Park Meadows Ortho Says Braces Are Not Just For Teens Alone

Adults over thirty and even those in their fifties and sixties may be surprised to hear, upon visiting their dentist, that they need braces at their age. Long considered a "kid" or "teen" thing, orthodontic braces have been found to be sometimes necessary in middle to older age for certain adults even if they had undergone orthodontic treatment in their teens or younger.

The American Association of Orthodontists president, Michael B. Rogers, DDS, said that almost 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. Many of these are patients who did not address orthodontic concerns during their childhood or teenage years. These problems, such as crooked teeth, may cause bigger problems in adulthood. Even patients who have had prior orthodontic treatment may have recurring problems because teeth shift in position as one gets older.

Dr. Anil Idiculla, an Ivy League trained orthodontist practicing in Denver, Colorado, says that crooked or misaligned teeth, if left unaddressed, may cause discomfort, bite problems, gum and bone loss, cleaning problems leading to accelerated tooth decay, and even temporomandibular joint disorders .

For adults who are concerned about the aesthetics of braces, today's choices are more varied and comfortable than in years past. Ceramic braces (also called clear braces) use brackets that are transparent or which closely match the color of the patient's teeth. Invisible braces (e.g. Invisalign) are clear custom-made plastic trays that are worn for about 20-22 hours per day and changed every couple of weeks as the patient's teeth improve. They can be removed when eating or brushing teeth. iBraces are brackets placed behind the teeth instead of in front, thereby creating the illusion that the patient isn't wearing any braces at all.

Dr. Idiculla cautions against postponing orthodontic treatment as the patient's bite and TMJ problems may get worse and thus take longer to correct. It's never too late to look good, he says, and the success of his practice is a testament to the importance his patients give to their teeth. Visit our site at http://www.live-life-smiling.com to see what options are available and set an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Anil Idiculla.