You might never have thought you could wear braces as a forty-something mom. But why not? Orthodontists say that old teeth can learn new tricks.
Do you tend to hide your smile because of crooked teeth? Some people have even trained themselves not to smile at all, because they’re ashamed of their teeth. But braces can solve that problem, no matter your age. An ever increasing number of adults are getting their teeth straightened with braces, and they’re thrilled with the results.
Braces straighten or realign the teeth. Not only can improperly aligned teeth spoil your appearance, they can cause a lot of jaw pain. And that’s not all: crooked teeth can significantly affect your health. Crowded teeth are more vulnerable to cavities, increase chewing problems, and accelerate the gum deterioration. As strange as it may seem, a mouthful of crooked teeth can even be responsible for tension headaches and shoulder or back pain.
Long-lasting corrections can be made by using orthodontics. Whatever your age may be, the treatment will reposition your teeth and improve the aesthetics and functional aspects of your mouth.
Remember when we used to call braces “railroad tracks”? A few years ago, braces were, to put it mildly, rather visible. But it may reassure you to know that today’s braces are much more discreet. In fact, some of them are practically invisible. An orthodontist will recommend the type of braces that are best for your situation and degree of dental problem. Some braces are fixed, while others are removable. Whatever your treatment, you can expect to have regular follow-up appointments to have the tension adjusted and keep the realignment progressing smoothly. Visits to the orthodontic clinic can be spread out over several months and even over a few years.
The orthodontist will give you precise instructions for the maintenance of your braces. They are always simple to care for. He or she will ask you to avoid chewing gum and sticky foods, such as taffy and caramels. You’ll also have to take extra care when chewing harder foods, such as raw vegetables. Of course, regular brushing and flossing (with a special flosser) become more important than ever.
Are you in your thirties, forties, fifties, or even older? Were you always embarrassed or made to feel uncomfortable because of your teeth? You’re not the only one. But adults who have straightened their teeth with braces affirm that recovering their self-esteem is well worth it. And that’s on top of all the health benefits.
