Are you unhappy with the way your teeth look or feel, but worry that you’ve missed your chance to improve them with orthodontics? If you’ve ever felt that a straighter smile just isn’t in the cards for you because you’re too old for braces, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to improve your health with orthodontic treatment! There’s no “right” age for braces, and they can help align your teeth and correct other orthodontic issues no matter how old you are. In fact, about one in every four current patients is over the age of 18. That adds up to millions of adults taking advantage of all the benefits orthodontics has to offer, and you could be one of them. That’s why we’re debunking common myths about adult braces!
There’s never been a better time to be an adult orthodontic patient, and Westfall Orthodontics is the perfect place to begin. Our practice offers a variety of affordable treatment options, including traditional braces. We’ve seen these orthodontic staples undergo a modern makeover in recent years, and today’s braces are more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. In spite of these improvements, some adult patients are still hesitant about using them. If this sounds like you, it’s most likely down to what you think you know about braces. Keep reading below as we take on the most common myths about braces and show you why you’re never too old to achieve a confident smile with them!
“It’s too late for braces to work well for me.”
It is true that orthodontists prefer to straighten teeth as early in a patient’s life as possible. Whether you’re 7 or 75, your teeth undergo the same physiological process required for realignment. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected just as easily in adult patients as they can in children and adolescents, but there is one key difference. Unlike younger patients, an adult’s bones are no longer growing and they have much denser bone tissue. Because of this, it can take a little longer to move the teeth than it would have in their youth.
Many adults also have dental issues that most adolescents won’t, such as fillings, missing teeth, or gum disease. Since the teeth and gums need to be in good shape before attempting any sort of tooth movement, some dental work may be required before we can move forward with orthodontic treatment. There’s still no such thing as being “too old” for treatment, though! Your age is just one more variable in the customized treatment plan Dr. Westfall will create for you.
One benefit of waiting until adulthood to explore orthodontics is that it comes with psychological advantages you may not have considered. Adults recognize that braces are a valuable investment in their oral health and tend to treat it that way. As such, they are more likely to be responsible with their appliance and follow the orthodontist’s instructions. This helps to ensure the best possible results in the shortest amount of time!
“I’m worried that braces will make me look unprofessional.”
We hear from many professional adults who are concerned that braces could have a negative impact on their career. Although modern braces have smaller brackets and tend to be much less obvious than they once were, some patients want to keep a lower profile during the treatment process. For image-conscious patients, there are other options available! Westfall Orthodontics is proud to offer the following treatment methods.
Metal braces
Metal brackets are composed of a mix of high-quality metals, so they’re very durable. In spite of that, they’re much lighter and more comfortable than they used to be. Metal braces have a long track record of producing excellent results, especially for cases that are more serious or complicated. Since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces are often slightly more affordable than other options.
Clear braces
Clear braces function in much the same way metal braces do, but come with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. The brackets are about the same size and shape as metal braces, but better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile. This gives patients a more discreet way to straighten their smile, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties!
Clear braces are sturdy, too, but the material can be more prone to chipping and cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who require severe corrections to be made. Clear brackets are often a bit more costly than metal brackets, as well. Because they can be slightly more expensive and prone to breakage, we generally recommend clear braces to our older teen and adult patients only.
“Braces just aren’t in my budget.”
While it’s true that orthodontic treatment of any kind is an investment of your time and finances, the benefits can last you a lifetime. When you schedule a free consultation with our practice, we’ll go over everything your customized treatment includes, which will usually be:
- all appointments, including emergency visits
- your braces or aligners
- a post-treatment retainer
- post-treatment follow-up visits
Our treatment fee is a reflection of the skill, expertise, and care that goes into improving your oral health. We know that braces can be a big investment so our office offers a variety of payment options, including payment plans designed for your family’s budget. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, our team will handle all the necessary steps to make sure you receive the maximum benefit.
Get the confident smile you’ve always wanted with Westall Orthodontics
It’s never too late to achieve a healthier smile! With Westfall Orthodontics, you’re guaranteed high-quality care, affordable treatment options, and exceptional results. If you’re ready to take the first step towards the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Westfall!