It’s never too late to get the smile you wish you had. Although the stereotype for getting teeth straightened is teens in braces, there is no expiration date for getting orthodontic work done by Plano Orthodontist, Dr. Omar Issa, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the Texas Association of Orthodontics (TAO).
One of the reasons for this stereotype is that it is easier to straighten teeth while a person is young and growing. Bones and gums are softer and more malleable. However,teeth can still be realigned after adulthood, it just takes a little more time because they move a little more slowly. The average time for this process is 22 months.
Orthodontics for Adults:
Adults are also prone to have more complicated cases. They may be missing teeth or have gum issues or an accumulation of fillings. These all have to be taken into account when designing a treatment protocol. However, orthodontists are highly trained specialists and they are fully qualified to address the entire range of dental issues while working towards a goal of getting you a prettier smile.
It is a myth that orthodontists merely do cosmetic work. They are trained to deal with extensive and serious dental issues. Children with potentially serious future dental issues can get referred to them in elementary school in order to mitigate problems down the road. So they are very much looking at the big picture. This is not just about looks.
Properly aligned teeth not only give you a nicer smile, they can help you chew, help you avoid or limit gum disease and have significant other positive health impacts. Missing teeth don’t just impact how you look when you smile broadly enough to show your teeth. They can also impact how your cheeks look, whether you are smiling or not.
The Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment
These days, there are a range of orthodontic appliances that can be used to realign teeth. This is true in part because of the increased interest in adult orthodontic work. Adults typically don’t want a “grill” showing while on the job or while dating. Some braces are tooth-colored and there are also appliances called “aligners” instead of braces that are essentially invisible.
During treatment, you will need to see your orthodontist about once every six to eight weeks. Over the course of 22 months, that’s a maximum of 11 visits. It’s really not as big of a time burden as most people imagine it will be and it pays handsome dividends, not just in terms of looks, but also in terms of improved biting and chewing ability.
If you are someone who self consciously refrains from a broad, toothy grin because you don’t like the way your teeth look, that costs you energy and mental focus on an on-going basis. One of the benefits of getting your teeth straightened is being freed of this chronic small burden. You won’t know how much that is costing you until you are free of it.
To get the smile you have always wanted, you need to choose the best Plano orthodontist that can offer you a custom treatment plan. To get started, visit or call Issa Orthodontics Plano and let us schedule your free consultation. We look forward to your first visit.