Can Adults Get Braces?

When you think of braces, you probably picture a tween or a teenager with the metal brackets and colored rubber bands on their teeth, all in an effort to perfect their smile.

But can adults get braces?

If you’ve never had braces as a child to correct crooked teeth or other dental issues, there’s still time.

Should you consider braces as an adult?

Yes, says dentist Anne Clemons, DMD.

“Adults may be candidates for braces or other orthodontics,” stresses Dr. Clemons. “It’s really common to even see someone who had braces in the past have a relapse. Over time, their teeth can shift.”

Some adults may experience dental issues that may be corrected with braces, like:

• Excessive overbite: This is when your upper teeth cover your bottom teeth more than necessary.
• Underbite: This happens when your bottom jaw is farther forward than your top jaw.
• Crossbite: If your upper teeth fall behind your bottom teeth, you have a crossbite.
• Open bite: This is when your front teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth.
• Protrusion: A protrusion is when your teeth stick out.
• Crowding: This happens when there’s not enough space between your teeth. Your teeth can even overlap.
• Gaps: The opposite of crowding, this is when there’s too much space between teeth.
• Malalignment: This is when your teeth are crooked and don’t look straight.

And your reasons for wanting to correct the position of your teeth may be functional. Your teeth affect your speech and even how you chew, after all. Or you may want to make a change for visual, aesthetic reasons.

Your teeth continue to move and shift no matter how old you are, so there’s no age limit on when you may benefit from braces.

While age isn’t an issue when it comes to braces, there are other factors to consider. You may not be a good candidate for braces as an adult if you currently have the following:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Dental implants

“If you’ve had a history of cavities or gum disease, but it’s been treated and is now stable, you could be a candidate for braces,” clarifies Dr. Clemons. “If we get your teeth in a better, straighter position, they’re easier to clean, they’re easier to maintain and it’s easier to prevent future decay and future gum disease.”

Types of braces

Your dentist can talk to you about which kind of braces are best for you. Options include:

• Traditional braces: These are the ones with brackets and wires. Brackets are available in metal and ceramic options. You can even opt for lingual braces, which means they’re placed on the backs of your teeth.
• Clear aligners: A newer option, you’re able to take these clear trays in and out of your mouth.

Regardless of what option you choose, the goal is the same.

“With any of those appliances, what we’re doing is using them to deliver gentle, steady forces to reposition teeth,” explains Dr. Clemons.

Factors to consider with adult braces

While braces are effective at correcting your teeth, there are some potential cons to think about, like:

• Pain and discomfort: Most people can handle any discomfort that comes with braces — but it’s still important to be aware that you may feel some pain. “If we’re moving teeth, whether it’s with braces or aligners, it’s going to feel like we’re moving teeth,” says Dr. Clemons. “You may feel pressure and pain. It can be uncomfortable.”
• Difficult to clean: Having braces on a tooth can make it the perfect place for food and other particles to hide. Dr. Clemons stresses that you may need to spend more time cleaning and flossing your teeth.
• Need to avoid certain foods: While you’re sporting braces, you’ll have to avoid hard or sticky foods. “You’re going to have to choose softer foods, cut foods into smaller pieces,” she says.
• Length of time: How long you’ll need to wear braces depends on your unique situation. “Every person is going to have a plan that’s going to fit their exact needs. But in general, adult teeth are going to take longer to move than younger teeth,” notes Dr. Clemons.
• Cost: Your dental insurance may cover a portion of your braces as an adult. But each plan is unique, so make sure you check with your insurance company first. Braces can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the type and how much correction is needed.

Are veneers better than braces?

Veneers are a permanent shell that’s placed on the front of your tooth. So, are they a better option than braces?

“With something like a veneer or a crown, we’re not moving teeth. We’re making it look like the teeth are in a different position,” outlines Dr. Clemons. “Sometimes, veneers or crowns can be a great alternative, especially if you have narrow-looking teeth. Instead of moving those teeth close together with braces, a veneer or crown can make the teeth look wider and close the space between teeth.”

But Dr. Clemons emphasizes that there’s not one right answer for everyone, and that your dentist can review the pros and cons of each option with you.

Bottom line?

Don’t let age stop you from achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. Braces can be used on adult teeth to correct or fix a variety of dental issues.

“If it’s something that’s on your mind, it’s always worth exploring,” encourages Dr. Clemons. “Your dentist or orthodontist is going to be prepared to discuss your options and take several factors into account to find the right solution for you.”