Orthodontics At Any Age

Teeth can be moved at any age-  there is no such thing as being too old for braces!  A large factor in adults not wanting to get braces is how they will look but because of new technology, we now have options that are less noticeable (such as tooth coloured braces or clear aligners). Even “regular braces”, the metal ones you may remember from when you were a teen, are much smaller and less obtrusive.  As this technology has changed, we are seeing more and more adults for orthodontic treatment.  In fact about 25% of our patients at Davis Orthodontics are adults.

Some adult orthodontic treatment is to address a specific problem such as making it easier/more effective/more esthetic for your dentist to do a specific procedure such as replace missing teeth with an implant or a bridge.  Adult treatment can also be more comprehensive, and so, for all the same reasons as when it is done for a teen.  Straight teeth are easier to clean and less likely to get tooth decay or gum problems.  Teeth that fit together correctly last longer and are less likely to need dental work in the future.

One aspect of adult treatment that is different is that the growth and development of the jaws are finished.  This means that goals for the way that the upper and lower jaw fit together are different for a growing teenager than for an adult.  Also, periodontal (gum) disease is more likely to be present in adults, and so the way that the teeth are moved in an adult must take this into account.

Regardless of your age, benefits to orthodontic treatment exist.  Orthodontic treatment is not only for how things look but can improve your health as well.   If you are considering orthodontic treatment as an adult, you are not alone.  Treatment is now more comfortable, more esthetic, and options exist to speed up the total length of your treatment (read our blog about Acceledent).  Contact us for a consultation and we will determine the best treatment for your individual needs.  It’s never too late!