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Bronx, NY – At Riverdale Family Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages. From the first consultation at the age of seven, to teens, to adults, Dr. Catherine Woo and her staff have a treatment option for everyone.

“Today, nearly one in five orthodontic patients is actually over the age of 18,” says Dr. Woo. “I love helping patients of all ages achieve their smile goals, but it is especially rewarding to watch an older patient see their new, straighter and healthier smile for the first time.”

If you’ve spent a lifetime hiding your smile, there is no time like the present to seek out an orthodontist’s help. But, if you are an adult, there are some things you should know about getting braces.

1. Treatment time may be longer for an adult. While you can straighten your teeth at any age, the reason why most orthodontic patients are adolescents is because this is the ideal time to move the teeth. Younger patients will have the benefit of jaws that are still growing, making movement easier to achieve.
2. Treatment could be more involved. If your misaligned smile is due to a discrepancy in jaw growth, you may require additional treatment, such as jaw surgery, in order to achieve your ideal smile. At your initial consultation, your orthodontist will discuss this with you and help you understand everything that would be involved in your treatment.
3. You don’t have to stand out during treatment. Some people may have been putting treatment off because the thought of wearing metal braces as an adult didn’t sound very appealing. The good news is, that there are more treatment options than ever before, and many of them are much more cosmetically pleasing. While metal braces are still one of the most efficient ways to move teeth, you’ll find a host of options that may be able to help. From Invisalign clear aligners, to lingual braces, to clear braces, you can find the right option to treat your orthodontic issue discreetly.
4. A straighter smile will mean a healthier smile. If you’ve lived with crooked, overcrowded, or otherwise misaligned teeth, you may have also been living with decay or gum disease because it is simply harder to clean your teeth properly. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, making it easier to stave off decay.
5. You won’t regret getting orthodontic treatment. If you’ve spent your life trying to hide your less than perfect smile, you’ll be so happy to show off your new, straighter smile and you’ll wonder why it took you so long to seek out treatment.

“Your smile is important, and a straighter, healthier smile will help you get the most out of life,” says Dr. Woo. “The months you’ll spend in treatment will be well worth it, and will set you up for a future of good oral health, a stable bite, and a smile you’ll love to show off.”

To schedule your complimentary consultation and learn more about the orthodontic options available to you, contact Riverdale Family Orthodontics today at 718-884-7700.