Are you too old for braces?
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Braces have always been associated with the adolescent crowd, and you might not want to look like an awkward teenager when you’re trying to impress your boss at work or get your team to take you seriously. On the other hand, you might think it’s simply too late and it’s not worth the effort to correct your adult teeth.
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It’s 2021 and nothing could be further from the truth!
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Braces don’t have to make you stand out nor are they less effective. Adults deserve to not have to hide their smiles or keep their mouths closed.
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Read on as we debunk, defang, and destroy 5 myths about straightening your teeth if you’re an adult in your 30s.
Myth 1: Braces are less effective for people aged 30 and above
Braces work the same way no matter your age. They apply pressure on your teeth to guide them into straighter positions and your teeth are always moving no matter how old you are. As the roots of your teeth press against the underlying bone as it moves, new bone will grow in the space that your teeth have just vacated.
There are some benefits to getting braces when you’re younger and your jaw is still developing, but it doesn’t mean that braces are not effective once you hit your 30s. Medical knowledge and technology have also evolved to the point where treatments can be faster even for adults. Dentists can now use 3D scans to visualize your teeth from every angle during a consultation and plan a comprehensive treatment plan that targets all parts of your teeth.
Myth 2: Braces are only for people who care about their appearance
The benefits of straight teeth go beyond just improving your appearance. Crooked teeth can be hard to clean, leading to a higher chance of gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease is also associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease, headaches and earaches. If you can’t chew your food properly, that can also lead to digestive and gastrointestinal issues.
For some people, not having straighter teeth can also affect your speech and breathing.
Straighter and healthier teeth can go a long way towards helping you look and feel younger than you really are.
Myth 3: Braces make you stick out like a sore thumb
In a time when metal braces were your only option for straightening crooked teeth, it was extremely difficult to hide that you were undergoing braces treatment to straighten your teeth. However, you can now wear invisible braces which are clear trays that aren’t as noticeable unless someone looks at your teeth up close. It also makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth since you can take them out.
Myth 4: Your teeth stop moving when you’re an adult
Not true! You might not be likely to experience another growth spurt as an adult, but your teeth are living things that are always moving over time. Just because your teeth aren’t giving you as much issues now doesn’t mean they can’t continue to move out of alignment. Straightening your teeth can give you a solid foundation for the rest of your life, and you often get a set of retainers that you can wear to maintain your teeth alignment for years to come.
Myth 5: Braces are uncomfortable
“I’m too old for this and I just want to enjoy life.”
If you’re thinking this way, you might be assuming that braces are always uncomfortable. It’s true that new aligners and braces can cause discomfort in the first few days as your teeth get used to them. However, the discomfort wears off and you might not even remember you have your braces on after that.
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