Am I Too Old for Braces?

The short answer to the question of, ‘am I too old for braces?’ is simply, no! At MSC, age is never an issue and it’s never too late to get braces. MSC have patients in their 50’s and 60’s who are benefiting from wearing braces to correct the position of their teeth with great success. Our dentists at MSC know how important a great smile is to the way you view yourself.

Patients at MSC have different reasons for wanting to have this treatment. It might be a family occasion such as a wedding, having professional or corporate photographs taken or simply just wanting to correct the position of your teeth. Invisible braces are a popular option for patients and are a great option to help fix dental problems such as overcrowding or misaligned teeth. These issues can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. If you dislike your teeth or have the urge to hide your smile in photos or when meeting friends, this can contribute to low levels of self-confidence, low self-esteem, stress and being self-conscious. At MSC, we offer invisible braces as treatment to improve your smile so you feel confident and proud of your teeth, your smile and your overall appearance. 

What Do You Think of When Imagining Braces? 

You might picture the traditional fixed metal braces which have been mainly worn by teenagers. These types of braces have been well used to straighten teeth over the years but as technology has progressed, so have braces. Dental orthodontics now offer the option of using invisible braces to help straighten teeth. These are clear and colourless which keeps your smile looking great and ensures you feel confident about wearing them. They blend in with your teeth and smile, eliminating that ‘metal mouth’ appearance associated with the fixed braces. 

How do Invisible Braces Work for Adults? 

Braces are designed to move teeth by applying tension to help move them slowly in the desired direction.  Any bone in the way gets reabsorbed by the body and new bone forms behind the tooth to keep it securely in place. New bone can form at any age which is why invisible braces are suitable for all to wear. So, if you are considering braces to correct a problem like misaligned or crooked teeth invisible braces are a great option.

Advantages of Invisible Braces

One of the advantages of choosing invisible braces is that they reduce the likelihood of other problems developing such as plaque and gum disease. Fixed metal braces can be hard to clean and requires a strict dental routine to keep teeth clean that can be time consuming but invisible braces eliminates this. It’s important to note however, that invisible braces and your teeth both still require thorough cleaning to maintain oral hygiene. Adults also have a higher level of success over a longer period of time than younger patients when using invisible braces. This is down to several factors, the financial cost and a willingness to comply with the treatment. Part of having this kind of dental procedure includes patients wearing a retainer long after the brace comes off.  It is just as important to wear a retainer as wearing the brace itself. Newly moved teeth can easily move back into their original place and the retainer helps to keep the newly positioned teeth in place.

Fact:

Nationally speaking, UK private spending on improving teeth sharply increased reaching £1.86bn in 2014 with 3 in 10 adults unhappy about the appearance of their teeth. The rising trend of make-over shows and the influence of celebrities are both factors in of people becoming more interested and pre-occupied by the condition and appearance of their teeth.

Orthodontics at Midlands Smile Centres

Our dentists at MSC are highly trained and experienced in providing orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking to improve your smile, whether it’s cosmetically or for health reasons, we can help. Book a consultation today to find out more.