Let’s talk about your age and orthodontic treatment. Could you start wearing braces at the age of 25? Would we recommend you start at an earlier or later age?
Starting this specialized treatment requires considering many things. One important factor is age. Here at Children’s Braces and Dentistry, we like to remind parents that it is crucial they make the best possible use of time.
Dr. Surillo holds certifications in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. As such, he and the rest of the team are very interested in helping young children at the best pediatric dentist El Cajon has so they can work on their teeth and jaw alignment as soon as possible. Still, if an adult seeks guidance to achieve a proper bite relationship, we won’t ever tell them that the ship has sailed.
Fortunately, adults are not on a ticking clock for orthodontics, as it’s never too late to wear orthodontic braces.
We think that qualifies as great news for all our adult patients. To answer that question in the back of your mind, yes, you can put on braces at 23.
Join us in discussing why parents should consider taking their kids to an orthodontist as soon as possible and what happens when you start treatment as an adult.
Why We Insist On Early Treatment and Braces for Children
We strongly agree with evidence suggesting that early orthodontic treatment helps ensure a better quality of life and dental health.
The main reasons why we recommend parents bring their children for a consultation with an orthodontist include preventing severe dental health problems during adulthood and guiding proper jaw and permanent teeth development.
Initially, we won’t ask children to start wearing braces to correct the alignment of permanent and primary teeth; instead, we help guide their growth and avoid common issues like overcrowding and speech difficulties. In the best of cases, we completely eliminate the need to use corrective orthodontic appliances; mostly, such initial treatments make phase II orthodontics much shorter and less painful.
Truly, there are many reasons why we insist you take your child to Kids Orthodontist El Cajon by age 7.
Avoiding developmental complications helps your child fully integrate into their social circles. Likewise, such a specialized treatment can help your kid’s self-esteem throughout some of the most socially challenging years of their life.
When Should a Child First Go to an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that parents should take their kids to an orthodontist around age 7 because, more often than not, this is the ideal time for orthodontic reviews.
It’s not just about avoiding dental health problems. Children and teenagers have to develop and grow bones as part of their aging process. Orthodontists can leverage these natural movements to guide the patient’s teeth into the proper alignment.
Besides, at this stage, you can still see some primary teeth still in the patient’s mouth, meaning you can work to create sufficient space for the upcoming permanent teeth without struggling too much.
Can You Get Braces at Any Age?
When we say “adult braces,” we refer to orthodontic treatment that starts after the patient’s jawbones have fully developed and all primary teeth (except for the third molars or wisdom teeth) have erupted. Please remember what we said earlier; you’re not too old and cannot be too old to start orthodontic treatment.
You can be 19, 25, or 60; what’s important here is that you should start your treatment only when you’re comfortable with the requirements and when your dental health is strong enough to withstand the motion and forces that characterize orthodontics.
Can You Need Braces if You’ve Had Straight Teeth Before?
Teeth misalignments can occur even after undergoing braces treatment, and there are two primary reasons for this phenomenon: natural dental movements and direct trauma to the teeth.
Natural Dental Movements
Despite having braces to align your teeth perfectly, our dental structure is continually evolving. Over time, teeth may subtly shift due to the natural forces at play within our mouths. This gradual movement is a normal part of life, much like how the Earth’s tectonic plates shift imperceptibly over the years. As a result, you may notice minor misalignments after some time has passed since your braces treatment.
Direct Trauma to Teeth
Our daily lives can be quite eventful, and sometimes, accidents happen. Whether it’s a fall, a sporting injury, or any other form of direct trauma, our teeth can be affected by such incidents. The impact can cause teeth to shift, altering their position even after having braces. Thankfully, teeth are resilient and can often adapt to these changes.
While it might be disheartening to observe slight shifts in your teeth after braces, it’s essential to understand that these occurrences are relatively common and natural. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor any changes and ensure that your smile remains healthy and aligned. If necessary, your dentist or orthodontist can recommend appropriate measures to address any misalignments and maintain the brilliance of your smile.
