Are You Ever too Old for Braces?
Braces are a common feature of many people’s teen years, and the ages between 10 and 16 are considered optimal for orthodontic treatment because that’s when it’s easiest to move teeth around. But if you missed that window, it’s not too late. You’re never too old for braces!
There’s really no age limit for braces except in a very broad sense. Children shouldn’t get braces placed on their baby teeth, for example; they should wait until they have their adult teeth. But once the adult teeth are in, the only contraindications for braces are health-related, not age-related. If you have bone loss in your jaw, braces may not do much good. But if your teeth and jaw are fine, and you’re simply in your later years, braces are still an option.
Teeth can move very slowly over time. What may have been an aesthetically pleasing smile in your teens and 20s could become uneven enough by, say, your 40s or 50s to warrant orthodontic intervention. And it’s not unusual to see older adults seek orthodontic treatment. It may seem so only because many adults use clear tray systems like Invisalign instead of getting traditional cemented-bracket braces. In other words, you literally don’t see their braces, even though they have them.
Younger teens that need orthodontic treatment generally end up with traditional braces. The older you get, though, the more options you have. Invisalign and similar systems are available, and if the alignment problems are slight – maybe you have only one or two teeth that need to be straightened a little – you may be able to get by with a set of in-house aligners that you have adjusted every couple of weeks.
At Dr MeiLuk Holdings Sdn Bhd we offer several orthodontic options for adults who need braces. Contact us at +6016 331 8772 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
F.A.Q.
Dr MeiLuk Dental Clinic Petaling Jaya
Have questions that you wish to answer? Check out what other patients ask.
The duration of braces treatment varies among individuals, depending on the severity of the dental issue. On average, braces are worn for one to three years.
You might experience mild discomfort when braces are initially applied or adjusted. However, this discomfort usually subsides after a few days.
Absolutely! It’s never too late to correct your teeth alignment. Many adults opt for braces or other orthodontic treatments for cosmetic reasons or to address oral health issues.
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage your braces. Also, minimise consumption of sugary food and drinks to prevent tooth decay.
Regular check-ups are typically scheduled every 4-8 weeks. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and adjust your braces as needed.
You might experience slight difficulty in pronouncing certain words initially, but your speech will return to normal as you adjust to your braces.