Are You Too Old For Braces?

Kelly Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. 

Ideally, your teeth would line up as neatly as the keys on a piano. Unfortunately, many people must contend with crooked or crowded teeth, or poorly aligned bites.

These problems raise more than cosmetic concerns. Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Teeth that don't come together properly when you close your jaws can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on the chewing muscles, causing facial pain.

Whether you’re 6 or 60, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth fixed are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. 

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from consulting Kelly Orthodontics.

A Perfect Smile in 3 Easy Steps

Kelly Orthodontics

 

The upcoming holiday season can be a busy time for parents and their children. A new season brings new activities and new routines so it’s easy to forget that you still need to be taking care of your braces and teeth. 

Step 1: Whiten - There are many tooth whitening products available at your local drug store that can get rid of stains and discolorations. At-home teeth whitening kits often contain peroxide gels or strips with peroxide that are designed to be left on your teeth as long as overnight. However, home treatments can actually be more expensive than an in-office teeth whitening by Dr. Kelly. Using an at-home treatment is less expensive at first, but the whitening agents are also less concentrated than the ones used by our orthodontic practice. You may have to spend more money over time on several whitening kits, while Dr. Kelly can make your smile brighter in one quick procedure. Pro Tip: To keep your smile beautifully realistic, don’t make your teeth lighter than the whites of your eyes. 

Step 2: Floss - Floss once or twice a day, everyday,  just before you brush your teeth. This removes plaque from between your teeth, preventing a build up of yellow or off-white plaque. If you have braces, ask our office about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders are an easy and effective way to floss between your brackets and wires. 

Step 3: Food - While the occasional sweet treat is OK…be mindful that braces are sensitive to damage, so you’ll need to avoid certain foods for as long as you have braces. These include sticky and hard foods that can damage the wires or bands, or cause a bracket to separate from a tooth. Also, limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks this summer. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates a sticky film (plaque) that coats the teeth. It is also a good idea to reduce exposure to foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.  

At Kelly Orthodontics, we are passionate about making our patients love their smiles. Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or child, our team will work together to exceed all of your expectations. If you have any questions on how to take care of your teeth and braces be sure to give our St. Charles Office a call. Our friendly team is here to help.