Many adults with a misaligned smile find themselves asking, “am I too old for orthodontic treatment?” Movies and television is filled with the images of teenagers wearing braces and headgear, which makes many of us mistakenly believe that orthodontic treatment is strictly for adolescents. While orthodontic treatment is appropriate for kids and teens, it is also appropriate for adults. Misaligned smiles and crooked teeth are problematic for anyone of any age because it can lead to health problems and low self-esteem.
Reduce Risks of Misalignment
Crooked, misaligned teeth can create small crevices that bacteria can hide in. When you brush and floss during your daily routine, bacteria can stay behind in these hiding places. Bacteria that is left behind in your mouth can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also increase your risk of having chronic headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder by putting undue strain on your jaw. Misaligned teeth can also be at a greater risk of tooth damage during biting and chewing.
Options For Less Noticeable Treatment
A big reason that many people choose to skip out on straightening their teeth is the worry about what it will look like when wearing braces with metal brackets. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to incrementally move your teeth into the correct alignment. The clear plastic aligners can be hardly noticeable in person and nearly invisible in photographs. The Invisalign aligners are removeable, so that you enjoy a cup of coffee, brushing your teeth, flossing, or for whatever reason you want. For effective treatment, it is necessary for the aligners to be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day. If you have procrastinated on correcting misaligned teeth because you worry about the appearance of treatment, you should know that there are options less intrusive to your look and lifestyle.
Orthodontic treatment is appropriate for adults
If you are an adult who has waited too long to straighten your teeth, talk to Dr. Cabal. To schedule a consultation, call our Ft. Worth, TX, office today at (817) 236-7846. We serve adults, teens, and children from White Settlement, North Fort Worth, Springtown, Rome, Haslet, Azle, Saginaw, and surrounding Texas communities.
