How Old is Too Old to Get Braces?

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Are you concerned that you might be too old to get braces? The good news is, age is rarely a deciding factor when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re 8 or 80, your orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH can develop a customized treatment plan that’s right for you.

Adult Teeth Can be Shifted

Teeth can be moved at any age, thanks to the physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Adults may have denser bone tissue than children, but this doesn’t mean that their teeth can’t be moved. Orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as they are for children and teens.

Difference Between Adults and Kids Orthodontics

The biggest difference between orthodontic treatment for adults and children/teens is that adults are no longer growing. This means that treatment may take slightly longer than it would for children/teens with a similar problem. Adults may also have other dental issues, such as fillings, missing teeth, or dental disease, that can affect the outcome of treatment. However, orthodontists often work closely with a patient’s family dentist to coordinate care.

How Adult Orthodontics Work

To move your teeth into their ideal positions, your orthodontist will use an “appliance” such as braces or aligners. Advances in adult orthodontics in Shaker Heights, OH have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever, with options like clear aligners, tooth-colored braces, and braces that go behind the teeth.

It’s important to note that not every type of appliance is suitable for every kind of orthodontic problem. This is why it’s crucial to consult with an orthodontist who can select the right appliance to correct your specific issue. Orthodontists have access to the full range of appliances and know which one is right for your care. Contact us to learn more.

What Does an Airway Orthodontist Do?

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An airway orthodontist in Solon, OH is trained to look at teeth in more the same way a general practitioner would. Instead of just focusing on individual problems with oral health, they’ll consider health as a whole. We’ll look at why they do this and how a specialist might be able to improve your smile in more ways than one.

Why Airway Orthodontics?

The basic premise is that there is no one cause for misaligned teeth or jaws. In other words, it’s almost certain that patients weren’t born with the problems. Instead, they might be caused for more adaptive reasons, such as diet or lifestyle. (If you see families who all have crooked teeth, it’s likely because they are all exposed to the same stressors.)

What to Expect from an Airway Orthodontist

You can expect a dentist in Shaker Heights, OH to touch on the following:

  • Lifestyle: Quality of sleep and posture can all have an effect on everything from the bite to teeth placement.
  • Airways: Your breathing is dependent on how the tongue, mouth, and teeth work together.

During the evaluation, the orthodontist will consider the size of each airway and whether it needs to be adjusted to allow for better flow. The ultimate goal is an integrative strategy that allows for the best development.

Find a Dentist in Solon, OH

Airway orthodontics is a popular branch in dentistry because it takes a more comprehensive approach to the exam. Instead of just determining that a person needs braces or clear aligners, the orthodontist will look at whether there are changes that could prevent misalignment in the future. If you want to learn more about this specialty and how it’s particularly helpful for kids whose faces are still growing, contact McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics for more information.

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Even Adults Can Get Braces: Signs You’re a Candidate

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Are your teeth in need of braces? Would you know if they were? Recognizing the signs that you need braces for adults in Solon and Shaker Heights, OH can help you achieve your goals for your smile.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of looking in the mirror and loving your smile. Many adults with crooked teeth feel like the opportunity to correct their problem has passed. It hasn’t! If you’re an adult that would like to have straight teeth, you can get care from an orthodontist that can help. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs You Could Benefit from Braces

Below are some of the signs that could indicate you need braces. Ultimately, it’s your orthodontist who will have to let you know whether you could use braces. If you have some or all of these symptoms, speak to your orthodontist to get an evaluation and find out next steps.

  • Your teeth look crowded, as if they can’t all fit in your smile
  • Your upper jaw and lower jaw don’t come together properly
  • You have crooked teeth or teeth that overlap each other
  • You often find yourself accidentally biting your cheek or tongue
  • Your jaw clicks and makes noises when you chew
  • You get headaches from chewing
  • You can become fatigued easily while chewing

Think You Need Braces? Talk to Your Orthodontist

Your orthodontist in Solon and Shaker Heights, OH can recommend braces or Invisalign if you need it. The first step is coming in for an appointment. Call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today to find out more about how you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.