If you missed out on correcting some dental issues while you were a child, you might be wishing for straighter teeth these days. You probably also fear that it is too late to do anything about it. 

Is that really so? Can you be late for braces and a perfect smile?

The good news is: You are never too old for braces! Especially now when there are so many innovative solutions around. The advances in dental orthodontics technology for adults put the odds in your favor.

As a result, there is no upper age limit to start resolving your orthodontic problems. Even in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, you can still wear braces and finally correct all the issues that have kept you from smiling freely for so many years. 

At this age, you are the boss, the master of your destiny. You can choose to invest in finally feeling good about your smile!

Arm yourself with patience, though. No matter how fast-acting the orthodontic treatment is, an adult will have to wait for visible results much longer than a child. Why is that so?

Your teeth have been in their position for quite a long time, and your jaw bone is thicker than that of a child too. Lucky for all the adults with crooked teeth, the orthodontists are constantly working on fast-acting, discreet orthodontic treatments designed especially for this age group. 

Why is it important to have straight teeth no matter your age? 

The straighter teeth will not only improve your looks and boost your confidence, but they are also good for your health.

Here is the list of some significant benefits:

What Are Your Options? Types of Braces Suitable for Adults

Not all types of braces will be suitable for you, no matter your age. You need to trust your dentist and let him or her guide you. As a patient, you can choose from a wide range of invisible braces and aligners or decide to stick to the good-old traditional metal braces. The former is much more discreet, though, so if you want to keep your orthodontic treatment undercover, choose that type of braces, if you can, of course.

Unfortunately, some dental issues are too complex for the innovative, invisible braces and aligners. If that is your case, too, you’ll have to settle for a conventional style of braces. The good news is that you can now choose tooth-colored ceramic brackets and wires too. In this way, you will look more natural and aesthetically pleasing. 

If you want to keep your brace a secret, opt for lingual (or invisible) braces that are to be positioned behind the teeth. No one will be able to see you are wearing braces. This type of braces takes much longer to make in comparison to all other types of braces. Their most significant advantage is the fact that they can be fully customized for every individual.

Invisible braces are not an option for those of you with a narrow jaw. They usually take up the space for the tongue, so if you are prone to claustrophobia, skip this type altogether.

A clear brace or aligner is the last but not the least interesting option. Clear aligners are positioned over your teeth. They are virtually invisible. How do the aligners work?

They work gently and push your teeth into the correct position. You will have to switch aligners at different stages of the treatment, though. You’ll need to be consistent too. If you hope for fast, visible results, wear the aligners for a whole day. Take them off only when you eat or drink or need to clean them. The greatest advantage of this type of treatment is that you can preserve your lifestyle.

The Conclusion

Childhood might be an ideal time for orthodontic treatment, but crowded smiles, crooked teeth, and misaligned bites can be straightened up in adulthood as well. If your teeth are not lined up as neatly as the keys on a piano, opt for orthodontic treatment, no matter your age. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll probably need more time to see the first results than a kid undergoing the same treatment. Likewise, some issues cannot be resolved without surgery. Good luck! Consult with your Calgary AB dentist today to learn more about your treatment options.