So you didn't get braces as a kid, or maybe you did, but you stopped wearing your retainers. Orthodontics can still help you achieve a great smile. You are never too old for braces. Nearly one million adults are wearing braces today, and about 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children. And regardless of your age, successful orthodontic treatment can make a dramatic change in your smile and in your life.
Why should I be concerned about a bad bite?
Bad bites can be detrimental to a patient's dental health by possibly causing premature wear on the teeth, difficulty in oral hygiene and/or loss of the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Orthodontics will align your teeth for optimum function, hygiene and appearance.
Can you be too old for braces?
Age is not a factor in whether someone can undergo orthodontic treatment, as long as the gums and bone which support your teeth are healthy. About 20% of our orthodontic patients are adults, and many of our adult patients are in their 40's and 50's.
Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?
When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This will cause a functional, esthetic and/or periodontal problem. Orthodontic treatment can correct and prevent these problems from happening, while providing the proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.
Can you make my braces not look like braces?
Braces have come a long way since you were a kid. New technology has resulted in clear and tooth-colored esthetic braces. Advanced wire technology means shorter treatment time and more efficient tooth movement. The good news is that adult orthodontics has never been easier, more efficient and more comfortable.
