Your smile isn’t just about how you look, it’s a reflection of your oral health.
Aligned teeth play an important role in looking after the health of your gums, preventing tooth decay, minimising wear on your teeth, and may even help with issues like TMJ disorder.
But not all of us were blessed with naturally straight teeth.
If you’re wondering whether the ship has sailed for you to achieve that straight-toothed grin, you needn’t worry. You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment.
At Lillybrook Dental, we consider many variables when developing your customised treatment plan, but age is rarely a deciding factor. In fact, 1 in 3 of our orthodontic patients is an adult.
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment.
Here, we discuss orthodontic treatment for adults and how Lillybrook Dental can help.
Does orthodontic treatment work on adults?
A common misconception is that orthodontic treatment is only effective during the teen years when the teeth are still developing. While it’s true, braces work faster when jawbones are growing, your teeth continue to shift even as you age. This means orthodontic treatments can be effective for achieving a straighter smile well into adulthood.
Your teeth might have settled into their current positions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be guided towards alignment with the right treatment.
Why do adults need orthodontic care?
When we talk about orthodontics, the first thing that often comes to mind is the idea of achieving beautifully straight teeth. While that’s part of it, there are many other reasons an adult could need orthodontic care.
- Overbite, Underbite, Open Bite: These aren’t just cosmetic. They could lead to jaw pain and cause your teeth to wear unevenly.
- Overcrowding: If your teeth are fighting for room, they’re more prone to harbouring plaque, leading to decay and gum problems.
- Protruding Teeth: Protruding teeth can cause bite problems and discomfort. Orthodontics gently guides them back in line.
What options are available?
When we mention orthodontics, the image of classic, metal braces might instantly pop into your mind, but you have a few options available.
Braces are highly effective in aligning your teeth and correcting your bite. Over time, they’ve evolved to include sleeker designs and more discreet options such as ceramic or tooth-coloured brackets. But, despite these advancements, some adults are hesitant to opt for braces due to their noticeable appearance.
Because of this, Lillybrook Dental offers clear aligner options for those on the more mature end of the orthodontics age spectrum.
Invisalign and Spark aligners allow you to achieve straighter teeth without metal brackets and wires. They’re easy-to-use, translucent trays that like traditional braces, correct the position of your teeth by applying gentle pressure over time. Treatment time will depend on your individual smile, typically ranging from 6 to 24 months.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable and convenient. You have the freedom to remove them whenever you need to clean, floss, or enjoy a meal but we recommend you keep them in as much as you can, preferably a minimum of 22 hours each day. This commitment ensures the best possible results in the shortest time frame.
While undergoing Invisalign treatment we’ll have regular monthly check-ins. We’ll track your progress and assess the effectiveness of your aligner and arrange a new adjusted Invisalign aligner when needed.
If you opt for Spark aligners, the process is just as straightforward. You’ll wear your aligners as prescribed and change them out every 2 weeks. For best results, wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours each day is advised. To keep things on track, a monthly visit to our Kallangur office will allow us to keep tabs on your progress.
When you choose spark aligners, your care plan will be digitally mapped out, meaning we can adjust your aligners electronically if need be, ensuring convenience and precision.
How Lillybrook Dental can help
There’s no such thing as an orthodontic treatment age limit. Your age should never be a barrier to achieving a healthier and more confident smile.
Our experienced team at Lillybrook Dental provide personalised orthodontic solutions tailored to your age, preferences, and dental conditions. When planning your care, we consider factors such as the condition of your teeth, jaw, and gums before designing a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your needs and goals.
If you’ve been dreaming of a straighter smile or improved oral health, contact our team or book an appointment online to chat about your orthodontic options.
