It might be surprising, but childhood and teenage years aren’t the only optimal times for braces. Waiting until adulthood can actually be advantageous in some cases! Ventura County Orthodontics is here to answer this question we encounter every single day: Can I still get braces as an adult?
Understanding Braces
Before delving into how braces work for adult patients, let’s review the various types available. Braces are designed to address alignment and bite issues in teeth, and most orthodontic practices offer three primary approaches.
- Traditional Metal Braces: This classic option uses brackets, wires, and bands to shift teeth and correct bite issues effectively.
- Clear Aligners: This alternative employs clear plastic trays to improve your smile gradually. This discreet and removable method avoids the traditional hardware.
- Clear Braces: These utilize ceramic brackets for a more subtle appearance while still providing effective orthodontic treatment.
Braces for Different Age Groups
While these types of treatment are available to everyone at Ventura County Orthodontics, your age remains a crucial factor influencing the overall process. Let’s break it down by age group:
- Children (7-12 Years)
- Early intervention is usually advantageous as it helps guide jaw growth and address bite issues as permanent teeth emerge. This often involves two phases to align with the transition to permanent teeth.
- Adolescents (12-18 Years)
- Once most permanent teeth have come in, a detailed plan is developed to focus on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues. Clear aligners can be a good option for teenagers, though they might not be ideal for younger children.
- Adults (18+)
- For adults, the process of shifting teeth may take a bit longer, but braces are still highly effective. Older patients may need additional considerations for age-related changes during treatment, many of which are related to anatomical changes.
The Many Benefits of Adult Braces
So even though braces will serve you well at any point in your life, there are actually some specific advantages reserved especially for adults with braces.
- Improved Oral Health: Orthodontic treatment for adults often addresses oral health issues, which helps to reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, and jaw pain by correcting bite and alignment problems.
- Versatile Treatment Options: Adults have access to a variety of braces options, allowing them to choose what best fits their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
- Jaw Relief: Braces can alleviate discomfort from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders by improving jaw alignment, providing relief for those experiencing frequent pain.
- Enhanced Appearance: Orthodontic treatment in adulthood can significantly improve the look of one’s smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
- Functional Improvements: Properly aligned teeth improve chewing efficiency and speech clarity, addressing long-term speech issues and enhancing overall functionality.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Correcting misalignment can help prevent teeth grinding and the associated wear, reducing future damage.
- Personalized Treatment: Adults can work closely with their orthodontists to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific goals and needs.
- Increased Accessibility: Adult braces have become more mainstream and socially acceptable, making orthodontic care more accessible to a wider audience.
Answering Further Questions
It’s perfectly normal to have some questions about this process! Our team of doctors at Ventura County Orthodontics, Dr. Lee, Dr. Mullen, and Dr. Hodges, are here to provide any answers you need. Here are a few common questions that might come up prior to your consultation:
- What if I have dental work, like crowns and bridges?
Having existing dental work like crowns and bridges doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting braces. The treatment approach will be tailored based on an individual assessment, which can work in tandem with these existing dental elements.
- Can I still get braces with issues like cavities or gum disease?
Addressing cavities or gum disease before starting orthodontic treatment is advisable. Typically, we can collaborate with general dentists to integrate these treatments into your overall orthodontic plan as needed.
- Will having braces cause me to miss any work or social events?
Adapting to braces is usually a quick process and doesn’t compare to major dental procedures. While you might experience some minor discomfort initially, it should not significantly interfere with your work or social activities. If you ever feel an unusual or persistent amount of discomfort or more intense pain, please contact our office.
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies?
For serious emergencies, such as severe injuries or trauma to your mouth or teeth, immediate medical attention is essential, whether it’s minor med, urgent care, or the emergency department. For minor appliance damage, orthodontic wax can offer temporary relief until you can visit one of our offices in person. Our orthodontic team will provide further guidance on managing emergencies during your appointments.
No Time Like the Present!
Even as an adult, you are likely a strong candidate for braces if you need orthodontic treatment. We provide personalized consultations to identify the best treatment options tailored to your lifestyle. If you’re contemplating orthodontic treatment, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at our Oxnard, Santa Paula, Moorpark, or Newbury Park offices!