Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
Today, more adults than ever consider the benefits of addressing orthodontic issues and attaining a straighter, healthier smile. Our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics share some advice about braces for adults and discuss whether it is ever too late to get braces.
When is it too late to get braces?
Many patients ask, 'Can I put on braces at the age of 20, 21 or even 25? What about later? Is it ever too late to get braces? The good news is that you are never too old for braces as long as you have healthy teeth and gums.
How Getting Braces Differs From Child to Adult
The main difference between orthodontic treatment for adults and that for teens and children is that growth is fully developed for adults. However, the duration of treatment varies for everyone, depending on their specific orthodontic needs.
Here is a breakdown of the differences between getting braces from childhood through to the later adult years.
Child: Children experience fairly predictable growth spurts, which makes it beneficial for them to get braces. Early orthodontic treatment with braces can guide the growth of a child's jaw and help straighten the teeth. Starting treatment when children are young, and when there is still opportunity to manage growth and development rather than correct problems after they have occurred, makes the adjustment process move along somewhat faster than it would in adults.
Teenager: Much like children, teenagers' jaws are still growing, which means teens can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. One main difference between treatment for teens and treatment for children is that teens also have access to a wide range of discreet appliances, like Invisalign.
Adult: Braces are common for orthodontic treatment in adults. They can be used for minor adjustments or more complex cases. However, additional dental work may be necessary for adults because the jaw is fully developed, which may influence the movement of teeth, the outcome of treatment, and anticipated treatment timelines.
Older Adult: Patients can get braces as they enter the later years of life as long as there is enough bone mass for healthy movement. For braces to be a suitable treatment option, the patient must also not have any current oral health issues that may be complicated or worsened by orthodontic treatment.
Different Types of Braces For Adults
A wide variety of orthodontic appliances are used to treat many orthodontic conditions. Conventional braces, ceramic (or translucent) braces, and clear aligners are some of the main types of dental braces available for adults.
Conventional Braces: Conventional braces, made of metal brackets and wires, can address a wide range of orthodontic issues and aesthetic concerns. They are durable and effective, and the inability to remove them means that you will always stay on track with treatment. Once treatment is complete, you are left with a straight and functional smile.
Coloured Braces: While treatment with these braces is similar to conventional braces, these have small rubber elastics that fit around each bracket. These elastics are changed at your regular adjustment appointments, allowing you to change the colour of your braces to match your mood. With these, you can achieve your smile goals in style.
Ceramic (or Translucent) Braces: Translucent braces are a discreet alternative to conventional or coloured braces. The ceramic brackets have a colour similar to that of your natural teeth, making them barely noticeable while you are wearing them. With their subtle appearance, you can feel confident smiling throughout your treatment without feeling self-conscious about your braces.
Other Orthodontic Treatment Options
Clear Aligners: Invisalign clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of transparent trays to straighten teeth gradually. While they are not technically braces, they are popular among adults for their discreet appearance and convenience. These are removable, allowing you to eat, drink and participate in various activities without risking damage to your orthodontic appliances. As long as you wear them as prescribed, clear aligners might be an option for you, depending on your orthodontic treatment needs.
Why You Should Get Braces as an Adult
While many factors should be considered when deciding to get braces, your age shouldn't be one of them. You will, however, need to consider the health of your teeth and which treatment option is suitable for your needs. Even so, dental braces are a highly effective choice for adults and can be beneficial for many different orthodontic issues.
At Village Orthodontics, our orthodontists can evaluate a wide range of dental concerns affecting adults. We will assess your unique needs and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve a healthier smile. Whether it's addressing issues like misalignment, crowding, or other dental problems, we are committed to providing care and solutions to meet each of your specific needs.
We are dedicated to helping you feel confident and comfortable throughout your orthodontic treatment journey. If you are still wondering whether dental braces work for adults, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to answer any of your questions and address any concerns you may have related to orthodontic services.