Age & Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late For A Beautiful Smile

Perfectly aligned and healthy teeth not only help improve one’s smile but can also boost one’s self-esteem. In a recent survey carried out in the UK, 93% of the respondents showed that having a beautiful smile and optimally aligned teeth would improve their self-confidence. 

But how can one enjoy an attractive smile if they have misaligned or crooked teeth? The answer is orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners. Now, your next question would be “Isn’t orthodontic treatment only for younger individuals? What about elders?”. The good news is that orthodontic treatment is age-limited; you can get your teeth straightened with braces at any age. 

So, if you think that you’re too old to get braces, think again! Age is just a number when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Read through the entire article to learn how you can get your teeth straightened at any age or stage in life. 

What’s The Best Age To Visit The Orthodontist?

While it is true orthodontic treatment can be performed at any age, the best age to get braces is the teenage. Why? Because at this age, all the permanent teeth have come in (except the third molars), and the bone is flexible enough to allow for the quick realignment and movement of the teeth. So, it is easier to move the teeth at a young age. However, this does not mean that orthodontic treatment is not possible at a later stage. It’s only that the jawbone becomes brittle as one ages. So, it may take longer to straighten the teeth. 

Do Dental Braces Work Successfully Beyond A Certain Age?

As mentioned earlier, you can get braces to straighten your teeth at any age. However, the best time to seek orthodontic treatment is at a young age. This is because the jawbones are flexible and allow easier movement of the teeth. 

Is 14 Too Late To Get Braces, Or Just The Right Time?

By age 14, one may already have all their permanent teeth come in (except the third molars that are not necessary for orthodontic treatment). Furthermore, the jawbones at this age are actively growing and can remodel themselves quickly to accommodate tooth movement. Therefore, the ages 14 and above are just right to begin orthodontic treatment. 

Is It OK to Get Braces At The Age Of 30?

It is never too late to get braces. If you are 30, you can still get braces and get your teeth optimally aligned. However, your bones at this age may be slightly more brittle than in teenagers. So, it may take longer to straighten your teeth, but there will be no difference in the quality of the outcome whether you get braces at the age of 14 or 30. 

Will Braces Still Work As Well For An 18-Year-Old?

At age 18, one is considered to be at their prime. Not only is one at their best health-wise, but their bones will also respond more favourably to orthodontic treatment than at a later stage in life. So, the age of 18 is ideal for getting braces. 

Will You Be Able To Get Braces If You Have Cavities? 

Orthodontists recommend that all underlying dental problems and conditions should be treated before orthodontic treatment is begun. So, if someone has tooth cavities, your dentist will restore them with suitable filling material such as composite fillings, before they apply braces to your teeth. 

Should I Get Braces On My Teeth If I Am In My 50s?

Technically, it is possible to get braces at the age of 50. However, orthodontists recommend that one should get braces at a young age. This helps reduce the discomfort and treatment time. But being 50 is not a limitation to getting braces.  

How To Fix Crooked Teeth Without Using Braces?

If you don’t want to get braces, you can fix mild orthodontic issues with cosmetic dentistry. For example, porcelain veneers are an excellent option for cosmetically masking mild to moderate overcrowding or spacing. However, cosmetic dentist treatment does not address the underlying issue. The ideal treatment is to realign the teeth with braces or clear aligners. 

Is Getting Braces Not An Option For Me?

Virtually, any individual who has crooked or misaligned teeth is a candidate for getting braces. So, regardless of your age or the severity of your underlying issue, you can visit your dentist to discuss the possibility of orthodontic treatment. 

How Fast Braces Work And Give A Perfect Smile?

The time required for braces to straighten teeth and improve one’s smile depends on various factors. For example, the most important factor is the severity of the underlying issue. Mild to moderate orthodontic issues can typically be treated within 6 – 8 months. However, more complex orthodontic problems may take up to 24 months for treatment. Moreover, the treatment duration also depends on how well you comply with your dentist’s instructions. Your treatment time can be significantly prolonged If you keep dislodging your braces or the orthodontic wire. 

Are you looking for the best orthodontist in Middlesbrough or neighbouring areas? Look no more! Cleveland Orthodontics offers high-quality orthodontic and general dentistry services to its esteemed patients. We take pride in having a team of highly qualified and experienced dental professionals who will take good care of your oral health, and ensure that you enjoy a healthy and lasting smile once your treatment is complete. So, contact us today for a consultation and begin your journey towards your dream smile.