You are never too old to fix your bite and align your teeth. More and more adults are getting the orthodontic care they missed in their youth, and rightly so. Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (malocclusion) are more than just aesthetic issues. They can also wear down your teeth, cause jaw pain and headaches, and even lead to dental issues. Perfect smiles aren’t just for kids! Here are a few things to expect as an adult orthodontic patient.

Special Considerations for Adults

It is never too late to repair malocclusions, but doing it in adulthood may take a few extra steps. This is because your jaw is done growing. In the worst cases, your treatment might require corrective jaw surgery. Recovery usually takes just a couple of weeks, and because the entire procedure happens inside your mouth, there will be no external scarring. Having said that, because of advances in orthodontic technology, most adults won’t require surgery and can get excellent results from traditional treatment plans. 

Time Have Changed

Remember the braces from your childhood? Those massive brackets that were noticeable from space? The braces of today are not the braces of yesteryear. Today’s braces feature much smaller brackets, which can be placed closer to the gum line, making them far less noticeable. Additionally, back in the day, if you had braces, you had headgear. Today, few patients require any kind of exterior appliance. Finally, while braces of the past needed to be tightened frequently, today’s braces can go longer between tightening’s. If you’ve been avoiding braces because of the picture in your mind from 1984, let that go! Today’s braces are far less noticeable and much more comfortable. 

You Have Options

While braces have come lightyears over the decades, it is also nice to know that there are additional options available. In addition to traditional metal braces, there are also clear braces and Invisalign. These are excellent options for the professional who prefers a little more subtle approach. Talk to the doctor about what treatment options are available for you!

Look around you! You will be amazed at the number of adults in braces. A beautiful smile is for everyone, including you! If you have been thinking about orthodontic treatment but couldn’t quite work up the nerve before, just go for it. It never hurts to visit an orthodontist and find out more!

Don’t wait another day to set your appointment with Sonneveld Orthodontics. The sooner you visit us, the sooner you will get the smile of your dreams! Click here to learn more about adult treatment, and to set your appointment. Why wait?