It is Never Too Late to Get Them Straight

By Dr. Andre Baptiste, DDS, Baptiste Orthodontics & Dentistry for Kids in Apopka

Thinking of getting braces or aligners to straighten your teeth, but also feel like you’re too old? Well, that’s poppycock! In our office, adults make up about 40% of our patients and they range in ages from 18 to 80! Yes, that’s right, 80! Our oldest patient was 83 when he got his braces off, although he was 15 when he first got them on. (Sorry John, my bad.) But seriously, many adults in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond, are discouraged that it’s too late to get them straight. However, with today’s advancement in braces technology and clear aligners, orthodontic treatment can fit into anyone’s schedule or lifestyle.

Let me tell you a great story about a patient of ours, and how her life was transformed by orthodontic treatment.

Mary was a 57 year old lady that was full of personality and positive energy. But she was hesitant to smile “too big” in front of people because she lacked confidence in her teeth. I tried to explain to her that a smile with crooked teeth is far superior to no smile at all, and that she should let her true self out, regardless of the position of her teeth. I told her that people are not paying that close attention to others. And then I shared that the reason to fix them was for her, not for anyone else. "What people will notice afterwards," I explained, "is your confidence more than the teeth."

Dr. Baptist with Mary

So, we started traditional braces, and before we made any significant changes, her personality began to change. Mary became more and more bubbly as each appointment came and went. She became an important part of the office family. By the time she was halfway through her treatment, she knew every staff member by name. And now, we are just weeks away from her removal date and she is super excited. Mary summed it up the best when she said, “The only thing I regret about this is that I waited so long to do it.”

There is a saying in gardening (#andrethefarmer), “The best time to plant a fruit tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is right now!”

So remember, it is never too late to get them straight.