Understanding Orthodontics Two-Phase Treatment: A Short Guide to Achieve a Perfect Smile Without Too Much Hassle.
Orthodontics Two-Phase Treatment is a strategic approach designed to create a radiant and healthy smile from a young age. This comprehensive guide will shed light on the journey of this treatment, offering valuable insights into its two distinct phases and how it sets the stage for a lifetime of dental wellness, so let’s revise what it comprises:
Phase One – Interceptive Orthodontics
At the heart of Orthodontics Two-Phase Treatment lies a thoughtful and proactive approach to address dental concerns in two well-timed stages. During the initial phase, our orthodontic experts closely monitor children’s dental development, typically between ages 6 to 10.
This early intervention allows us to guide the growth of permanent teeth and jaw by making room for coming permanent teeth to treat overcrowding and reduce the impact in the development of malocclusion in adolescence, laying a solid foundation for future treatment.
Phase One Treatment considers the malleable osteogenic structure of kids to produce results that would be tortuous and lengthy at a mature age, making it the most effective approach to orthodontics.
Phase Two Orthodontic Treatment
As the young patient advances to their teenage years, phase two commences, usually between ages 11 to 13. In this stage, orthodontists work their magic with braces or other specialized appliances to fine-tune tooth alignment and jaw positioning.
This phase ensures a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile, enhancing both appearance and function. Orthodontics Two-Phase Treatment offers a strategic path to a lifetime of smiles, encompassing early intervention and precision alignment.
Adult Braces: A Wise Investment for a Confident, Healthy Smile
There is a transformative power of adult braces nobody can counterargue. So, as we delve into the key reasons why they are an excellent choice for a confident and healthy smile. From enhancing aesthetics to improving oral health, adult braces offer remarkable benefits worth exploring.
A Flawless Smile and Enhanced Confidence
Adult braces can make your dream of a picture-perfect smile a reality. With their advanced technology, they address misalignments, crowding, and spacing issues effectively. As your teeth gradually align, your confidence soars, allowing you to showcase your radiant smile with pride. And yes, we know you are not a teenager anymore, and the process might take just a little longer, but it is absolutely worth it trying.
Affordability: A Budget-Friendly Investment
Contrary to common misconceptions, adult braces are now more affordable than ever. Many orthodontic clinics offer flexible payment plans and financing options, making this investment accessible to a broader range of individuals. It’s a wise choice that adds lasting value to your overall well-being.
Quicker Treatment with Modern Techniques
Thanks to advancements in orthodontics, adult braces now offer quicker treatment times. Innovative options like self-ligating braces and clear aligners can expedite the alignment process, reducing the overall treatment duration. You can achieve your desired results faster, maybe not as fast as a teenager, but quicker than you might think, while enjoying the convenience of these modern techniques.
Improved Oral Health for Life
Beyond aesthetics, adult braces contribute significantly to your oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. By investing in adult braces, you are making a positive, long-term impact on your dental well-being.
Facing the Dental Health Challenges of Age
That final point is crucial. Keep in mind that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of suffering from periodontal disease increases with age. Periodontal Disease makes orthodontic care challenging because of how it weakens your dental structures. As the periodontal tissues in your mouth, meaning your gums, recede and your bone tissue erodes, your teeth lose stability.
Similarly, your teeth’ outer layers erode, and your tooth’s root becomes exposed. At such stages, you are at risk of tooth loss. Your teeth won’t be as strong and may not resist the movements necessary as part of the required orthodontic treatment.
The problem is severe. Your teeth’ malalignment can lead to complications in your oral hygiene. As your dental care routines fail, your oral health gets compromised; thus, you develop complications such as periodontitis that weaken your teeth and make orthodontic treatment nearly impossible.
Fortunately, not every patient arrives at such extremes.
It’s important that adult patients receive help from a periodontist before they start orthodontic care. According to this research paper, any patient can benefit from careful coordination between an orthodontist and a periodontist during treatment.
Finally, you should consider that your bone structures have stopped growing, and your dental care may require additional surgical interventions if there are any developmental complications left untreated.
At What Age Can You Get Braces?
With age comes wisdom.
