The American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.
Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:
- A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, causing health or aesthetic concerns
- Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- The desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
The need for a perfect smile often becomes more apparent as you age. You may have a career where a beautiful smile is an asset, thus, making orthodontic treatment a fantastic choice. You may also be planning for a major life event such as a wedding or graduation. These events encourage you to think about your smile and how to perfect it.
Regardless of your motivations, braces for adults can give you the fast and efficient results you want. Larson Orthodontics provides braces for adults in Riverside, CA. Dr. Larson and the team provide custom treatment solutions that will help you reach your smile goals.
Am I Too Old For Braces?
You are not too old for braces. Braces work fasters for children and teenagers, but they can still work well for adults. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 20% of orthodontic patients are older than 21.
Many adults choose to correct orthodontic problems for cosmetic reasons. People notice your smile before anything else, so receiving orthodontic treatment and achieving a straight smile can do wonders for your self-confidence.
Aside from aesthetic reasons, orthodontic treatments like braces can correct a wide range of health problems. For instance, bad bites can make chewing more difficult and cause migraines. They can also have a negative impact on breathing and oral hygiene.
The inability to brush and floss properly due to poor teeth alignment can cause various oral health concerns, including gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and more.
Getting braces in adulthood requires more commitment as most patients wear braces for an average of 12-24 months. However, the results will leave you happier, healthier, and more comfortable with your smile.
Treatment Options
As one of the top practices you can trust for braces for adults in Riverside, CA, Larson Orthodontics deploys the latest braces technology in every treatment. Following a thorough consultation, our orthodontists recommend appliances that fit your lifestyle and teeth alignment needs.
The main treatment options we offer include:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces and variants like lingual braces remain popular today because they continue to deliver effective and consistent results. Due to technological improvements, these treatments are now sleeker and more comfortable.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces as they also feature brackets and wires. However, they blend into your smile, making them a more discreet option for correcting alignment. Using this treatment option, you can enjoy the effectiveness of braces without worrying about your appearance.
Oral Hygiene And Braces
Oral hygiene is always vital. However, it’s even more so when you’re wearing braces. Food particles can lodge between the wires and brackets. As a result, you need to pay more attention when brushing and flossing to remove plaque and food particles.
When wearing braces, you must brush for longer periods and check for food remnants. A good tip is to avoid eating fibrous foods likely to get caught between the parts of the braces. If you can’t dislodge the food particle with some water and light brushing, dental floss or special flossing tools can help.