Are You Too Old For Braces? Not Really

“I’d love to have straighter teeth, but am I too old for braces?” This is one of the most common questions I encounter in my clinical practice. A lot of adults in their 40s and 50s want to improve their smile but are unsure if they can opt for braces. Simply put, there’s no age limit for someone to have braces. 

With advances in orthodontic treatment and the introduction of barely visible appliances, braces are becoming more popular and it’s not just among people in their 20s and 30s, adults of all ages are opting to get braces even later in life, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. 

Why you may opt for braces in adulthood?

Many individuals have to struggle with crooked teeth, overcrowded smiles, or poorly aligned bites. These are not just cosmetic problems. It can be hard to clean with crowded or overlapping teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth that do not properly come together when you close your jaws can cause problems with chewing and swallowing, a condition called malocclusion, or “bad bite”. Bad teeth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds, causing facial discomfort, and can place undue stress on the chewing muscles.

How do braces work?

The science of orthodontics relies on exerting pressure on the teeth to shift their positioning. The orthodontist accomplishes this by fitting mechanical devices or appliances to the teeth to gently drive them in the desired direction.

Things to keep in mind:

If you are considering braces treatment in adulthood, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-The jawbones of adults have stopped developing, so certain structural improvements may need surgical intervention.

-The treatment may take slightly longer for you than for a child or a teenager. 

-If you are seeking orthodontic care, you need to have a good set of teeth and a normal jaw bone. You will have to see a gum specialist if you have gum disease and bone loss.

Crooked teeth are a common problem faced by many adults. Braces are typically very effective in realigning crooked teeth and helping to create a nice smile and a healthy mouth. Although the best time to get braces is during childhood, it’s never too late to get a healthier smile.