As we age, our teeth move and change too. Gradual bone loss in the jaw can push teeth inwards, crowding them, and sometimes affecting the way we look and the way we speak. Crooked teeth and poorly aligned bites aren’t just cosmetic concerns. Misalignment is also associated with increased gum and bone loss, tooth decay, erosion of enamel, and related pain.
Read on to learn why older patients are choosing to embark on orthodontic treatment to revamp their smiles and improve their overall health.
Getting Braces After 50
Regardless of your age, you always want to look and feel your very best. Crooked teeth may affect your dental health as a misaligned bite can be difficult to brush, floss, and keep clean in general. Plaque and bacteria can buildup in hard-to-reach places, leading to tooth decay and developing cavities more frequently.
Getting braces for adults over 50 will not only help you achieve a straighter smile, but it also promotes dental health. As you age, there will be natural wear and tear of the teeth, which is why it’s vital to do anything you can to preserve your natural teeth. Braces now will ensure fewer dental treatments in the future. Additionally, poor oral health is linked to other health issues, including stroke and heart disease.
When To Consider Braces For Adults
Many patients assume that braces and other orthodontic treatments are primarily for children and teenagers. However, the need for taking great care of your smile has no age limit. Patients of any age can turn to orthodontic treatment for correcting dental imperfections before they become more severe as one gets older.
The Connection Between Your Mouth and Overall Health
It’s natural to experience a loss of collagen as you age. This decrease affects the skin and leads to reduced volume, giving the face a hollowed appearance. Additionally, the decline in collagen also affects the mouth by making your lower teeth become more visible. The teeth can also begin to move and become loose or crooked even if they were previously straightened.
Consider orthodontic treatment if you have:
- Difficulty chewing food
- Speech issues
- Bite problems
- Swollen gums
- An issue of food getting stuck between the gaps of your teeth
Knowing Your Treatment Options
People of all ages want to be confident about how they look and feel. If you’ve spent the majority of your life hiding a crooked smile, now is the time to change it. Getting braces as an adult will help straighten your teeth, boost your self-esteem, and gain confidence in your smile.
There are numerous options available when considering adult braces. Thomas Orthodontics offers the following treatment options for patients of any age:
Traditional braces
This type of orthodontic treatment works with brackets and wires that are made of high-grade stainless steel. They are attached to the front of the teeth. Traditional braces are an excellent option for those who have an extreme case of malocclusion.
Clear braces
Ceramic braces are made to match the color of the teeth. Clear ceramic braces are less noticeable because they blend in easily with the teeth for a less obvious treatment option.
Straighten Your Teeth At Any Age
Thanks to the advancement in dental technology, getting braces as an adult is now an affordable option. There are a number of options available for all budgets. As an adult, it is easier to see the many benefits to a straighter smile, making it a worthwhile investment. If you’re ready to fix your misaligned teeth as you’ve always wanted to, contact Thomas Orthodontics today.
