How old is Too Old for Braces?

Ideally, dental braces should be applied at an early age, between 7 and 14 years old. The logic behind this is that while it is true that most adult’s bones stop growing after the age of 21, according to an article in the Harvard Health Publications, The American Association of Orthodontists notes that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18.

This finding could be based on any number of factors, but the general consensus is that age should not prevent you from seeking a consultation for adult braces with an orthodontist if you feel you need them. Dr. Michael Stosich at Stosich Consulting says, “You are never too old to have that smile you have always dreamed of.” Having a great smile is a win-win situation because a healthy mouth, means a healthier you.

The bad news is that when teeth are hard to clean, or if your bite is “off” this will lead to serious problems. The reason children are fitted with teeth braces is to stop potential problems before they get out of hand, to ensure a proper bite, and to aid against overcrowding teeth. If these problems are not corrected early on, then as we age, adults will need to seek orthodontic treatments to correct unresolved problems. Overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, or misaligned teeth will be harder to keep clean and poor oral hygiene will be the end result. This can lead to cavities, crowns, and tooth loss.

The good news is that as with children’s appliances, there are a number of adult braces available today. Of course the metal and ceramic appliances are for anyone of any age, you can also opt for invisible braces behind teeth that work quite well. These are known as lingual appliances and are braces for the back of teeth that are not visible to anyone. If you are a professional who wants non-visible braces, this is a great option for you.

Professors, speakers, doctors, media personnel, politicians—anyone who wants a straighter smile or who is in need of non-surgical aesthetics due to a misaligned jaw or crooked teeth, non-visible braces offer the best of both worlds and can substantially transform facial features for many.

Whether you are 7 or 77 and you feel that you could benefit from dental braces, you should seek orthodontic treatments with a well respected orthodontist such as Dr. Michael Stosich at Stosich Consulting where it’s never too late to look great.