The short answer is no, you’re not too old. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. The treatment may be slightly different or take slightly longer, but adults of any age can get their teeth straightened for cosmetic and/or functional reasons. 

Here are some considerations for the adult seeking orthodontic treatment.

General dental health

Adults have had their teeth for a lot longer than teenagers have had theirs, so your orthodontist will want to make sure that your overall dental health is good. If brackets are to be fixed onto teeth, then the teeth need to be healthy and in good shape. Also, if you have any gum issues, these will need to be addressed at the same time. Don’t be surprised if one or more specialists become part of your treatment plan.

Cosmetic considerations

With young children, many of their classmates have braces, so it doesn’t usually matter if braces are visible or not. Adults, on the other hand, may be preoccupied with cosmetic considerations. Professionals may not want it to be obvious to coworkers that they have braces.

Today, there are many types of braces and orthodontic treatments that aren’t obvious. You and your orthodontist can take these things into consideration when deciding on your treatment plan. There are transparent braces, porcelain pieces that can be any color, and sometimes the pieces fixed to teeth can be on the inside instead of the outside. There are lots of ways to hide your braces if you are concerned about that.

Don’t let your age prevent you from having orthodontic treatment. Your teeth can be straightened at any age. Orthodontic treatment can have a major impact on how your teeth look, and it can also significantly improve your bite and chewing function.

The Hicks orthodontic practice has been around for over 40 years, with Bryan Hicks taking over for his father. Dr. Hicks works hard to give his patients extraordinary outcomes from their orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about this article or need to talk to someone in the office, give us a call at (604) 922-0111.