If you’re an older adult living with crooked teeth, you may feel as though you need to be resigned to living with that condition for the rest of your life. But the truth is that you’re never too old to have straighter teeth. In fact, modern dental technology offers a variety of methods suitable for all ages of patients, each of which produces a straighter, more beautiful smile! Just look at the options available to older patients:

• Traditional metal braces – This tried and true method of straightening teeth has been around for many decades and with good reason – it works! Although some people may be hesitant to wear these very visible dental appliances for months on end, the result is usually well worth the time. And metal braces are typically a less expensive option compared to the other teeth-straightening methods.
• Ceramic braces – A somewhat less noticeable version of the traditional dental appliance, ceramic braces are tooth-colored, but every bit as effective in straightening teeth as traditional metal braces.
• Clear plastic aligners – One method for straightening teeth that has become increasingly popular over the past few years are clear plastic aligner trays. The process begins when your dentist supplies you with custom-made, clear plastic aligner trays – one for your upper plate and one for your lower plate. Every few weeks, you’ll be given a new set of trays. Gradually, over the course of several months, your teeth will move into their new, straighter positions. Aligner trays are considered more comfortable than traditional or ceramic braces. It’s also much easier to clean your teeth with these appliances since you can remove them to eat and brush and floss. Because they’re removable, there are no dietary restrictions with aligners, unlike traditional braces.
• Lingual braces – This type of appliance is just like traditional braces with one very important difference: the brackets and wires of lingual braces are placed on the back side of the teeth rather than the front. Although these are less noticeable than traditional braces, they are not as comfortable as other methods for straightening teeth.

Whichever method appeals most to you, the important thing to remember is that you’re never too old to have a straighter, more beautiful smile! To find out which teeth-straightening method is right for you, talk to your dentist today. Just imagine – in a matter of only several months, you could be enjoying the straighter smile you’ve always dreamed of!