Do you think braces are just for kids and teenagers? Not anymore. Today, a growing number of older adults are seeking orthodontic treatment - not just for a cosmetic upgrade, but as a vital investment in their overall health.

Having a comfortable bite, proper function, and a beautiful smile can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem. But beyond aesthetics, there are major medical and dental benefits to straightening your teeth later in life.

Here is what you need to know about adult orthodontics and why it might be the right choice for you.

Even if you had braces as a child, you might notice your teeth shifting or your front teeth becoming crowded as you get older. This is entirely natural and happens for a few key reasons:

• Bone Density Changes:

  As we age, changes in our bone density cause our teeth to naturally shift.

• Retainer Relapse:

  If you stopped wearing your retainers or never had a fixed bar cemented behind your lower front teeth, crowding is more likely to occur.

• Missing Teeth or Gum Disease:

  Periodontal (gum) disease and missing teeth can drastically alter your bite.

When teeth shift, it can lead to a poor bite, difficulty chewing, chronic headaches, and TMJ (jaw) pain. Furthermore, crowded or overlapping teeth are much harder to clean, which increases the risk of trapped food, bad breath, tooth decay, and abnormal enamel wear or chipping ¹.

While getting a great-looking smile is a top reason adults seek treatment, correcting your bite provides profound, long-lasting health benefits:

• Easier Oral Hygiene:

  Straighter teeth make daily brushing and flossing much more effective, which helps prevent tooth decay and promotes healthy gums.
  
  

• Better Chewing and Digestion:

  Correcting your bite helps distribute chewing forces evenly across your teeth, improving function so you can maintain proper nutrition.
  
  

• Pain Relief:

  Fixing a misaligned bite can drastically reduce TMJ pain and discomfort.

A Quick Tip on Brushing with Braces: During your treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist can recommend special tools like interdental cleaners and oral irrigators to make home care easier. It is also essential to use fluoride during your treatment. Fluoride reduces the risk of decay and prevents "white spot lesions" (enamel demineralization) from forming on your teeth after your treatment is finished.

Orthodontists frequently collaborate with prosthodontists and periodontists when planning treatment for older adults.  Together, this dental team helps to ensure that your ability to function well is restored so that you can eat to maintain proper nutrition.2 They will also plan to correct for any changes that have impacted facial structure and symmetry.2  

• Prosthodontists and Oral Surgeons:

  Sometimes, braces are the first step in a larger oral rehabilitation plan. Moving teeth safely into the correct position may be required before you can get dental implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures to replace missing teeth. Occasionally, an oral surgeon may be consulted if jaw surgery is required.  
  
  

• Periodontists:

  Periodontal treatment may be needed to address existing gum disease and to correct bone defects.  
  
  

• Orofacial Pain Specialists:

  If you suffer from severe TMJ pain, this specialist can help guide treatment options to relieve discomfort. 

This collaborative care helps ensure that the teeth can be moved safely into the correct position and  the overall supporting structures for new restorative and prosthetic dental work are healthy to optimize treatment outcomes.

You do not have to settle for traditional metal brackets if you don't want to. Today, adults have several discreet and convenient options:

• Clear Aligners:

  These are a highly popular choice because they are nearly invisible, have minimal effect on speech, and can be removed for eating and cleaning.

• Ceramic Brackets:

  These function like traditional braces but use clear or tooth-colored materials to blend in.

• Lingual Braces:

  These are brackets that are placed completely behind the teeth, hiding them from view.

Your orthodontist will explain the pros and cons of each and help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

What to Expect Regarding Timelines: Keep in mind that adult bone has finished growing and is less responsive to the forces needed to move teeth compared to children or younger adults.3  Because of this, tooth movement is slower in adults, and your treatment plan may take a bit longer.

Older adults should never hesitate to seek a consultation for orthodontic care. Straightening your teeth is more convenient and less noticeable than ever before, and the benefits go far beyond a cosmetic fix. By improving your comfort, function, and ability to keep your mouth clean, orthodontic treatment is an incredible investment in both your oral and overall health, helping you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

1. American Association of Orthodontists.  How Old is Too Old for Braces?  Rediscover Your Smile at Any Age.  Available at:  https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/am-i-too-old-for-orthodontic-treatment/
   
2. Maspero C, Farronato D, Giannini L, Farronato G. Orthodontic treatment in elderly patients. Prog Orthod. 2010;11(1):62-75.
   
3. Schubert A, Jäger F, Maltha JC, Bartzela TN. Age effect on orthodontic tooth movement rate and the composition of gingival crevicular fluid: A literature review. J Orofac Orthop. 2020 Mar;81(2):113-125.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.