We hope this articles answers your question! The easiest answer here is anyone with crooked, crowded teeth, teeth that are misaligned or have gaps, or those people who have bite issues. But when a patient asks this question, in most cases they are referring to the age of the prospective patient. Is it wise to start young? What if my career is just beginning to take off? And how old is too old? Instead of saying “everyone” should at least “consider” braces if there’s a problem, we’ve provided some answers to questions we are asked most often. And at the same time, we included tips below on how braces affect our health at certain ages. Please review and give us a call if you have questions. Actually, consider setting up a free consultation in person. Then we can give you information tailored to your particular situation!
Do you think you need braces? There’s usually a reason someone asks if they need braces. Maybe they end up biting their tongue often, or it’s difficult to floss between teeth. Sometimes teeth overlap or are visibly crooked. Teeth can also be too crowded. Whatever you are worried about, it’s best to discuss it with your dentist or orthodontist.
Children and Braces. There’s not a hard and fast rule as to when children should have braces, but the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that most children should visit an orthodontist by age 7. Parents often notice things that may indicate the need for braces. These signs include teeth that don’t come together, teeth that are crowded or crooked, children who breathe through their mouth, or there’s a clicking sound when a child opens and closes his/her mouth.
Children often start treatment with an orthodontist somewhere between the ages of 9 and 14. Treating a child is advantageous in that the problem can be corrected as the child grows. In most cases, treating a child is easier. As we get older, the remedy can be more complex. Early treatment by an orthodontist can also help avoid problems later. As your child is treated, the orthodontist can correct and guide the growth of the jawline. We can help regulate the width of the upper and lower arches and create more space for crowded teeth. Early orthodontic treatment may help avoid tooth extractions later. And yes, sometimes early orthodontic treatment can help with minor speech problems.
Teenagers and Braces. The teenage years can be scary! The idea of adding braces may not be very appealing! Then again, for some teens, treatment now can be effective and require less time than it might as they get older. Timelines definitely vary with each case. One advantage of getting braces in our current environment is that teens have more options. Sometimes Invisalign is the perfect option for teens. Other times, metal braces will be the quicker option. The main concern during the teen years is to design a treatment that will make it easy to look good and feel good. A more confident smile definitely helps most teenagers feel good about themselves.
Braces And Early Adulthood. Getting braces while in your 20s is becoming more common. Young adults generally have more options. Orthodontists now have much more experience in customizing the treatment for a young adult. Straight teeth also build confidence and give a young adult a better quality of life. Sometimes there are milestones coming up in a young adult’s life. Important events such as an upcoming graduation, wedding, or start of a new job, are good reasons to take the plunge and visit your orthodontist for advice. And at this stage of life, a person can understand the long-term health benefits of straighter teeth.
As We Get Older. Whatever habits we take on as we go through life, our teeth have had to adjust. The foods we eat, the medications we take, the activities of our daily life – all of these factors can result in problems with our teeth. When our teeth are aligned properly, we are able to chew better. It may take a little longer to straighten our teeth as we get older, but the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience. We may be older but we still want to put our best foot forward! And many of the treatments available today are designed to minimize the appearance of metal braces.
Getting Braces Is Personal. Whether young or old, getting braces can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. When you consider orthodontic treatment, taking the proper action now pays big dividends when it comes to improving overall health. If you’re wondering if now is YOUR time for braces, give us a call for a free consultation.
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