Having a beautiful smile is ageless. From childhood to your golden years, everyone enjoys being able to flash a smile without feeling self-conscious. But many adults who experience issues with tooth alignment may feel like they missed the chance, asking themselves “am I too old for braces these days?” Fortunately, for most, the answer is a resounding “of course not!”
Age isn’t a primary factor, so people are never “too old for braces.” Read on to learn more about getting braces as an adult!
Is There Really No Age Limit for Braces?
Absolutely! Braces are commonly associated with childhood, such as two-phase orthodontic treatment or general braces for teens. But that’s only because orthodontists recommended treatment at this age due to the several benefits. Early treatment helps:
- Avoid issues in jaw bone development
- Minimize treatment needed to achieve straight, healthy teeth
- Help prevent chewing, speaking, or other issues associated with malocclusion
However, like many treatments, early treatment is only preferred, not required! That means adults of any age are likely candidates for braces. Whether you’re 30, 40, or even into your 60s, you may well benefit from orthodontic treatment.
It Comes Down to Your Dental Health
There is one caveat when it comes to answering “am I too old for braces?” The health of your mouth! Issues like gum disease, extreme decay, or bone loss are the key obstacles that may prevent you from getting started with braces at an older age. The reason they can leave you in this position is because an unhealthy mouth won’t necessarily be able to handle treatment as a whole.
Bone loss in your jaw leaves your teeth vulnerable to being lost. While orthodontic treatment is a slow and generally gentle process, it does put force on your teeth. A mouth with bone loss may be considered unsafe or unsuitable for this level of shifting. Minimal bone loss won’t necessarily push braces off the table as an option, but beyond that, an orthodontist may consider it unwise.
Can I Get Braces with Gum Disease?
If you’re older and experiencing gum disease, you’ll likely be recommended to treat the gum disease first. Gum disease happens easily, but in the early stages, it’s just as easy to remedy. For many, it’s as simple as making some improvements to your daily oral care. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and ensuring that you’re keeping your gums just as clean as your teeth can reduce and eliminate gum disease in a short time.
For more advanced cases of gum disease, you may need to speak with another type of dental specialist called a periodontist. They work with patients who need help with periodontal disease. Once you’ve made progress with the health of your gums, and assuming you don’t have any long-term issues related to chronic periodontal disease in the past, you’ll be ready for braces in no time!
Are Braces Worth It for Adults?
If your mouth is healthy enough for braces, then treatment is beneficial at any age! Despite all the information available, some may still mistakenly believe that braces are largely for aesthetic reasons. While it’s true that braces can give you a beautiful new smile, it’s primarily about your health.
Straighter teeth function better for day-to-day living. When your teeth are in their ideal position, you:
- Support better bone health
- Reduce wear or uneven wear
- Make chewing easier
- Reduce your risks for dental injuries
- More easily keep your teeth cavity-free
These are just some of the biggest benefits of having a healthy row of teeth. By improving your overall oral health with braces, you can help prevent major concerns as you grow older, including complete tooth loss!
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Contact Dr. Andy Today!
Nobody is too old for braces! Don’t let anything sidetrack you on the road to a healthy, attractive smile. If you have questions or concerns about foods to avoid with braces, schedule an appointment with Dr. Andy!
Phone: (440) 842-8015
Email: info@skororthodontics.com
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