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.     

White Spots on Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

During the course of orthodontic treatment some patients find that their teeth may develop white spots. This is often linked to bad oral hygiene! A lot of patients often think the white spots are cavities and ask whether orthodontic treatment can result in cavities?

1. White spots on teeth are down to lack of oral hygiene!

Once braces are fitted onto the teeth it’s easy to miss certain areas when brushing. When the teeth are not cleaned properly this can lead to staining, plaque and other problems. Bacteria in the mouth breeds quickly and lives off sugars and expels acid which attacks the layer of enamel on teeth. As a result, the teeth begin to demineralize.

What is demineralization? Demineralization is loss of mineral from tooth enamel and it usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface. These white spots are the first signs of cavities!

2. What will happen during demineralization?

If the signs of demineralization is ignored then the bacteria will continue to breed and develop into cavities. Then there will be signs of pain and will slowly affect the dental pulp causing pulpitis and more seriously periapical periodontitis.  

3. What should be done for tooth demineralization?

It’s advised that you should make an appointment at a dental clinic for a thorough oral examination and should take steps to avoid the possibilities of cavities developing.  

4. How can demineralization be avoided?

l Oral hygiene is the most important with brushing at least twice a day, rinsing after meals and also not to forget flossing is also vital.

l A balanced diet is also important, restricting the amount of sugar consumption can prevent acid erosion of the teeth.

l Remember that frequent check-ups are required so don’t miss any dental appointments. As soon as you spot any problems with your teeth you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. 

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take For Adults?

How long does orthodontic treatment take for adults? A lot of patients are worried that they cannot go through with orthodontic treatment because of their age. So does age affect orthodontic treatment? How long does it take for adults to complete the treatment?

1. Adults can’t get braces?

Age is not the major factor for getting braces, it’s the health of the gums which determine whether adults can get braces. Once a dentist has carried out an oral examination and will advise whether getting braces is suitable for you.

2. How long does orthodontic treatment take for adults?

Generally speaking adult orthodontic treatment takes longer compared to children. The reason is because adult bone structure is set therefore it makes orthodontic treatment time harder to predict. Some adult treatment could take 1 to 2 years, for others it could take 3 years or more. How long treatment takes is directly linked to the severity of the case and the type of braces chosen.

3. Which type of braces are best?

There is a range of braces to choose from, so which type is best?

l Metal Braces: The traditional type of braces consist of metal brackets that are glued to your teeth using a special dental cement, then tied together by wires. In terms of costs they are the cheapest option but are not the best aesthetic option.  

l Ceramic Braces: This is where the brackets are ceramic instead of metal, although not as noticeable as metal braces they are more expensive.

l Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are basically invisible and are a great option for adults who want to be able to remove aligners when they want to. Though this option is rather expensive.

l Lingual Braces: These type of braces are fitted behind the teeth so effectively are invisible to the eye. These type of braces are custom made so they are the most expensive type of braces.