Is There an Age Limit for Getting Braces?

Is there an age limit for getting braces? Is it still possible to get braces in your mid 30s? Is it ever too late to consider orthodontic treatment?

Is getting braces at 36 years old ever too late?  

Age is directly linked to the bone structure and with adults and when adult bones are less malleable then orthodontic treatment will take longer. This is when orthodontic treatment becomes more complicated and treatment time will become substantially longer.

The alveolar bone is always moving and even though the adult bone is already set but the alveolar bone is a unique and when pressure is applied it can slowly shift. Therefore, age does not restrict orthodontic treatment.

Overall 36 years old is not a late age to get orthodontics. The only factor which affects getting braces is periodontal disease. The reason for this is it directly affects the alveolar bone. Periodontal disease is directly linked to bad oral hygiene and in the long-term affects the oral health due to build-up of plaque and dental calculus. Dental calculus if left untreated will lead to receding gums and aggravate the teeth and in the worst case scenario will lead to the loss of the tooth.

If a patient were to go through with orthodontic treatment with periodontal disease with the alveolar bone and is the foundation for the tooth. For example a unhealthy alveolar bone will not be able to provide a foundation for a healthy tooth. Before orthodontic treatment the dentist will do a full oral examination. To check that the teeth are healthy and that orthodontic treatment will not affect the teeth.