Advanced Orthodontic Braces

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist for an early screening visit at around age 7. This is so that dental growth and development can be assessed and monitored as they transition from their baby teeth to adult teeth, to hopefully avoid more complex and invasive orthodontic care in the future.

Unless a growth issue is detected (and early intervention treatment is recommended to aid the eruption of adult teeth, correct an early bite issue that will affect growth patterns or the health of the teeth), most orthodontic treatment is most effective when the child enters their growth phase and all adult teeth are in place (usually age 12-14 years of age). However, braces or Invisalign can still be an option for adults!

You might be surprised to learn that close to 20% of patients with braces are actually over 18. Many adults decide to get braces because, while they couldn’t afford them as a kid, now they can. If you’re not happy with your smile, then braces can definitely be a worthwhile investment for you.

If you’re interested in a more discrete alternative, Invisalign is a great clear alternative to braces! Even as an adult, there are plenty of orthodontic treatment options that can give you decades to enjoy your new, beautiful smile.

Traditional braces are fitted permanently to the teeth so cannot be removed. This means that there is no removing and reapplying to consider during day to day wear. It is super important however to keep the teeth and braces clean after eating, so regular brushing is vital.

It is very important to avoid eating any hard, sticky or chewy foods that will damage or break the braces. This can delay treatment and be uncomfortable. Regular brushing after food is vital to avoid anything collecting around the braces and damaging the enamel on the teeth. Brushing and flossing will take longer when wearing braces.

Treatment times vary, largely depending on the complexity of the case. For most patients, treatment will take somewhere between 1 and 3 years, with the average case being around 2 years. A custom treatment plan will be determined by Dr. Murdoch at an initial visit when a more accurate time frame will be advised.

Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional fixed metal braces if you are looking for a clear, removable, and more comfortable option. During the consultation, Dr. Murdoch will discuss the available options for your specific needs to help determine which is the best option.