Is There an Age Limit for Dental Braces for Adults?
Dental braces transform the smile’s appearance while also improving alignment, making them a popular and necessary treatment.
Dental braces are often thought of as a treatment for children, leaving many adults with alignment issues wondering if they’re too old to undergo orthodontic treatment. The good news is there really isn’t an upper age limit for braces so adults of any age can benefit from dental braces.
The team at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics would like to take a moment to answer some common questions about age limits for dental braces for adults. If you live in or around Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, or Bensalem, PA, and would like more information about dental braces for adults, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
Is There an Upper Age Limit for Getting Braces?
There is no upper age limit for getting braces. This means it’s not too late for adults who weren’t able to undergo orthodontic treatment as children to finally achieve a straight smile.
Although adults of any age can undergo orthodontic treatment, the following are some factors to consider before getting dental braces.
Do the Teeth and Jawbone Need to Be Healthy?
Adults considering dental braces must have healthy teeth and a healthy jawbone. Teeth that are decayed or weakened by large cavities may not be strong enough to withstand the pressure braces put on the teeth to correct alignment issues.
The jawbone must also be healthy and strong enough to tolerate and adjust to the teeth moving under the pressure of dental braces.
Do Adults Need Longer Treatment?
Adults considering braces should be aware that it may take longer to achieve their desired dental alignment. This is because adult bones have stopped growing, making them more dense and less flexible. Accordingly, it can take longer for the teeth to reach the desired position during adult orthodontic treatment.
Aftercare Is Important to Maintain Results
After orthodontic treatment, the teeth can move back to their original position if they are not properly cared for and held in place.
Adults who undergo orthodontic treatment must be prepared to wear a retainer as advised by their orthodontist. Depending on the unique needs of each patient, a retainer may need to be worn daily for several months after the braces are removed and then only nightly to keep the teeth in their new positions.
Why Seek Dental Braces in Adulthood?
It’s never too late to have a beautiful smile. Adults of any age can have a straighter smile with dental braces. There are many benefits to receiving dental braces in adulthood, including:
- Alleviating pain or discomfort associated with alignment issues
- Eliminating overlap of crooked teeth can help improve oral hygiene
- Straightened teeth create a more aesthetically pleasing smile
- Improved oral health
- Increased confidence
Find Out If Dental Braces Are Right for You
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, dental braces may be right for you. To find out if dental braces are right for you, please call (215) 245-5100 to schedule a consultation.
