When you think of brackets and wires on teeth, you probably think of children or teenagers, not adults. You’ve always wanted to fix your misaligned smile, but life has always gotten in the way. You’re now over 40 years old and wondering if it’s even worth it! Are adult braces too late for you? Here are three compelling reasons to consider orthodontic treatment at your age.
Confidence is important at any age.
If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, you are less likely to show them. Smiling faces, on the other hand, are perceived to be happier, more attractive, more successful, and more trustworthy. You might not be as young as you once were, but that doesn’t mean you’ve given up on life. You deserve to be self-assured in social or professional situations, and there are still plenty of reasons to smile! Braces are a temporary treatment that can significantly improve not only how others perceive you, but also how you perceive yourself.
With age, oral health becomes even more important.
Straight teeth are not only appealing to the eye; they can also be much easier to keep clean. When your teeth are crooked, overcrowded, or gapped, small areas can be just out of reach of your toothbrush. Flossing can also be difficult for people whose teeth are misaligned. As a result, they may experience more tooth decay and other oral issues.
Everyone, no matter their age, needs to have a healthy smile. However, as you get older, it becomes more difficult to maintain good oral health. For example, while nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have advanced gum disease, that figure rises to just over 70% for adults over the age of 65.
Scientific research has long established a link between conditions in the mouth and medical issues throughout the body. Indeed, studies show that those with gum disease are significantly more likely to develop heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few conditions that disproportionately affect aging adults.
You have several orthodontic options
If you want to straighten your teeth, you don’t have to use traditional braces to do so. Other, more discrete options, such as clear braces or clear aligners may be more appropriate for your needs. Your orthodontist can explain your treatment options and help you find a solution that will give you the smile you want while having a minimal impact on your appearance.
Finally, the advantages of orthodontic treatment far outweigh the disadvantages. Straightening your teeth can improve your self-esteem and make it easier to stay healthy as you get older.
About the Texas Association of Orthodontists (TAO)
We are proud to have many highly trained and skilled orthodontists at the Texas Association of Orthodontists who genuinely care about each patient’s smile goals. Following their dental degrees, our member doctors pursued orthodontic specialization. If you want to find a TAO specialist near you or learn more about braces or other orthodontic treatment, please visit our member directory.