Am I Too Old For Braces?

If you are considering getting braces as an adult, know that you are definitely not alone. In fact, the number of adults opting to better their teeth and smile through braces is growing steadily every year. Lets’ face it, being born with perfect teeth is a great rarity, and for those of us who weren’t so fortunate, orthodontic work can help resolve a number of issues that go far beyond just cosmetic. Then again, who doesn’t want straighter teeth and a better-looking smile, right? But if your age is holding you back from getting braces, here are some things you should consider.

In a word: No. Sure, there are definite advantages to starting orthodontic work earlier in life. In fact, between the ages of 7 - 14 is approximately the optimal window when the jaw and facial bones still haven’t developed. That being said, adult braces are increasingly popular and completely suitable to you at any age – as long as that aligns with your dentist’s recommendations.

There are a number of reasons you could be considering getting braces, so there will be an equal amount of benefits that could come from the treatment. While some people choose to do so out of cosmetic reasons, others suffer from TMJ or other problems due to misalignment. Braces can offer the confidence that a lifetime of crooked teeth can rob from a person.

There are also other more logistical advantages to having braces as an adult that you may not necessarily even think of. For one, people tend to have more self control at this stage in their life, so things like staying away from certain foods and practicing good oral hygiene should be much more easy than with, let’s say a 10 year-old. The same goes for wearing a retainer after the treatment has finished. Better upkeep during and after the process means better and longer-lasting results.

It’s true, that resetting your teeth can be a bit more demanding once all of your jaw and facial bones have set in their place; however, you’ll be prescribed a treatment that’s in sync with your personal needs and be supported by your doctor throughout the whole treatment. Generally speaking, it’ll be a few months out of your life before you get back to an even better normal.

As with childhood braces, there can also be an issue of self-consciousness that may arise from having to wear metal in your mouth. You’ll be surprised at how supportive and excited people around you will be to see you bettering yourself. And remember, if anyone makes you feel otherwise, that speaks volumes about them and absolutely nothing about you.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the traditional metal braces, but there are a variety of other options out there for anyone who is looking for a more discreet option.

Some of the most common options for braces that you’ll encounter include:

• Traditional Metal
• Self-Ligating
• Clear Ceramic
• Clear Aligners (such as Invisalign®)

For anyone out there wondering whether you might be to old to wear braces, rest assured that couldn’t be further from the truth. Join the growing number of adults that choose to straighten their teeth every year and get the smile you’ve always wanted.