According to The American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. This is a bit later than the typical image of the tweenager with braces we tend to picture. However, even adults into their 50s and beyond are choosing to correct their orthodontic problem spots. If you’re an adult that’s curious or concerned about potentially receiving orthodontic treatment, let us answer your questions about adult braces.
Is There an Age Limit to Braces?
Short answer: no, there is no age limit to getting braces. Though, it is important to keep in mind that older patients can face unique dental challenges. While your teeth will still be able to move, the older you get, the denser your bone becomes. This means your treatment may be longer and could involve other dental specialists such as oral surgeons in order to achieve your ideal bite.
Why Do Adults Get Braces?
In the past, braces were too rough for adult teeth and bone structures. Through advances in regular dental care and preventative measures like fluoridated water, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for much older populations. Today, adults seek orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons.
One reason is touch-up treatment, where the patient has previously undergone treatment, but is seeking to correct any shifts in their bite that has happened since. Similarly, folks who weren’t fortunate enough to have braces in their youth can find themselves in the position of affording treatment in their later years.
Beyond improving aesthetics, braces can also improve one’s health. Not only can poor oral health be an indicator of underlying health issues, but a misaligned bite can cause its own set of health problems.
You should consider orthodontic treatment if you have:
- Difficulty chewing food
- Speech issues
- Bite problems
- food often getting stuck in between the gaps of your teeth
- Swollen gums
How Long Do Adults Wear Braces?
Because of the bone density factor we mentioned, the average adult orthodontic treatment lasts 22 months. If you’re concerned about the appearance of metal braces in your adulthood, there are aesthetic alternatives such as Invisalign or lingual braces.
If you’re over the age of 18 and are looking to get braces or other orthodontic treatment, then you’re not alone. While you may require longer treatment than a younger patient, it is still entirely possible to achieve your ideal smile with Tisseront Orthodontics.
I feel very fortunate to have found a profession as rewarding as the field of Orthodontics! For over 20 years, I have enjoyed creating custom, beautiful smiles for our family of patients all over the Northern Virginia area. You can even find some of our loyal patients across the country and abroad!
