Are you thinking about starting your or your child’s orthodontic journey but unsure if you’ve if you are past the ideal age window or if your child is old enough? At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, we believe it’s never too early or too late to correct your tooth alignment. Braces have plenty of benefits that drastically change your quality of life, and you shouldn’t let age deter you from getting the orthodontic care you need! Let’s get into how braces are beneficial at any age.
The Basics Of Orthodontic Braces
Braces are sophisticated tools designed to gently guide your teeth into ideal positions to improve your smile’s function and appearance. Knowing how they work can help you understand the benefits of braces and at what age you should receive them for the best results.
At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of braces so that we can address as many orthodontic concerns in as many people as possible. Our orthodontic appliances include traditional metal braces, Damon self-ligating braces, Invisalign, clear braces, and more.
Each type works roughly the same way; only their appearance and durability change. By applying pressure to your teeth, the orthodontic devices encourage the process of “bone remodeling,” which is the breaking down and rebuilding of bone! It might sound surprising, but this is how the teeth move and solidify into their new homes to create long-lasting results—one of the biggest benefits of braces!
Did you just read that and think, “Well, I’m too old for that,” or, “My child is too young for that”? Well, you’re probably wrong! As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you could receive and benefit from braces.
Adult Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late
Before we talk about braces for children, let’s first talk about braces for adults and how even those old enough to have grandchildren can benefit from braces.
Getting braces as an adult is a fantastic way to transform your look, but many adults might shy away from orthodontics, fearing discomfort or social stigma. They would, in some cases, have their perfectly healthy teeth crowned to avoid straightening them, which is always a much more costly process. However, with advancements in dental technology, braces today are more comfortable and less noticeable than ever. Options like clear braces, Invisalign and removable retainers for adults offer discreet solutions that fit seamlessly into your professional and personal life.
You can start adult braces even if you had braces when you were younger, or you could start as an adult who never had braces before. You can get braces at 30, braces at 50, or even get braces at 70—whenever you feel you can commit to the care!
Childhood Orthodontics: Braces Before High School
For some, the journey to a perfect alignment begins in childhood. At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists are experts at guiding this crucial phase of dental development.
Though braces are typically believed to be for teenagers (and now adults!), children as young as seven can experience the benefits of braces. We’re pleased to say that most kids do not need to get braces, but these early evaluations help us determine if your child does. If they do, they’ll likely start phase 1 orthodontic treatment.
Phase 1 treatment, typically starting between the ages of six and nine, is all about taking proactive measures. During this stage, children’s jaws are still growing, making it an ideal time to correct structural problems and guide the development of the jaw and permanent teeth. This early intervention can include expanding the palate to prevent overcrowding, correcting crossbites, and guiding the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
The goal of phase 1 treatment is to reduce the complexity of or eliminate the need for future treatments. By addressing these issues early, we can often minimize or even eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic treatment during the teenage years. This approach can lead to shorter treatment times in phase 2, which usually involves full braces and begins once most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of braces—the whole reason why you’re here!
Benefits of Braces: Age Doesn’t Matter
No matter what age you are when you start braces, you can experience the benefits of braces. Orthodontic treatment is a transformative journey that offers numerous advantages, from functional improvements to aesthetic enhancements.
At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, we understand that a healthy, beautiful smile is a timeless asset. Here are some benefits of braces that can revamp your life:
- Improved Oral Health: Braces help align teeth, making them easier to clean and less prone to cavities and gum diseases.
- Enhanced Functionality: Correctly aligned teeth improve bite function, reducing issues like jaw pain and neck tension.
- Boosted Self-Confidence: A straight, attractive smile can improve facial symmetry and enhance self-esteem, positively impacting your social interactions of all kinds.
- Preventive Care: Braces can prevent future dental problems for patients of all ages, but especially for younger patients. Aligned teeth make it easier for children to develop healthy oral hygiene habits, leading to long-term benefits.
- Speech Improvement: Aligned teeth can contribute to clearer speech.
- Long-Term Savings: Addressing orthodontic issues early can reduce the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.
- Improved Digestion: Properly aligned teeth can aid in better food breakdown and improve digestion.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Evenly distributed bite forces prevent excessive wear on individual teeth.
- Sleep & Breathing: Aligned teeth improve sleep and breathing quality by expanding your air passageways and reducing teeth grinding that can keep you up at night.
Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas are dedicated to providing personalized, effective orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages. Our team’s dedication to this goal ensures that every patient benefits from the numerous advantages of braces, enjoying a healthier, more confident, and brighter smile.
Get Started At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics Today!
As you embark on your orthodontic journey, remember that age is just a number at Freedman & Haas Orthodontics. With Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas’s board-certified orthodontic expertise, we’re committed to crafting smiles that radiate confidence and health at any stage of life. Schedule your free consultation with us in West Palm Beach or Wellington to determine if you’re a good candidate for braces.
Get started today! The sooner you start, the sooner you can experience the benefits of braces for yourself and the longer you will have to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile!
