclusions and misaligned teeth. If you have crowded or misaligned teeth, you may have a hard time cleaning and flossing your teeth, which can expose you to concerns like tooth decay. Not getting rid of plaque and food debris can eventually lead to tartar. Malocclusion is also responsible for wear and tear of teeth due to impacted ability to chew food. If you have a compromised bite, you may also have additional issues, such as jaw pain. With orthodontic care, you get a straighter smile permanently, and the outcomes are usually incredible for most patients. 

When should you see your dentist for misaligned teeth?

You need to visit your dentist if you have visibly misaligned or crowded teeth. It could be a case of an overbite, where the upper jaw protrudes further than the lower jaw, while an underbite is just the opposite. If you have an underbite, your chin can appear extremely large. You should also seek help if you have overcrowded teeth. 

A look at the different types of braces

In general, dental braces are categorized into two segments – removable and fixed. Your dentist will visually check your mouth, order X-rays, and take impressions of your teeth to determine the best course of treatment. The first choice is fixed dental braces, which are also called metal or traditional braces. You cannot remove these braces, and during each appointment, your dentist will readjust the wires to get your teeth in desired positions. The next option is lingual braces, which are fixed behind the teeth, and therefore, this is also an invisible option. Some patients may experience speech issues with lingual braces, especially in the initial days. 

The third option is Invisalign or Clear Aligners. These aligners are made of plastic-like material and are removable. For many adults who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, this is the ideal choice. The best part is you can keep the trays aside while eating and brushing, and there is practically no impact on your oral hygiene habits or diet. However, Invisalign requires commitment, and patients are required to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day. Your dentist may also recommend using retainers after the treatment is complete to ensure the teeth don’t shift back to their previous positions. 

Meeting your dentist

Orthodontic care for adults has evolved significantly in the last two decades. With options like Invisalign, you don’t have to be embarrassed about wearing metal braces, and the results are just as good. Talk to your dentist in Denton in detail about the pros and cons of each option.