A question I often get asked as a specialist in orthodontics is “Am I too old for braces?”
I always like to remind my adult patients that you are never too old to start improving yourself. You can start new hobbies, begin a new workout routine or take college classes at any age, so why not work on your smile as well? You’ll be amazed at how good you feel when you can flash your new smile to the world!
Orthodontics is biological transformation. Just like exercise. The process works for any living, reasonable healthy human being. It does not switch off at a particular age.
While we might agree that childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning and bite relationships of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and getting excellent results. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that one in five orthodontic patients is over age 18. Adult patients make up nearly 30% of the patients I help daily. Often I find that when parents see the great results that their children receive from braces, then they begin to realize that improving themselves is also a good idea.
Don’t forget that you can use money from your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for orthodontic treatment. If you have insurance, an FSA can bridge the gap to pay what insurance does not cover. If you do not have insurance, an FSA can be used to pay the entire fee. FSAs are generally offered as part of an employer’s “cafeteria plan.” If you do not have an FSA, check with your employer about offering this tax-advantaged benefit.
Did you get braces an adult? Share your experiences with everyone using the comment form. You can also comment on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BeckwithDDS.
Dr. Beckwith has offices in Westerville and Sunbury to serve patients of ALL ages. You can reach him at 614-882-5391 (Westerville) or 740-965-8700 (Sunbury) or www.beckwithortho.com.
