Am I Too Old for Braces?

Most people think braces are only for kids and teens. Because of this misunderstanding, many adults ask this when they come to us: Am I too old for braces, or do I still have a chance? Cheer up, because you absolutely can get your teeth straightened, regardless of your age! It’s never too late. Keep reading to learn whether age really matters for orthodontic treatment and why braces might be a great option for you as an adult.

Why Adults Need to Consider Braces

More and more adults are getting braces these days, and not just for cosmetic reasons. Some common reasons are:

Teeth naturally shift with age

Your teeth don’t stay in the same position all your life. They shift. You may not see any difference right away because it’s very subtle, but this shift happens every year.

We often hear from people, “My teeth were fine before, but now they are overlapping”. This gradual shifting affects your smile as well as your bite.

Bite issues become noticeable

Small bite issues don’t seem like a big deal when people are younger. But as you get older, they become more prominent.

Adults with bite issues seek braces treatment because they have uneven pressure on their teeth or trouble chewing food.

Increased risk of oral health problems

Crowded or misaligned teeth are hard to clean. Even if you brush very carefully, you may still miss some spots where plaque deposits remain.

Many adults complain that they have cavities or that their gums bleed too often, even though they brush every day. The actual problem is teeth misalignment, which puts their oral health at risk.

Is There An Age Limit for Braces?

There’s no upper age limit for braces. When people in their 30s or 40s come to us and ask, “Am I too old for braces?”, they’re actually asking whether getting this treatment is still worth it. Yes, absolutely it is!

The American Association of Orthodontists says that approximately one in every three patients seeking orthodontic treatment is an adult.

In fact, dentists and orthodontists rarely decide on this treatment based on age alone. What actually matters is your teeth and gum health. As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can get braces, whether you are 18 or 48.

How Does Braces Treatment Work for Adults?

The basic treatment plan for adult braces is almost similar to that of teen braces. The difference mostly comes down to the time it takes to shift teeth. In teens, teeth shift faster with braces because their jawbones are still developing. They adapt quickly to the change.

Adults have a fully developed jawbone, so the process takes a little longer.

Your orthodontist attaches metal or ceramic brackets to your teeth and connects them with a wire. They work together to move your teeth into a straight alignment.

You’ll have regular braces adjustment visits every 4 to 6 weeks. After your treatment is complete, you’ll receive retainers that help keep your teeth aligned.

Final Words

You’re never too old to get braces. If you’ve been putting off getting an orthodontic consultation simply because you think you’ve missed your chance, it’s time to reconsider. Visit our orthodontist at Smile in Style or call us today at (512) 333-4443 to get started!