As a dentist, I get asked this question a lot by adult patients – “Is it too late for me to get braces? Is there an adult braces guide? The short answer is no, it’s definitely not too late! While most people associate braces with adolescence, adult orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly common. There’s no age limit for achieving a confident, healthy smile with properly aligned teeth.
It’s a misconception that braces are only for children and teenagers. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, around 1 in 5 orthodontic patients today are adults. More and more adults are pursuing orthodontic treatment to correct longstanding issues like crowded or crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps between teeth, and jaw alignment problems.
Why Do Adults Get Braces?
There are a variety of reasons why adults choose to get braces later in life:
Cosmetic Reasons – Let’s face it, a straight, beautiful smile boosts confidence and self-esteem. Many adults feel self-conscious about their smiles and want to improve their appearance.
Dental Health – Crooked, overlapping teeth are harder to clean properly, increasing the risk for cavities, gum disease, excessive wear on tooth enamel, and other dental issues. Properly aligned teeth are easier to maintain.
Job Enhancement – For career paths where physical appearance matters, such as acting, modeling, public speaking, sales, etc. well-aligned teeth make a positive impression.
Preparing for Dental Work – Sometimes orthodontic treatment is needed prior to other dental procedures like crowns, bridges or dental implants to ensure ideal placement.
Pain/Discomfort – Misaligned jaws or bite problems can cause chronic jaw pain, headaches, TMJ issues, excessive tooth wear, and difficulty chewing properly.
In most cases, the problems that lead adults to seek orthodontic care could have been addressed earlier but were not for various reasons. But it’s never too late to invest in a healthy, aligned smile!
What to Expect with Adult Braces
The process of getting braces as an adult is generally the same as it is for adolescents. After an initial consultation, treatment typically involves:
- Taking x-rays, teeth impressions and facial/jaw measurements
- Getting brackets, wires and other orthodontic appliances attached to the teeth
- Adjustments of wires every 4-8 weeks to gradually shift teeth into alignment
- Wearing elastics or headgear in some cases to help guide jaw alignment
- Treatment time averaging 18-36 months, sometimes with a retainer afterward
One of the biggest concerns for adults is the aesthetic aspect of having a “metal mouth” full of brackets and wires. Luckily, there are more discreet options available today like:
Ceramic Braces – Tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in better with teeth
Lingual Braces – Brackets attached to the inside/tongue-side of teeth
Clear Aligners – Removable, clear plastic trays (like Invisalign) that straighten teeth
While adult treatment may take a bit longer due to denser jawbones, orthodontic technology has made it more comfortable and effective than ever before.
It’s Worth It For a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
I always remind my adult patients that a beautiful smile has many advantages beyond just aesthetics. Well-aligned teeth reduce the risk of other dental problems down the road and can boost your overall confidence immensely.
Yes, getting braces as an adult requires an investment of time, money and temporary cosmetic sacrifices. However, most of my patients feel it’s a small price to pay for a lifetime of feeling proud to smile without holding back.
If you’re self-conscious about your smile, don’t resign yourself to living with misaligned teeth. It’s never too late to take that first step towards the confident, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist – the transformation may just change your life!