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Are You Too Old for Orthodontic Braces? | FAST FACTS 2020

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

Orthodontists are often faced with many questions about who can or cannot get braces from adults aged 20-45. Three of the most common questions are “Is there an age limit on having orthodontic braces?” If none, then “What is the best age to have orthodontic braces?”Adults are usually ecstatic to find out they may be eligible for this dental appliance and may then ask, “How long do adults wear braces?”

Our expert orthodontist can answer these questions and explain how braces work to give adults great-looking teeth, an amazing smile, better oral health, and improved facial symmetry. Even older patients with missing, worn, or misshaped teeth or gum disease may be good candidates for this popular orthodontic treatment. Read more

invisalign

Are Traditional Braces Cheaper than Invisalign?

LAST UPDATED: March 27, 2018

Are Traditional Braces Cheaper than Invisalign?

Cost is a major factor that must be weighed into your decision to seek orthodontic treatment. Today, you have many options available to help straighten your teeth and create a more beautiful smile. For most people, it will come down to two main options: Invisalign and the traditional wire braces with which most people are familiar. Understanding the differences between the two types of appliances is critical to deciding whether or not the cost should be a significant factor regarding which way you go with your treatment.

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girl smiling

Do Orthodontic Braces Hurt?

smiling girl holding umbrella

Do Orthodontic Braces Hurt?

More adults are choosing to get braces than ever before. This may be due to the cost, which has become more affordable for some people, or their health insurance will cover at least part of the cost. Also, orthodontic work has become more widespread and publicly acceptable, especially with the introduction of special products like Invisalign that make braces appear nearly invisible to the casual observer.

Orthodontic research has led to important advances that make this type of treatment safer and more comfortable than previously. Skilled orthodontists treat thousands of patients each year in ages ranging from adolescence to the senior years. One question comes up frequently when orthodontic treatment is discussed: Are braces painful?

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charles tweed

Orthodontic Fact #10 The first ever certified orthodontist in the United States is Dr. Charles Tweed from the late 18th century

charles tweed

Orthodontic Fact #10 The first ever certified orthodontist in the United States is Dr. Charles Tweed from the late 18th century

In 1925, future orthodontist Charles Tweed was refused admittance to the Angle School of Orthodontics in Pasadena., California. He was told that he needed to take orthodontics more seriously. He was accepted to the school on his second application. Some years later, Charles Tweed would advance orthodontics by improving on the Angle School’s techniques, and carve a place in history for himself and the orthodontic world.

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greeks

Orthodontic Fact #11 “In 1000 BC, the ancient Greeks fashioned a catgut or metal strips with goat or sheep intestines to correct teeth deformities. Be thankful that you are living in the 21st century.”

Greeks

Orthodontic Fact #11 “In 1000 BC, the ancient Greeks fashioned a catgut or metal strips with goat or sheep intestines to correct teeth deformities. Be thankful that you are living in the 21st century.”

It just goes to show that even the ancients had their issues with teeth. They figured out an ingenious way to straighten tooth issues that we have incorporated into our practice. No, we don’t use catgut, goat or sheep intestines. However, because of their ingenuity, we have learned to improve our procedures and techniques.

Learning from the past and improving on it is one of the ways we operate here at McDermott Orthodontics. It is fascinating to note that the metal strips the Greeks used to straighten their teeth are the basis for the metal braces still worn today. It is equally fascinating that most, but not all, the skill set the Greeks acquired by trial and error is being used today.

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toothbrush

Tooth brushing Mistake No.1: “Not Using the Right Toothbrush”

toothbrush

Not Using the Right Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is a simple and straight forward process, right? Not so. There are dozens of mistakes that can lead to a bad tooth brushing job. This means you’re running the risk of more cavities and plaque. The biggest mistake? Not using the right toothbrush. But what makes a toothbrush wrong?

Hard Bristles

Bleeding gums? If you’re picking up the floss for the first time in a month because of a pending orthodontist appointment, that’s no surprise. However, if you brush every morning and every night and your gums are still bleeding, you’re using the wrong toothbrush.

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tongue

Words of Wisdom No.3 – Clean Your Tongue

tongueClean Your Tongue

You know that brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is imperative to prevent cavities and bad breath, but it is also important to clean your tongue. Food and beverage debris collect on the surface of your tongue, leading to bacterial growth. This buildup of debris and bacteria develops a foul odor, causing halitosis. Not only will you have bad breath from this smelly debris, but also, you can develop a foul taste in your mouth. It is easy to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to remove this debris, but a better method is using a specialized tongue scraper.

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baking soda

Words of Wisdom No.6 – Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week

Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week

While it’s true that baking soda can be abrasive when applied to Invisalign (because of its mineral content), using only a moderate amount of pressure during brushing will help prevent damage. An orthodontist might recommend removing your trays and soaking them in baking soda and peroxide. When brushing, you should always remember to dampen your toothbrush with water or vinegar after adding baking soda. This can help protect your teeth and braces. Additional ingredients for softening or diluting baking soda are:

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split second

It only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime. ― Steve Maraboli

A smile is easy to give and costs no money

Everyone can do it. It’s a gift that feels as good to the giver as it does to the person who receives it. A smile from a stranger warms the heart and is universally understood all over the world. Sometimes it really makes someone’s day go from sad to happy with the simple movement of some facial muscles.

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