Braces Are Not Just for Teenagers. Here Is Who They Are Right For.
Straight teeth are not just about appearance. They affect how you bite, how you clean your teeth, and how your jaw functions for decades. Grand Prairie Family Dental, located in Grand Prairie TX, offers braces and orthodontic treatment under Dr. Behrooz Khademazad, DDS, who has practiced at this location since August 28, 1988.
If you are a parent researching braces for your child, an adult who has been putting this off, or a patient deciding between braces and clear aligners, you are in the right place. Cosmetic dentistry patients from Dalworth Park and Nottingham Estates come to Grand Prairie Family Dental for exactly that conversation. Most leave with a clear picture of which option is actually right for their situation.
What Are Braces and How Do They Work
Traditional braces use metal brackets bonded to the tooth surface and connected by a wire that moves teeth gradually into the correct position. The wire is adjusted at regular appointments as treatment progresses. The American Dental Association recognizes braces as a well-established approach to correcting alignment and bite relationships that affect both function and long-term oral health.
Braces correct more than the appearance of your teeth. They address the underlying bite relationship between your upper and lower jaw, which determines how your teeth function and how easy they are to keep clean over time. Dr. Khademazad evaluates the full bite at the consultation before recommending any orthodontic approach.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces
Braces are appropriate for children, teenagers, and adults when the clinical findings support them. Dr. Khademazad evaluates each case individually before recommending braces over clear aligners or any other approach. Patients who are typically the best candidates include:
- Children and teenagers during active jaw growth when teeth move most predictably
- Adults of any age with healthy teeth and gums who want to correct alignment or bite issues
- Patients with complex bite problems including overbite, underbite, crossbite, or significant crowding
- Patients whose case complexity makes clear aligners a less reliable clinical choice
- Adults who prefer a fixed appliance that does not rely on consistent wear compliance
- Patients who have been told they are not ideal clear aligner candidates after an evaluation
Approximately 30 percent of patients who come to Grand Prairie Family Dental asking about clear aligners are redirected toward traditional braces after Dr. Khademazad evaluates their clinical situation. That recommendation is always based on what the examination shows.
Types of Braces Available at Grand Prairie Family Dental
Grand Prairie Family Dental offers traditional metal braces and ceramic braces depending on your clinical needs and your priorities during treatment. Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and are the most durable option for complex cases. They are the standard recommendation for children, teenagers, and adults with significant bite correction needs.
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend more naturally with the tooth surface. They are an option for adults and older teenagers who want a less visible look during treatment. Dr. Khademazad discusses both options at the consultation and makes a recommendation based on your specific clinical needs.
