Traditionally, many people have had braces fitted during their teenage years to align crooked or gapped teeth into a perfect smile. However, if you missed out on braces when you were young, it's not too late to achieve a more even alignment. Adult braces can rearrange teeth in older people, allowing them to feel confident about the way they look.
Adult Braces Are Becoming More Popular
Nearly a third of people receiving orthodontic treatment are aged 21 or over, according to the the Australian Society of Orthodontists. One reason why adult braces are growing in popularity is that it is now possible to straighten teeth using clear plastic aligners, which are subtle enough that most people won't even notice you're wearing them. These aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, and cleaning, making them a very convenient choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of fixed metal braces. The exact length of treatment varies depending on how far the teeth need to be moved from their current positions, but most people wear the aligners for at least a few months.
There's No Age Limit For Adult Braces
Even older adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Even if you had a perfect smile in your youth, losing teeth in later life may cause the teeth you have left to rearrange themselves into an uneven alignment, which can interfere with your ability to eat or speak clearly. Adult braces can realign teeth back into their original positions, producing a straighter and more even smile.
Most People Can Benefit
There are a few people for whom adult braces aren't suitable. Some medical conditions, including arthritis and osteoporosis, can make orthodontic treatment less likely to succeed. It's also a good idea to have the health of your gums checked before you get adult braces, as you'll need to have treatment for any gum disease before the treatment begins. However, the majority of people are suitable candidates for adult braces.
How to Get Adult Braces
If you're interested in straightening your smile, it's not too late. No matter how old you are, adult braces may be able to help you achieve the perfect smile you've always wanted. The first step in getting this orthodontic treatment is to talk to a dentist, like one from Perfect Smiles Orthodontics, who can assess your teeth and let you know whether adult braces could be a suitable option for you.
