Is It Ever Too Late to Get Braces For Your Teeth?

Many children wear braces as they grow to help address misalignments and overcrowded teeth. Braces can help properly align your teeth, but are they only effective for kids? Whether for cosmetic or restorative purposes, can adults get braces? 

Continue reading to learn more about braces, including what they are, how they work, and if it’s ever too late to get them. 

What Are Braces? 

Most people are familiar with braces, a dental tool used to help correct problems with your teeth. They can address crowding, crooked, or misaligned teeth; gradually bringing them into proper alignment. Braces place pressure as they move your teeth into their proper position. 

The location of your teeth and jaw affects how your top and bottom teeth come together. When your teeth don’t fit well together, it’s known as malocclusion. Missing, crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth can contribute to a bad bite. 

Misaligned teeth can make it harder to chew certain foods and lead to muscle tension and pain. Besides discomfort, crowded or misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean, increasing your risk of gum disease and cavities. 

Types of issues braces can fix include: 

• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Overjet
• Open bite

Types of Braces

There are many different types of braces used today. Depending on the braces you receive, they may utilize bands, wires, or other corrective appliances. Your dentist will recommend the most effective braces for your needs. 

Types of braces include: 

• Traditional braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Clear aligners

If you’re interested in braces, how do they work? 

How Do Braces Work?

Braces move your teeth into place by applying constant pressure on them for long periods. Your jaw’s shape gradually adapts to comply with this pressure. 

Underneath your gums is a membrane that helps root your teeth in place. This membrane responds to pressure from your braces and shifts your teeth accordingly. While receiving braces doesn’t hurt, you may feel a throbbing-like soreness for a few days each time your dentist makes adjustments. 

How Long Are Braces Worn? 

It’s common to wonder how long you have to wear your braces. Most people want them off as soon as possible, but there is no definite timeline—the time required varies from person to person. 

How long you wear your braces depends on: 

• How severe your malocclusion is
• The amount of room inside your mouth
• The distance your teeth must travel
• The health of the teeth, gums, & supporting bone
• How closely you follow instructions 

On average, someone wears braces for 1–3 years, typically requiring a retainer afterwards. 

Braces are usually associated with teenagers and other children, but can adults receive them? Is there a point where it’s too late to receive braces? 

Is It Ever Too Late to Get Braces? 

You don’t need to worry if you’re too late—you can benefit from braces at any age! Braces work best for children because their jawbones are still growing, making the overall adjustment process quicker. While not as fast, your teeth continue to shift with time, so braces are still effective at any age.  

The Pros & Cons of Wearing Braces as an Adult

There are several benefits to wearing braces as an adult. First, they can make your smile appear more evenly, improving self-confidence. Another benefit is that they can prevent further issues with your teeth as they shift with time, such as: 

• Uneven wear & tear due to misalignment
• Pain in your jaw & face
• Inability to close your mouth correctly 

Braces can improve your overall dental health, but there is a drawback. Primarily, the process for wearing braces as an adult is longer. Because your bones are more solid than when you were a kid, braces take longer to straighten teeth. 

Besides the time needed to straighten your teeth, you must effectively care for your braces. This can mean avoiding certain foods and watching for complications with your braces. 

Caring for Teeth With Braces 

Braces require more diligent care to keep them clean. Food can get stuck in your wired braces, so you’ll need to ensure you’re cleaning your teeth every day. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can help your dentist catch any signs of tooth decay. 

Certain foods can potentially damage your braces, and you should avoid them, including: 

• Popcorn
• Gum
• Hard or sticky candy

If your braces become damaged due to a loose wire or bracket, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have them fixed. Your dentist can provide recommendations on caring for your teeth while wearing braces. 

Anyone Can Benefit From Braces

It’s never too late to improve your smile. No matter your age, braces can help bring your teeth into proper alignment, improving your dental health. Contact your dentist today if you’re interested in braces.