When you hear “braces” and the “orthodontist,” most people think about teenagers they know or their own teenage years. The fact is the age spectrum for good braces candidates is much wider than that.
Famous actors Fay Dunaway and Danny Glover each decided to get braces at age 61. If you are over age 50, braces could still be very beneficial for your smile. Dr. Norman Nagel, an orthodontist practicing in California for nearly 50 years, says braces for adults are quite common.
“Adult patients now consume 45-55 percent of our practice with many over 50 and a growing number over 70,” he said. “My oldest patient was 92. At this point in life, people see things changing in their mouth structure and their smile, so they decide to do something about it.”
Keep reading to learn why braces aren’t merely a cosmetic decision, the link between the mouth and oral health, potential pain if you pass on getting braces, and the multiple options you have to straighten teeth.
Braces Are More Than a Cosmetic Decision
As people age, their teeth move and change. Biting and chewing cause wear and tear. Gradual bone loss in the jaw can push the teeth inward, resulting in crowding and affecting the way people speak.
These problems aren’t just about appearance. They’re associated with increased gum and bone loss, tooth decay, enamel erosion, headaches, and jaw pain. Whatever the reason, the number of older Americans deciding in favor of braces is on the rise.
Orthodontics Impact the Entire Body
Studies have shown that if there’s inflammation around the gum tissue or in the oral cavity, it can increase the potential for heart disease. Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean, which causes the formation of more plaque and, in turn, irritation in the mouth and beyond.
Potentially reducing inflammation and the number of oral bacteria in the mouth by having healthier-positioned teeth or jaw structure is definitely beneficial.
Avoiding Braces Could Bring Pain
While some people decide not to get braces because they are concerned about pain, that decision often proves more hurtful in the long run. Patients with deep bites, where the top teeth completely cover the lower teeth when the jaw is closed, almost always have problems with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connecting the jawbone to the skull.
This bite damages the teeth and surrounding jawbone. Whenever you chew, the pressure increases. An adult patient who has been living with that bite for 50-60 years has often become accustomed to muscle pain and headaches. That deep bite can be corrected with braces and the TMJ problems disappear.
Choose the Best Option for Your Smile
Your dentist in Huntington gives you the choice of traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Both will straighten your teeth, but you can get a faster result with Invisalign, and it is more convenient since you can briefly remove the aligners when eating.
It’s never too late to make a positive change in your life, and that includes your oral health. Having straight teeth can make you feel better about your smile while your health improves in the process!
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka did not receive the best dental care as a child growing up in Poland. Fortunately, when she moved to America, her first orthodontist was very personable and made her feel comfortable. This positive experience changed her outlook on dental health and sparked her personal journey to become a successful orthodontist. Regardless of the reason you may be considering braces, Dr. Balicka is prepared to explain why orthodontics for adults is a decision worth pursuing. For a consultation about traditional braces or Invisalign, visit her website or call (631) 759-8834.