Are You Too Old For Adult Orthodontic Treatments?
Many patients come in to our office wondering if they have missed their window of opportunity to receive orthodontic treatments. They think they might be too old to have braces or it’s too late to come up with a plan to achieve the straight, healthy smile they have always dreamed of.
The truth is, with few exceptions, no one is too old for orthodontic treatment. That said, some procedures become slightly more difficult with age, but for the most part, there is always a way to forge ahead.
Technological Advances In Orthodontic Treatments
Science and research has greatly benefited the general population’s overall oral health. These days, people are keeping their natural teeth for much longer in life. Even 40 years ago, it was not uncommon for people to expect to get a full set of dentures no matter what. It often thought that every senior was destined to have keep a glass with their teeth in it on their bedside stand.
Nowadays, with advances in oral care and orthodontic treatments, people take better care of their teeth starting at an earlier age. This results in people having healthier teeth, and that orthodontic treatments are available well into the later years in life. In fact, many retired people decide on orthodontic treatment because they have time and money to invest in themselves; they think, why not?
Adult Braces Are For Any Age
Generally speaking, adults are fine candidates for braces and other orthodontic treatments. Unfortunately, thanks to depictions in popular culture, many adults feel embarrassed to proceed with the treatment and that can be what holds them back. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t get them or that they are too old, it comes down to their own perception of how they will appear to others. On the other hand, one of the benefits of getting older is that that kind of self-consciousness starts to fade.
Older candidates, too, might need treatment because some of the untreated issues are finally starting to have irreparable consequences. The crowded teeth that were difficult to clean are beginning to rot, for example. Or a misaligned jaw has caused your molars to grind down. While the treatment plan might not be exactly the same as it would have been 30 years ago, it is not to late to correct the core issue.
While it might be easier for children to accept orthodontic treatment, adults usually have many of the same treatment options as young people. But one of the advantages of being an adult and having braces or undergoing orthodontic treatments is that they approach it with more commitment. In other words, they are likely to be more dedicated to cleaning and following through with instructions. For orthodontists, adults can be a delight to treat.
Call South Surrey Smiles For A FREE Orthodontic Assessment
If it is later in life and you are considering finally going ahead and getting the orthodontic treatment, come in for a consultation. We treat adults all the time and it is much more common to see older patients these days than it was in the past.
We are happy to see that the tides are changing and that people are feeling more comfortable than ever to embrace orthodontic treatments at any age. In our opinion, it is never too late to achieve oral health and a perfect smile.
If you are in the South Surrey or White Rock areas and are interested in finding out what orthodontic treatment options are available to you, give South Surrey Smiles a call and book a FREE Orthodontic Assessment. We are happy to help!
Dr. Williams, an orthodontist in Surrey, and the South Surrey Smiles team are dedicated to providing the South Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities with consistently exceptional orthodontic care, creating a fun, relaxed practice where you can feel truly at home.