Am I Too Old For Braces?

/in , , , , , /by

Too old for braces? The answer is definitely, “No.” Maybe you find yourself in a new season where considering your teeth and jaw alignment can be a priority. Do you refuse to show your teeth when you smile? Have you put off the idea of braces because you’re afraid of how they will look?

Braces and various orthodontic treatments aren’t exclusive to the tweens or teens. They are also available for adults. With today’s technology, there are options for straightening teeth that are almost invisible when you smile.

Invisible Options

Here are two possibilities that Akridge Orthodontics offers that most adults prefer:

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made up of clear materials that will blend with the color of your teeth. However, oral hygiene is important to protect these more brittle braces. Because of their delicate nature, ceramic braces are most often only used on the upper front teeth.

“Invisible” Braces
Akridge offers Invisalign® appliances, which straighten your teeth using a series of removable aligners. They are comfortable, with no metal rubbing in your mouth, and no one will even know you are wearing them because they are invisible! The removability option allows you to eat whatever you desire, and there are no complications with brushing and flossing.

Consider This
Many adults don’t realize how quickly they can change their smile and adjust the overall health of their mouth and jaw. Studies have shown there are even times when teeth straightening can reduce headaches and migraines.* Even at age 40, there is a good chance you could have your teeth another 50 years, so why not invest in your smile.

Maybe these are your questions:
How long is the process to straight teeth?
Are my teeth and gums in a good spot for braces?
What care or extra care will my teeth require?
How often will my braces need to be checked/adjusted?

We at Akridge Orthodontics would love to answer your questions, walk you through the options and find the best fit for you. Our initial evaluation is FREE. So come in and let’s talk about the next step of uncovering that beautiful smile. Get a FREE consultation at either of our convenient locations in Middletown and Campbellsville.

*International Center for Nutritional Research, Inc. “Dental/Migraine Connection”

Braces and Sports

/in , , , , , /by

Soccer mom, football dad, baseball parents; you are the ones who sit in the hot sun, huddle under umbrellas in the rain, and cheer on your kids in whatever they do. You are their biggest fans, and on-call nurses. But freeing a lip from a brace is never a fun task for a parent, and can be painful for your kid. While orthodontics has come a long way in adjusting to those with active lifestyles, there are still a few precautions to be taken for kids with a more high-energy lifestyle. While having braces shouldn’t prohibit them from playing with friends, exploring the outdoors, or being active, we have a few tips for kids who participate in sports.

Orthodontic Mouth Guards

Think about the type of case you put on your smart phone, each person’s case suits their lifestyle. The bulky Otter box case is for active (or sometimes just accident-prone) people; mouth guards are the Otter box for your child’s smile. You and your child are working hard with us to ensure that when it is time to remove the braces, your kid’s smile is it’s best. Using a mouth guard is a great way to protect those precious teeth. These mouth guards are different than regular mouth guards, and not only protect teeth from impact, but provide a buffer between your inner lip and the metallic brackets. Unlike regular mouth guards, they do not fit as snug to the teeth, so if a lip gets hit, the brackets won’t get stuck in the guard (trust us, it happens!) It is also important to use an orthodontic guard as opposed to a traditional one because your child’s teeth will be moving and changing on a regular basis. Traditional mouth guards are made to be form fitting and cannot adjust as your child’s teeth move. These guards are perfect for high-impact sports like football, basketball, soccer, and wrestling.

Wax

This is a secondary method of protecting your child’s soft gums from the metal brackets. A great option for afternoons at the park playing catch, running around, and just letting your kid be a kid. The great thing about dental wax is you can keep extra in the car, put it in your child’s backpack, and keep it on hand. Parents develop a sixth sense for accidents. When you take your child to the park and your parental senses start tingling, add the wax. Dental wax is safe if accidentally swallowed, easy to remove and apply, and creates a smooth buffer over the brackets that is almost invisible. Your child’s friends may not even notice the wax has been applied!

Having braces doesn’t have to keep your child from doing what they love. If you have questions on if getting an orthodontic guard is right for your child, be sure to schedule a visit to go over the details of what kind of sports your child participates in, and we can find the right fit.