Orthodontic Treatment - Not Just For Kids

“It’s never too late for orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Christensen of Christensen Family Orthodontics, whose patients have ranged as early as 7-years old for functional issues to 85-years old for aesthetic purposes and everyone in between. Whether it be for health purposes or to feel better about their smile, adult patients are now seeking orthodontic treatment now more than ever before.

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for children and teens. The American Association of Orthodontists says one out of five orthodontic patients are older than 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment for a myriad of reasons, and here are the top 4:

Achieve a beautiful smile. For the majority of adults, getting that picture-perfect smile is the primary reason for seeking orthodontic care. Many adults seek treatment for minor corrections they desire to have fixed due to teeth shifting since their previous treatment as a child or teen. This desire can be sparked by an upcoming momentous occasion, such as a wedding or career change, or simply ‘just because.’ Dr. Christensen states that limited treatment using clear aligners has become a great way to give people a perfect smile due to the speed of treatment, esthetic appearance, and flexibility it provides.

In other instances, for some adults, this is their first opportunity at getting the smile they have always wanted. These changes in one's smile can be drastic and truly life-changing, says Dr. Christensen. Changes in the alignment of teeth can even be seen within the first few weeks of treatment, which is motivating to patients while at the beginning of treatment.

Enhance self-esteem and confidence. Another common reason for orthodontic treatment is to enhance one's self-esteem and confidence. When someone is self-conscious about their smile, it is hard for them to find confidence. A beautiful, straight smile builds that confidence, especially in adults, giving them a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without feeling insecure.

Improve oral health. Unideal tooth positions and bites can cause increased wear and tear of teeth over time, increased susceptibility to tooth injury, and may be a contributing factor to headaches and pain in the jaw joint. Furthermore, even daily brushing and flossing can be impaired with teeth that are crowded or rotated, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities. Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it is needed can create long-term health issues, costing patients more time and money in the end.

Esthetic options and other technological advances. Gone are the days of being called “metal mouth.” While traditional metal braces are still available for those who want them, a variety of alternative options are now available, including clear/ceramic braces, clear aligners, and lingual (behind the tooth) braces. Also, many offices are saying goodbye to the uncomfortable impressions that used to be commonplace to capture molds of your teeth. Now, a series of pictures taken from an intraoral camera can be stitched together to create a digital model of the patient's mouth and teeth. In turn, this makes the process of getting your braces and retainers all the more comfortable and patient-friendly.

Dr. Christensen believes everyone deserves to have the smile they’ve always wanted, no matter how old they are. A lot of adults are worried that it is too late for orthodontic care or even believe they need a dentist referral, which isn’t the case, so they maintain the status quo. Dr. Christensen, however, encourages everyone who is concerned about their smile or bite to seek out an orthodontist for treatment. “No time is too late for a perfect smile,” Dr. Christensen said.

*All images shown in this article are pre-covid

This article was presented and sponsored by Christensen Family Orthodontics. For more information, go to christensenfamilyortho.com.