Am I Too Old For Braces?

Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner

If you usually think of kids and teens when you think of orthodontics, you may not realize that treatment can improve the patients of all ages, including adults! In fact, we’ve seen more and more adults in recent years who are looking to transform their smile and correct issues they’ve been struggling with for years. If you’ve been unhappy or self-conscious about how your teeth look or function, this is the perfect time to explore how Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics can help! You’re never too old for braces!

Dr. Leaver, Dr. Gardner and the rest of our talented team are proud to offer our patients a variety of treatment options to correct problems like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what orthodontics actually is, what treatment options are available for adult patients, and how Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Keep reading to learn more!

WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty, which means an orthodontist is a dentist who has also received years of additional education and training in:

An experienced orthodontist like Dr. Leaver or Dr. Gardner will work with their patients to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. If issues such as these are left untreated over time, they can eventually lead to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This may cause face and neck pain, headaches, and even trouble chewing or speaking. A good orthodontist will be able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, which will improve both the function and appearance of your smile.

WHY ARE MORE ADULTS NOW LOOKING INTO ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Every patient who looks into orthodontic treatment has their own reasons for doing so. One common reason is that as we grow older, we gain a better understanding of oral health is connected to total body health. This knowledge can lead some people to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to take better care of their teeth and gums.

Maybe you’re like many adults and you’ve had incomplete orthodontic treatment when you were younger and want to finish the process now. Touch-up treatment is also very common. Teeth that were straightened when you were younger can shift over time due to age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, there are multiple treatment options available, such as monitoring your teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.

Or, maybe you’ve never had treatment but are simply looking to improve the look of your smile. This can boost your confidence and self-esteem and can have a significant positive impact on your personal and professional lives. We fully support any reason you may have for looking into orthodontic treatment for yourself!

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADULT PATIENTS?

Whatever your reasons for reaching out to an orthodontist, there are more treatment options available to you than ever before! Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a total smile transformation.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are a go-to orthodontic treatment because they continue to prove themselves. They’re one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, and design innovations mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.

Clear braces

These function basically same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an almost invisible treatment option, they can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Clear braces can be an excellent choice if you’re worried about your appearance, but because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.

Invisalign clear aligner therapy

Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth.

These are all great options for busy adults who are concerned about their health! Our doctors will always take your unique needs and lifestyle into account before recommending the treatment method they feel would work best for your smile.

GET THE SMILE YOU DESERVE WITH LEAVER & GARDNER ORTHODONTICS

We don’t do “one size fits all” treatment here at Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics! Every smile is unique, and we know that what works for one patient may not work for another. This is one reason it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist you trust. Our talented team will create a customized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, and you can count on us for a stress-free orthodontic experience and superior results that last!

Our North Las Vegas and Summerlin offices are committed to providing patients of all ages with the latest in orthodontic technique and technology. We’ve been creating beautiful smiles in our community for years, and would love the chance to do the same for you! If you’re ready to take the first step towards achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation.