Is it ever too late to get braces on your teeth? Dentists say no. In fact, business is booming in orthodontic offices among patients over age sixty. Dr. Linda Niessen has the story in today’s Dental Health Check.Marilyn Lee sells real estate. Bill Powell sells insurance. Both of them feel a friendly smile can help make a sale. But in order to hide their crooked teeth, they only manage a weak grin.
Bill said, "So it was half appearance and half health issue. I’m 61 years old and wear braces. So that’s kind of unique."
And Marilyn noted, "I noticed the overbite was becoming more pronounced and it was making me self-conscious. I decided to do something about it."
The only requirement to be an orthodontic patient is to have healthy teeth and gums. There is no age limit. Orthodontist Dr. Mark Ozier said, "Really as long as you have healthy teeth and your dentist is saying you’re
healthy and your gums are healthy. There’s absolutely no reason why we can’t move teeth orthodontially."
Dr. Mark Ozier says patients over sixty complain less and cooperate more than their younger counterparts. "Better cooperation with the adult. You can only imagine why. There’s something to be said for maturity. And who’s paying for it maybe."
Dr. Ozier uses a type of orthodontic wire made out of shape memory alloy. The special wire translates into fewer visits and greater patient comfort.
Marilyn spent two years in her braces, which were removed six months ago.
"I wish I had done it earlier. I’m glad I did it," she said.
Bill completes his treatment in another year, adding "No, I don’t think it’s ever too late."
So if you have grandchildren in braces, that might be your best referral. You might ask them, who is your orthodontist?For Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.
STORY: OVER 60 ORTHO
SCRIPT #870 SHOOT: 11/0607
AIRDATE: Monday, Nov. 26, 2007
DHC Master #17 Timecode: 39:34 SOVT: 1:45
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