Why It's Never Too Late to Fix Your Teeth With Braces

Orthodontics might be a rite of passage for many teens, but data show plenty of adults wear braces, too. In fact, of all Americans wearing braces right now, roughly a quarter of them are adults.

Duval Orthodontics is a leading provider of adult braces to patients in Warner Robins and Albany, Georgia. In this post, J. A. Duval, DDS, explains why it’s never too late to enjoy all the benefits orthodontic treatment has to offer.

The many benefits of braces

When most of us think of having braces, we think of the amazing aesthetic benefits they offer. A straighter smile can instantly help you feel more confident and attractive, and that’s a real bonus at work, school, and during social events. Plus, it gives you a confidence boost every time you look in the mirror.

But braces do more than improve the way your smile looks. Orthodontic treatment can also help you improve your oral health.

Straighter teeth are a lot easier to care for. By realigning your crooked teeth, it’s easier for brushes and flossers to do their job. That means less sticky plaque to worry about, and a reduced risk of cavities and gum disease as well.

Aligning your teeth also rebalances your bite, eliminating painful bite abnormalities that can lead to excess tooth wear, tooth fractures, headaches, jaw pain, and a chronic condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).

Let’s face it: no one wants to spend hours getting dental problems fixed. By improving your oral health you can reduce your risk of serious problems, saving time and money too — pretty amazing benefits at any age.

Why age doesn’t matter

Orthodontic treatment uses a series of brackets and wires to gently move your teeth, from their tips to their roots. Prior to treatment, Dr. Duval makes a “map” of your treatment plan to ensure each tooth moves in the right directions.

The primary concern for orthodontics revolves around tooth and jaw health. In general, as long as your teeth and jawbone are healthy and strong enough to support tooth movements during treatment, you’re good to go, regardless of how old you are.

What’s more, today’s braces options give you plenty of choice when it comes to selecting the right braces for your needs and goals. Dr. Duval offers several options, including ceramic braces with tooth-colored wires and braces that fasten to the backs of your teeth, so you can straighten your smile discreetly.