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Am I too old for braces?

If you’re older than 95, then maybe!

The mechanism of the movement is the result of remodeling of the bone that houses the teeth, the pressure on the side bone will disappear (the tension side), and new bone will deposit so the teeth can be guided to the ideal position. As long as you are healthy, there is no age limit!

The most common age to receive braces is 9-12. Braces can be very effective to guide the jaws to reach one’s full potential development during the growth spurt period. If a child is diagnosed with teeth and jaw alignment problems at a younger age, an orthodontic appliance can be worn to correct and aid the development of the jaw. If you missed out on braces as a teenager - or you used to wear braces previously - and you now want to do something to improve your smile or dental health (because you teeth are crooked or gaped), discuss all available options to you with your dentist or orthodontist.

Orthodontic treatment can proceed with fixed braces which can be clear (less noticeable); you can also wear a removable appliance to straighten your teeth - friendly for an adult lifestyle! There are several options depending on your own unique situation and the training background of your dentist. The popular wireless Invisalign system often works well to correct crooked teeth, and most people never notice you are wearing an appliance!

Of all the orthodontic treatment recipients in my office, 95% are adults (average age is 35). The oldest patient I have orthodontically treated was 83! Treatment periods vary from three months to two years, with an average duration of 9 months. 60% of patients choose to receive clear braces for specific bite correction, 30% choose Invisalign for correction of crooked teeth and the convenience of not having to come in and see me very often! The remaining 10% choose alternative treatment methods.

Of course, cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers or bonding can be the answer to your desire of that million dollar smile, as long as the teeth which are the foundation for your cosmetic restoration are reasonably positioned and in reasonably healthy condition. This type of procedure provides instant gratification.

One big caution however to this treatment method worth taking is before the alteration treatment starts, imagine you are an architect. Can you build the design of your tooth without blue prints? Proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and / or wax-up and mock-up modeling are all extremely important things to be taken care of right by a trusted dental physician. If you’d like to know more about these terms, visit my YouTube channel for procedural videos, educational material and more.

Dental braces, a common orthodontic appliance used to straighten and properly align a person’s teeth to a person’s bite, have been used for nearly a century.Whether your teeth are only slightly off-center or are quite crooked, whether you are age 6 or 106, dramatic transformations in your outward appearance can be achieved at any age through teeth straightening! Don't be afraid!