Yes, we may not truly ever know everything we have to, but adults are more careful about how they spend their money.
According to this study, adults are more successful than younger patients when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Older individuals looking for adult braces and other orthodontic treatment options are better at following professional recommendations about their treatment.
In short, older patients won’t unnecessarily put at risk their adult braces just to eat some occasional popcorn; similarly, adult patients understand the value of their treatment and will avoid neglecting their dental hygiene routine.
Alternatives to Adult Braces
The good news is that you won’t have to settle for traditional metal braces for your treatment. Many adults who are worried about their age at the start of treatment will also share questions about the practicality of conventional braces made of stainless steel.
You won’t have to worry too much about that when you come to our practice for treatment. Adults don’t have to limit themselves to traditional treatment options because recent innovations allow patients to complete their treatment with discreet appliances.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
This is a favored option for many of our patients, regardless of age. Adults like Invisalign because the removable clear aligners won’t attract any unwanted attention throughout their treatment. You will have to be attentive and avoid some beverages, such as red wine and black tea.
You’ll still get to enjoy incredible perks. Since the non-BPA plastic trays are removable, any patient can simply pop them off and eat their meals without complications or brush and floss their teeth to avoid the risk of tooth decay during their treatment.
A word of caution, though, since Invisalign’s official FAQ specifies that you should wear your aligner trays anywhere from 20 to 22 hours every day to maintain treatment efficiency. So even if you can take off your aligners whenever you want, you shouldn’t do so at any turn.
Clear Ceramic Braces
If you still want to leverage the principles that make conventional braces so reliable in the field of orthodontics but would rather avoid the typical “metal-face” look that comes with stainless steel braces, you can turn to clear ceramic braces.
This alternative functions just as any set of traditional dental braces. The brackets hold a wire that gradually pushes and pulls your teeth into the ideal position to realign your bite. However, the greatest difference is in the materials used to manufacture this variation.
The ceramic composites saw development initially for the space exploration programs of NASA. We’re not even joking; NASA published an article about this story on their site. The materials saw a commercial introduction to the field of orthodontics in the 80s, helping teenagers and adults complete their treatments and avoid unwanted attention during graduation photo days or job interviews.
Understanding Orthodontic Braces: Treatment Duration and Potential Delays
Orthodontic braces are the best option for a stunning smile! Now, after reading this informative blog post, we can agree on that. So, now it’s time to discuss the timeline of this transformational process, including average treatment times. Additionally, we’ll shed light on some common reasons patients might encounter delays on their path to a radiant grin.
The Expected Timeline
On average, orthodontic braces take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years to work their magic and align teeth beautifully. The duration varies based on individual factors, such as the complexity of the case, alignment goals, and age. But rest assured, each day brings progress, bringing you closer to the dazzling finale of your smile journey.
Potential Delays and Solutions
While orthodontic treatment is typically smooth sailing, some factors can cause delays. Patients may experience adjustments in the treatment plan, occasionally broken brackets, or inconsistent compliance with oral hygiene, and wearing instructions are the main causes for delays.
However, in some cases, adult patients might be prone to develop gum issues ranging from Gingivitis to a mild case of periodontal disease that must be addressed promptly, especially during orthodontic treatment.
Yet, excellent oral hygiene is a must for adults undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners to minimize the occurrence of issues with your gums. Therefore, open communication with your orthodontist and diligent adherence to care guidelines can help address these challenges.
Consult With a Professional About Your Adult Braces
When you are considering orthodontic care with traditional braces to get straight teeth and the smile you deserve, you should consult with a professional. Find the nearest and best orthodontist near you and schedule an appointment.
Also, parents hoping to help their children achieve the best possible version of their smile should get in touch and set an appointment at Dentistry for Children El Cajon which truly understands what they need at their current age.
Please, the team at Children’s Braces and Dentistry wants to remind you that adults can wear conventional metal braces and many other orthodontic appliances to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile regardless of their age. You’ll just have to get in touch with a qualified orthodontics specialist about what’s required for your treatment and when to start your journey toward a beautiful smile and good oral health.