Braces for Older Adults But teeth continue to shift as we age, so there's never a time when braces won't work. Braces adjust teeth by putting pressure on them, and this pressure works even after bones have stopped growing.
In short, no, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist considers many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, but age is rarely a deciding factor. Orthodontic treatment can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents.
Getting braces for adults over 50 will not only help you get straighter teeth but also promote dental health. As you get older, there will be natural wear and tear of the teeth, which is why it is important to preserve the natural teeth. Getting braces now will ensure fewer dental treatments in the future.
Adult orthodontics can also prevent new orthodontic issues from happening. You might have even had braces in your youth, but your teeth have relapsed over time and you're now looking to refresh them. We also want to say that the senior years can be the perfect time to get a healthy smile with orthodontics.
Is there an Age Limit for Braces? You'll be glad to know there is no age limit to having braces! In fact, many adults visit the orthodontist to have their teeth correctly aligned. This is either because they neglected to see an orthodontist, or they were not able to arrange a visit during their childhood.
We always take great pleasure in declaring, “No. You're never too old for braces!” There genuinely is no upper age limit on wearing braces and having straighter teeth. We see patients well into their 40s, 50s and 60s who are tired of smiling through closed lips or hiding their teeth behind their hands.
Whether you're a kid or an adult, braces will make you feel tender at first, but it won't last. At worst, you'll have some soreness in your teeth, and chewing may be a challenge for a few days after each treatment. But it subsides.
Crooked or missing teeth can be embarrassing, and they may even affect your dental health. The good news is that you can get your teeth straightened no matter your age.
No matter what age you are, you will likely experience the same level of discomfort after an adjustment which will dissipate in the coming days.
Adults often wear braces longer than children for the simple fact that major misalignments or other pre-existing dental issues (often from childhood) can make treatment a little more intensive. However, adults are usually better at following the dentist's instructions.
For the majority of patients, teeth straightening with dental braces may take anywhere between just 6 months and 2 years. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long your braces treatment will take based on their experience treating patients of similar requirements.
As you age, you may begin to experience a loss of bone or bone density – and your teeth are no exception. This bone loss can cause your gums to recede, ironically making your teeth appear to be longer. Over time, ligaments, gum tissue, and bone start to weaken, causing teeth to shift more easily.
The average orthodontic treatment plan is anywhere from 18 months to three years. It's different for everyone, but anything beyond a four-year treatment plan warrants getting second, third and fourth opinions.
Falling behind can lead to tooth decay and gum swelling, which slow down your orthodontic treatment. Plus, if you're not adjusting an expander or wearing your rubber bands, your teeth aren't going to move on time. Your teeth just don't move as fast as expected.
Other Causes Of Crooked Teeth
Unfortunately, simply getting older can have a great effect on the alignment of our teeth. As we get older, our lips tend to become thinner and tighter which can apply more pressure on your front teeth. Tooth loss is also a greater risk as we age.
According to the American Dental Association, there are approximately 57% of people ages 65 to 74 wearing some form of denture.
In fact, as many as one in four seniors have at least one denture.
Today, three-quarters of people over 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth, but older people still suffer higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss.
One of the biggest advantages of traditional braces is their effectiveness. According to a study by the American Association of Orthodontists, metal braces are the most reliable way to straighten teeth and correct bite problems, with a success rate of over 90%.
Invisible braces
Clear aligners are a top choice for adults looking to straighten their teeth. These can be used alone or in combination with other orthodontic treatments to achieve a great smile.
Gum disease can damage the soft tissue that supports your teeth. As gums recede the teeth may move because they aren't supported as they once were. Other factors include age, the state of the wisdom teeth, and conditions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The cheapest way to straighten your teeth is generally with at-home aligners.
Depending on how well you follow your home care directions, some people find that Invisalign offers faster results and shorter treatment times than conventional braces. Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, though. If you have a more severe case, your orthodontist may recommend braces instead.