Braces aren't just for teens!

This is Jennifer, Dr. Jones' chairside dental assistant.  While I am not at liberty to reveal her exact age, I will let you know that she is a mom of a 16, 19, and 23 year old.  Hard to believe, right?!  We like to think we are a big part of keeping her looking all bright and glowy like this, because it's such an amazing work environment. 

Jennifer has a big, bright smile and is always laughing and talking with patients.  Several months ago, she approached Dr. Jones because she was having some tooth and jaw discomfort.  After a thorough exam, and monitoring of symptoms, Dr. Jones recommended Jennifer should visit an orthodontist to correct her bite and move teeth into better positions for both esthetics and function.

There are several wonderful orthodontists to whom Dr. Jones refers patients.  One is located in our building, which Jennifer ended up choosing.  Not only is he a great doctor, it is really convenient for Jennifer to run up the stairs to her appointments.  Location is something to consider when choosing an orthodontist, as is getting along with the orthodontist and his/her staff.

Since finding out that she was a great candidate for traditional braces, Jennifer has been quite anxious about this day.  A couple of her fears were the length of time that she will wear them and how others would view her...an adult with braces?!  Jennifer was able to speak to one our patients recently about her experience with traditional braces as an adult.  I really think that helped calm some of her fears and get some important questions answered.  If you are thinking about getting braces, or other orthodontic treatment and have questions, I'm sure Jennifer would be happy to talk with you about it.

Jennifer was gone about an hour today to have her braces put on her teeth.  In the last month, she had several short appointments for consultations and gathering records (impressions, photos, xrays, etc.)  Her orthodontist only put the top ones on, and she will go back next month to get the lower braces.  She opted for the ceramic brackets which are basically tooth colored.  It is amazing because from a distance, I couldn't even see them.  Check out the side-by-side photos below that Dr. Jones took before and after getting braced placed.  I had traditional silver braces when I was in high school.  I wish that this was an option back then!

We asked Jennifer what her initial thoughts were and she said that while they definitely feel weird and bulky at first, she thinks over time they will be okay because you can hardly see them and it just takes time to get used to new things.  We joked that she is going to have to dedicate the last part of her lunch to brushing and flossing so she doesn't greet  the afternoon patients with a salad smile!

We will be following Jennifer's progress for the next 24 months.  If you have general questions for Jennifer, please leave your questions in the Comments below.  Any specific questions, please call our office, or be sure to ask Dr. Jones or Jennifer at your next visit.

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Before and after getting braces placed.  It is amazing how these ceramic braces are nearly invisible!