Am I Too Old For Braces?

If the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word orthodontics is a teenager in metal braces, you’re not alone. This stereotype has proven itself to have serious staying power over the years! Because of this, many people are unaware that orthodontic treatment can have many benefits for patients of all ages, including adults, and may wonder “Am I too old for braces?” In fact, we’ve recently seen a big uptick in the number of adults looking to straighten their smile and correct orthodontic issues they’ve struggled with for years.  

With about 1 in every 5 orthodontic patients currently over the age of 18, there’s never been a better time to explore how the orthodontics offices of Dr. Jared Lee can transform your smile! If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy or self-conscious about how your teeth look or function, we offer a variety of treatment options to correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what orthodontics actually is and how it can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty in the field of dentistry. Therefore, an orthodontist is a dentist who has also received years of additional education and training in:

  • identifying and correcting bite abnormalities
  • successfully straightening teeth
  • correcting misaligned jaws
  • and improving the overall function of the mouth.

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Lee works to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. When these types of issues are left untreated, they can get worse over time, leading to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This may result in pain in your face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. Orthodontists are able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, which can improve both the function and appearance of your smile.

Why are more adults now choosing orthodontic treatment?

There are a number of reasons for more adults exploring orthodontic treatment in recent years. As we begin getting older, we often gain a better understanding of how our oral health is linked to our total body health. For some people, this knowledge encourages them to take action by seeking out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to better care for their teeth and gums.

Many adult patients have also received orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, and they now want to finish the process. Touch-up treatment is extremely common, as well. Teeth that were straightened in a patient’s younger years can shift over time due to age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, we have multiple ways to treat the patient, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.

Then there are the adults who have never had treatment before but are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem, and may even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. We’re big fans of all the reasons adults seek treatment later in life!

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What treatment options are available for adult patients?

Whatever your reason for looking into orthodontic treatment as an adult, there are more treatment options available to you than ever before! Dr. Jared Lee offers the following treatments for a total smile makeover.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.

Clear braces

These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an almost invisible treatment option, can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for image-conscious patients, but because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.

Invisalign clear aligner therapy

Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth.

Any of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! Dr. Lee will always take your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals into account before recommending the treatment method he feels would work best for your smile. 

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Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of with Dr. Jared Lee

You won’t find any cookie-cutter treatments when you choose orthodontic treatment at the offices of Dr. Jared Lee. We know that every smile is unique and that some treatment methods will be more suitable than others for certain patients. This is one reason it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Lee. He will create a customized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, giving you a rewarding orthodontic experience and superior results that last. 

Our talented team is committed to providing patients of all ages with the latest in orthodontic techniques and technology. Dr. Lee is passionate about creating award-winning smiles in Santa Paula, Oxnard, and the surrounding communities for years, and would love to do the same for you! If you’re ready to take the first step towards achieving the smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Lee!