Your age should not stop you from receiving orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will surely consider a range of variables when designing your customised treatment plan, rarely is age considered a determining factor. Adults and adolescents can both receive successful treatment; in fact, one out of three orthodontic patients is an adult.
The physiological process involved in moving teeth is the same for all ages, and over time all teeth move in response to the force being applied to them. Although the treatment for adults may take a little longer because of their denser bone tissue, age does not prevent stop teeth movement and orthodontic problems can be fixed just as easily as they are in children and teenagers.
The main reason why orthodontics for adults differs to that of children and teenagers is due to the fact that adults stop growing. Treatment for adults tends to take a little longer due to the density and maturity of their bones. There are factors which will affect their treatment such as having fillings, missing teeth, misshapen teeth, and/or other dental diseases. The existence of other medications and habits can also have adverse effects on the treatment being received, such as smoking, tongue thrust, and clenching or grinding teeth. It is common practice for your orthodontist to coordinate treatment and care with the patient’s family dentist, and on certain occasions require the assistance of other specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists and endodontists to ensure the best treatment.
In order to align teeth in the ideal position, a carefully controlled force needs to be applied to teeth gently and predictably. To achieve this aim, your orthodontist will use an ‘appliance’ such as braces or aligners. Thanks to the development of modern technology, such treatment has been made easier and more comfortable than ever. In terms of appearance, modern treatment has become less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing than ever before, with the use of clear aligners, tooth-colored braces, tiny but more traditional metal braces, and even braces that are applied behind the teeth. In order to ensure the best results, your teeth should be treated by an orthodontist as they have access to a full range of appliances, and can determine the best course of treatment for your unique case better than anyone in the dental profession.
On average treatment takes 22 months to complete, during which time regular visits to your orthodontist are scheduled every six to eight weeks. This is a relatively short amount of time considering the improved dental health that results from treatment, including better function (chewing and biting) and being able to maintain tooth hygiene easily.
Having healthy teeth and the beautiful smile you always wanted is attainable regardless of age, and even if you did not receive treatment before, it is never too late. It all begins with a visit to your orthodontist.
Orthodontic specialists recommend that children receive a check-up as soon as an orthodontic problem is sighted. You should not wait until your child has lost all his/her baby teeth, as waiting that long could have detrimental effects on their treatment. Children should receive a check-up no later than the age of 7, as by that time they will have developed enough permanent teeth for orthodontists to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists, or may be developing. Early check-ups allow orthodontists to provide the best treatment at the opportune time, and some problems may be remedied much better if discovered before the face and jaws have finished growing.
