A question that is frequently asked is if there is an age limit on when you may qualify for a braces straightening treatment. We are happy to share that there is no age limit! Straight teeth help benefit your overall health, so it is actually highly encouraged for people of any age to receive orthodontic treatment if they require it! Just because braces are typically seen on children and teens, does not mean that they are exclusively for those age groups.
There are many factors as to why someone may not be able to get braces as a kid, such as budget or insurance limitations, no access to orthodontic care, or simply because it was not known to be an option, and that’s okay! Looking to improve your health at a later age is better than never doing so. Getting braces as an adult is slightly different than that of a younger person, but nothing that will drastically change the course of the treatment. There are times where receiving orthodontic care is required for adults. This is especially the case when space needs to be opened up in a mouth to make room for implants.
What are the Differences in Getting Braces as an Adult vs a Kid?
Teeth can be adjusted at any age. One key difference between receiving braces as an adult vs as a kid is that the bone structure of your teeth and jaws are more defined. All this means is that it may take a little longer to complete the treatment than that of a child who has some more wiggle room while their bones are still developing. But do not let this deter you! In adults, the length of braces treatment typically lasts between 1-3 years. This is about the same timeline as kids. The length of treatment will more significantly depend on the severity of the case. The length of time that you can expect for your treatment can be determined during your consultation.
Teeth move all the time! So, as you age, your teeth may shift and become more crowded over time. Additionally, as you age, gum recession is common. Crowding can cause plaque and bacteria buildup which can lead to infections in the gum and tooth decay. The longer these issues are ignored, the more severe they may get. So, getting braces as an adult is an excellent option to better your oral health.
Other key differences in the braces treatment for adults vs children is that since adult teeth have been in their position for longer than that of a child’s there may be additional work needed before the start of your treatment. For example, if you do have gum disease, that must be resolved prior to the attachment of brackets. Adult habits may also impact treatment plans, such as smoking, which will cause uneven discolouration of teeth and braces. There may also be the potential for oral surgery prior to braces installation. An example of this is that the bones in the roof of a child’s mouth are not fused together and can be adjusted with an expander. This is not an option for adults as the bone fuses around the ages of 14-17.
There is also a myth out there that getting braces as an adult is more painful than if you were to get braces as a child. While there will be some pain and discomfort with each adjustment, there is little data that says it is measurably more painful.
The Type of Braces Available for Adults
There are no types of braces that are specifically formulated to be exclusively for kids or adults. As an adult, you may feel a bit more embarrassed to go through the braces journey, so there are options that may better suit your desires. At Belmar Orthodontics, we offer two different types of braces:
- Traditional Braces: The typical metal braces that can contain some colour elements to them such as powerchains. Colour elements are easy to customize and reflect your personality on your teeth! When you have an appointment to get your braces adjusted, you can also change the colour of your braces!
- LightForce Clear Braces: If you would like a more discreet option, we offer LightForce clear braces. These braces are made with a clear ceramic that are much less noticeable. LightForce braces are made with 3D technology that also provides a more personalized experience as each bracket is specially designed for your teeth. According to LightForce, this personalized approach provides quicker results, reducing the time required to wear your braces.
In some cases, it is more encouraged for patients to receive braces rather than Invisalign. After consulting with an orthodontist, Invisalign may be a route you can take. These are clear plastic trays specifically designed for your teeth. Instead of getting your wires adjusted, you will receive new trays with each visit.
Conclusion
To conclude, braces are something that anyone of any age can get! There is no limit on caring for your oral health. Book a consultation with us to explore adult braces options with Belmar Orthodontics!