Do you feel too old for braces? While it would be great to have teeth grow straighter over the years, the reality is quite different. As we age, there are a host of potential orthodontic issues that arise.
Oftentimes, people undergo orthodontic treatment in their childhood or adolescence. However, many adults use orthodontic treatment as well. Whether they didn’t have the resources as children or missed out for other reasons, braces and Invisalign are always great options to straighten teeth.
Do Braces Have an Age Limit?
No one is ever “too old” for braces. At any age, it’s possible to be a great candidate for orthodontic treatment. While it’s true that early intervention is great for children and teens, our bodies continue to change.
When those changes impact the position of your jaw or teeth, braces help us correct it. No matter your age, aligned teeth are beneficial.
Our Mouths Change as We Age
Unfortunately, even people who grow up with aligned teeth have the potential to see changes. Moreover, many adults report embarrassment around their teeth. Still, that’s only part of the picture.
The truth is that the longer you live with misaligned teeth, the more likely you are to develop problems. Among adults, crowded teeth are quite common, and they can cause an array of issues.
- Constant contact between teeth wears down enamel.
- Proper cleaning becomes difficult because it’s hard to reach certain areas.
With both of these issues, your teeth become vulnerable to bacteria and tooth decay. Over time, you have the potential to develop gum disease, cavities, and even more health problems.
Why Do Adults Get Braces?
When you feel too old for braces, there are plenty of reasons to undergo treatment. This is especially true today with invisible aligners from Invisalign. Still, why do people get adult braces?
Improved Appearance
Oftentimes, adults want to improve the appearance of their smile with orthodontic treatment. Whether in personal or professional settings, they lose confidence because they don’t like the appearance of their smile.
In some cases, people use braces to look younger. How does that work? As we age, our facial muscles lose tightness. For some people, this causes the upper lip to droop for an aged appearance.
As braces pull your teeth forward, it tights the skin and lifts the lip back up. This helps people attain a more youthful appearance.
Dental Health
Additionally, many adults want to fix a problem. Whether it’s with teeth, the jaw, or past orthodontic work, they want to correct an issue. With proper alignment, you have the potential to restore your health.
The bottom line is that you are never too old for braces. Thousands of adults across the US use orthodontic treatment to attain the results they want.
What Factors Impact Adult Braces?
While you’re never too old for braces, it’s important to speak with your orthodontist about your options. In certain cases, the process becomes very different compared with braces for children.
Teeth and Gum Tissue
When a child uses braces, their teeth and jaws continue to develop. This means that the teeth and tissues are easier to move because they are softer. Ultimately, this makes the process easier overall.
With adults, you have harder bones. Moreover, the teeth are set in harder gum tissue. This makes repositioning teeth mildly more difficult.
Wear and Shape
For some adults, teeth become worn and misshapen. In addition to alignment, this may require increased treatment. Typically, children’s teeth are too new to have wear or shape issues.
Different Goals
For children with misaligned teeth, the goal is clear. Their orthodontist works to create a cleaner bite. Due to the above factors, certain conditions in adults limit their goals. For example, an adult with an overbite has a different experience compared to a child with an overbite.
While the child may attain a perfect bite, harder teeth and tissue may limit the level of alignment the adult sees.
Therefore, the goal of treatment changes. For instance, the goal may be to reduce discomfort or damage. Often, this is the best possible outcome.
Prior Dental Work
Prior dental work impacts the type and length of treatment you might receive. Typically, dental work in children who start orthodontic treatment is limited. However, adults make different attempts at correcting issues.
For instance, tooth extraction, crowns, and implants have an impact on how your treatment works. As such, your orthodontist accounts for an array of different factors.
Still, you have options available and are never too old for braces. When you want to start orthodontic treatment, it’s never too late.
Never Too Old for Braces: Your Options
Whether an adult or child, braces work wonders. Moreover, the way they work remains the same. Over time, the braces apply gradual pressure on the teeth. This slowly shifts them into better alignment.
Invisalign
With these clear aligners, your orthodontist maps out a transition process. Based on your initial molds, they create a series of aligner trays that you change out every few weeks. Over time, this shifts the position of your teeth.
Braces
With traditional braces, your orthodontist attaches brackets to your teeth. Then, a wire runs across the brackets. As your orthodontist tightens the wire, it pulls your teeth into proper alignment.
Still Feel Too Old for Braces? Call Your Orthodontist!
If you still feel too old for braces, it’s important to talk with your orthodontist. Oftentimes, it’s easy to start the treatment process. Moreover, many adults attain the results they want.
When you want to regain confidence, restore your smile, and improve your oral health, you have options. It’s more acceptable than ever to have adult braces. Additionally, Invisalign makes the process less noticeable.
With state-of-the-art equipment and treatment available, your orthodontist has an option to improve your smile. When you’re ready to start your journey towards a better smile, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
