Am I Too Old for Orthodontics?

We traditionally think of braces as a rite of passage for kids and teenagers. It’s time to think again. About 20% of all orthodontic patients in the United States are adults.

There’s nothing inherent in age that would keep adults from undergoing orthodontic treatment. Adults, however, usually want to be more discreet about their treatment, so many are choosing the innovative Invisalign® system of clear plastic aligners to straighten their teeth.

At Montclair Orthodontics in Oakland, Dr. Chad Watts and our entire team are happy to serve adult orthodontic patients. Here’s more information about treating adults and how Invisalign may be your best option.

Can adults undergo orthodontic treatment?

Braces were once believed to be better suited for younger patients because their jaws hadn’t yet matured.  

It turns out, however, that orthodontic care works just as well for adults as for kids. With advances in dental technology and techniques, the overall process is now the same for adults and kids. 

Thus, with treatment more widely available and accepted for adults, braces have become more widespread. Clear aligners and clear braces also play a significant role because adults can straighten their smiles without people noticing bulky metal braces.

When should adults consider treatment?

The most obvious sign that you’re a good candidate for treatment is misalignment of your teeth. This includes crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between your teeth, and bite problems, such as an overbite or underbite. 

If you have these issues, we often recommend addressing them because misaligned teeth can wear unevenly, be challenging to clean, and increase your risk of plaque buildup, decay, and gum disease.

There are a couple of caveats. First, adult orthodontic treatment usually takes longer than it does for kids. This is because your teeth are more set in place and your jawbone is more solid, which means it provides more resistance as your teeth shift.

Secondly, some conditions or medications may prevent you from using clear aligners. For instance, any medication that’s a bisphosphonate (usually used to treat osteoporosis or cancer) makes your bone turnover rate slower. This means your teeth may not be able to move in your jawbone. A condition called Paget’s disease can also slow your body’s bone recycling process.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a series of very discrete, clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. We use the iTero Element scanner to create a 3D scan of your mouth, which allows us to create a series of custom, clear plastic trays that slip over your teeth. You’ll change trays every week or two, which gradually moves your teeth into correct alignment.

Most people don’t even notice that you’re wearing the trays. You can also take them out to eat or for special events. As long as you wear them about 22 hours a day, they can be just as effective as traditional braces.

If you’d rather have more traditional braces, we offer Clarity™ clear braces at Montclair Orthodontics. While they are as effective as metal braces, clear braces use a combination of metal and ceramics, making them less noticeable on your teeth.

What other factors should you consider?

Factors that may influence your decision about adult braces include how you feel about your smile. If you’re bothered by the appearance of your smile, it can take a significant toll on your self-confidence. 

Treatment time can vary but may take up to two years, depending on the amount of correction required. Orthodontic treatments also require regular office visits and the ability to follow directions closely.

Based on your initial exam, Dr. Watts explains your options in detail and works closely with you to ensure that orthodontic treatment fits your specific needs and goals. 

Ready to learn more about adult braces?

Schedule an appointment at Montclair Orthodontics today. Call our office or book online.