Am I too old for braces?

From time to time, we have grandparents who are interested in orthodontic treatment after having brought the grandkids into our office. We also have middle-aged adults who would like to get started with treatment or want re-treatment. Nowadays, there are more adults getting braces and Invisalign treatment than decades before. According the American Association of Orthodontists, currently 20% of orthodontic patients are adults, compared to less than 5% over 20 years ago. 

Reasons why it is easier for adults to wear braces these days:

• The metal brackets are thinner and smaller
• The clear, ceramic brackets are thinner, less brittle, less likely to cause stains
• Optional lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth and are less noticeable
• Invisalign is a good alternative for adults who do not want to wear braces
• Socially, it is more acceptable to wear braces and more people are doing it than ever before

As more people are aware of the benefits of straight and healthy teeth, they are more motivated to obtain treatment. You don't have to live with negative consequences of physically limited oral health due to bad bite, uneven teeth, gingival recessed gum, or trapped plaque. You don't have to suffer the psychological setback of covering your unattractive teeth while smiling, and you don't have to fear that people will judge you negatively due to crooked teeth.

Here are the benefits of receiving orthodontic treatment:

• Less chance of food build-up, stain, and plaque accumulation with aligned teeth
• Less periodontal disease and gum recession when teeth are in proper occlusion
• Less trauma in occlusion when teeth are properly fitted
• It is much easier to brush and floss with straight teeth
• You chew food properly and avoid gastrointestinal problem with correction of improper bite
• You speak better and digest food better with correction of an open bite
• You show more self-confidence when you have a better smile
• When you smile more, you are more approachable to others, make more friends, attract the opposite sex, and perform better at job interviews.

Should you consider orthodontic treatment at your age?

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Even in your 70s or 80s, as long as there is normal bone metabolism and no periodontal disease, tooth movement can occur. However, here are some important differences to consider in adult orthodontics:

• By adulthood, bone growth has stopped. Therefore, there are no opportunities to manipulate jaw growth except for jaw surgery. With severe underbites, overbites, crossbites, or facial asymmetry, a combination of jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
• Treatment may take longer in adults compared to adolescence. With age, teeth may move a little more slowly due to dense bone. With age, adults are more prone to root resorption and periodontal diseases. Thus, adults need to be more closely monitored and need more frequent cleanings. Adults need gum pockets checked every 4-6 months to ensure healthy periodontal structure.
• Adults often need more inter-discipline care and dental cosmetic treatments along with orthodontic treatment. Procedures such as veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, gum grafting, etc. are often indicated to restore size, shape, and function of teeth as a result of heavy grinding, bruxism, root-canal treatment, internal staining, or gum recession.

The outcomes are just as good for adults. Even though many adults worry about the age to pursue orthodontic treatment, the majority are satisfied with the end results. They are happy that they invested the time and money in their smile and they can keep their healthy smiles for many more years to come!

At Care Orthodontics, we are here to help. If you have any questions about your bite and would like to consider treatment options, you can schedule an appointment for complimentary consultation with Dr. Nancy Phan at 408-971-2885. You can also find other beneficial information on our website at www.CareOrthodontics.com.