Our Location:
Dentist - Andover
2 Elm Square, Suite 202,
Andover, MA 01810
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (72)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (10)
- Laser (1)
- white spots (1)
- oral health (20)
- crowns (4)
- Single visit (1)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- tooth extraction (1)
- impacted teeth (1)
- dental injury (8)
- mouthguard (3)
- periodontal disease (1)
- gum disease (15)
- cosmetic dentistry (10)
- bonding (1)
- oral cancer (4)
- dental injuries (2)
- tads (1)
- braces (14)
- nutrition (4)
- baby teeth (1)
- pediatric dentistry (13)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- composite resins (1)
- removable partial denture (2)
- bridge (2)
- dental implants (16)
- partial denture (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- tmj disorders (2)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- root planing (1)
- dental anxiety (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- bad breath (2)
- tooth erosion (1)
- oral hygiene (23)
- pediatric care (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- tooth decay (3)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- mouthguards (4)
- loose teeth (1)
- retainers (1)
- sedation dentistry (4)
- root canal treatment (5)
- toothache (3)
- teeth grinding (3)
- veneers (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- fillings (1)
- dentures (2)
- chipped teeth (2)
- extractions (1)
- palatal expander (2)
- retainer (3)
- saliva (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- gum recession (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- tooth wear (2)
- gummy smile (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- medicine (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- smoking (3)
- dental implant (4)
- smile makeover (1)
- vaping (1)
- vitamins (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- teething (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- x-rays (1)
- nerve pain (1)
- pregnancy (1)

You’ve lived most of your life with crooked teeth and an imperfect smile. You feel you should have done something about it years ago, but now you’re approaching your golden years — what would be the point?
Here’s the point: there’s a growing trend of older adults undergoing orthodontic treatment. People are discovering the life-changing benefits of straightening their teeth — even if they’re no longer teenagers.
So, what’s really holding you back?
I’m too old to have my teeth straightened. Not true — teeth can be straightened at any age, not just during childhood or adolescence. If anything would prevent orthodontic treatment it would be the state of your oral and general health, not your age. Your teeth’s supporting bone must be reasonably sound and healthy; likewise, systemic problems like bleeding disorders, leukemia and uncontrolled diabetes can make orthodontics difficult. But if you and your mouth are reasonably healthy, you can have your teeth straightened.
It’s too much to spend just to look better. Yes, orthodontic treatment can transform your smile — but it can also improve your oral health. Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risks for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease; they also don’t work well together so chewing is more difficult. By correcting your bite, you can reduce your chances of dental disease and improve overall mouth function.
I’d look silly at my age in braces. Self-consciousness about wearing these traditional appliances is common at any age. It’s understandable — the glint of metal is the first thing people see when you smile. But there’s a good chance you may be able to wear an alternative appliance that’s barely noticeable: clear aligners. These are a series of removable, clear plastic trays that you wear in sequence to gradually move your teeth. Not only are they less noticeable than braces, you can take them out for special occasions.
Don’t let these or other excuses keep you from a more attractive smile and healthy mouth. Visit your dentist for an examination to see if orthodontics can work for you.
If you would like more information on transforming your smile through orthodontics, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Orthodontics for the Older Adult.”