Is There Any Age Limit to Get Orthodontic Braces?

Orthodontic braces commonly associated with teenagers are currently sought after by adults not just in their 20s and 30s. Adults over 50 are also heading to cosmetic dentistry near me to correct long-standing dental issues and improve their appearance. The trend among adults is gaining traction showing no signs of slowing down.

Accurate statistics on how many adults are seeking orthodontic braces are not available. However, according to the American Association of orthodontists, over one million adults paid visits to orthodontists in America and Canada in 2012, a 40 percent increase since 1989. In 2014 reports emerged the numbers had risen to 1.4 million. The figure in 2021 is likely closer to two million.

People as old as 80 have also approached orthodontists, and nearly 25 percent of most patients visiting the family dentist in Gilbert requesting orthodontic treatment are now adults. The percentage may be even higher in offices specializing in adult services. Nevertheless, the increase in numbers looks like adults realize the benefits of braces and are here to stay.

Why Are Adults Getting Braces?

Many adults seek braces from orthodontists because they are exasperated by the dental infections and problems brought upon them by their long-standing dental issues and improve their appearance. Unfortunately, orthodontic problems affecting the mouth, besides causing people to have an ungainly appearance, also make them prone to dental infections such as tooth decay and gum disease that require frequent treatments from dentists at high prices.

Earlier, a misconception existed that orthodontic braces were only suitable for children and teenagers because their jaws were malleable and their teeth were comfortably moved to achieve successful results with orthodontic treatments. As a result, teenagers getting braces to correct dental issues believed it was an initiation into adulthood and proudly displayed their orthodontic appliances. Unfortunately, adults did not consider similarly in the days when orthodontic appliances were available with metal brackets and wires to correct dental imperfections.

For some reason, adults never understood they could get orthodontic treatments to improve their aesthetic appearance and change the dental problems affecting them for the better. Perhaps the introduction of clear plastic aligners in the late 90s, remaining virtually invisible in the mouth while helping to treat mild to moderate orthodontic imperfections, encouraged adults to begin thinking differently and considering getting braces for themselves.

The introduction of virtually invisible clear aligners functioning as orthodontic braces but without any wires or brackets perhaps provided adults with the opportunity they needed to request orthodontic treatments visiting a dentist near you instead of orthodontists. In addition, the revolutionary alternative introduced removed the stigma of orthodontic treatments in adults forever.

Are Invisible Braces the Sole Reason Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatments?

Many adults are seeking orthodontic treatments primarily for aesthetic reasons. The introduction of clear braces perhaps provided adults with the impetus they needed to correct dental imperfections in their mouth discreetly changed their thinking about getting braces at any age.

Current day braces had also improved over their earlier counterparts when they had an ungainly appearance (they still do). However, besides traditional braces, adults can presently get tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear braces, helping them correct all orthodontic problems affecting them. Combined, the features could collectively contribute to the higher numbers of adults seeking braces for themselves.

Are There Any Hindrances Adults Face When Getting Braces?

There are factors making braces for adults challenging to maneuver. Adults with gum disease are unsuitable for orthodontic treatments with braces besides problems such as bone loss and restorations like dental crowns. Adults with osteoporosis face challenges from the medicines they take that get into the way of tooth movement.

Restorations in teeth like fillings and other work can also present problems among adults seeking dental braces. In addition, adult teeth migration is slower because of their age and the treatment more expensive.

All things said, we can confirm there is no set age limit to get orthodontic braces for anyone. Perhaps the only limit currently set is among children who must wait until all their permanent teeth have emerged before they can begin treatment with braces. Adults with all their permanent teeth and without complications like the ones discussed in this article can approach an orthodontist of their choice or even a dentist near them requesting braces to get over the dental imperfections and begin smiling as they wish.