Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. Crooked teeth, overcrowding and tooth alignment can be corrected at any age as long as the gums and bone structure are healthy. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
The most common time for orthodontic treatment, however, is between the ages of 11 and 15, and for good reason. By 12 years old, most if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted and are in place; making it easy for the orthodontist to detect crooked teeth, gaps and improper bites. These problems will rarely correct themselves, so this is an optimal time for orthodontic treatment.
Another reason this is a good time for orthodontic treatment is because many of the negative associations or stereotypes of braces are not present. Many children in this age range undergo orthodontic treatment, and children are much more compliant wearing braces when their friends are wearing them too.
Besides the cooperation and general acceptance for braces at this age, it also happens to be a time when children are growing rapidly, and Orthodontists can usually take advantage of these growth spurts to help shape the bite and teeth correctly. And children at this age have high metabolisms, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment.
Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve personal appearance and self-esteem, not to mention the overall function of your bite and health of the teeth and gums. For example, decay can develop between crowded and/or angled teeth; making it difficult to brush or keep teeth clean. Also, improper bite alignment can cause jaw pain and uneven wearing of the teeth.
Just like our bodies, our teeth tend to shift and change throughout our lives, so teeth that were at one time straight may no longer be straight now that you’ve reached adulthood. This is why Dr. Wilson stresses the importance of retainers for all patients. Teeth will naturally want to return to a “comfortable”, usually more crooked position. With retainers, patients should be able to keep their teeth looking straight and beautiful for a lifetime!
Adults are more prone to grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically due to stress. These types of habits can exacerbate orthodontic issues if left untreated, and orthodontics can in many cases help alleviate pain or pressure caused by a misaligned bite or teeth; drastically improving the functionability of the jaw.
Treatment options for adults include:
Metal Braces
Traditional braces are now stronger and more efficient than ever. We utilize self-ligating brackets, which enable us to reduce the number of appointments and shorten treatment time.
Ceramic Braces
Although metal brackets are the most familiar, clear ceramic brackets are also available. Clear braces maintain the quality and efficiency of metal brackets, but their translucent color makes them less noticeable.
Clear Aligner Systems
Clear aligner systems are an aesthetic treatment for straightening and realigning teeth without the use of brackets and wires used with traditional braces. These systems involve a series of clear overlay templates—called aligners—that fit snuggly over the teeth and are changed out to gradually move teeth into a desired position. Dr. Wilson offers several options in clear aligner systems.
Please see our Types of Braces & Appliances page for more detailed information.