You are never too old for braces, and healthy teeth can be moved at any age. This treatment is similar to comprehensive treatment, but it addresses the specific needs of adult patients who have stopped growing. While changes in the jaw usually can’t be accomplished, this treatment does adjust the alignment of teeth and make a dramatic change in your smile. Whether you didn’t get braces as a child, or you did and stopped wearing your retainer, this treatment can help you achieve a great smile regardless of age.
No. There's no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy, teeth can be moved at any age, and many adults start treatment in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
At Plymouth Orthodontics, we see adults who never had braces as kids as well as adults whose teeth have shifted over time. Your free consultation is the best way to find out what's possible for your smile.
A bad bite (malocclusion) is more than a cosmetic concern. Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease, and a bite that doesn't fit together well can cause uneven wear, chipped teeth and jaw strain.
Adult orthodontic treatment improves how your teeth fit and function, makes daily cleaning easier and helps protect your teeth for the long term.
Adults have more discreet choices than ever. Invisalign clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, and clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile. Traditional metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, too.
The best option depends on your bite, your goals and your lifestyle. We'll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can choose what fits you best.
Many adults finish treatment in about 12 to 24 months, and minor corrections can take less. Adult bones are no longer growing, so some movements take a little longer than in teens, while simple alignment cases can move quickly.
We'll give you a personalized timeline at your consultation based on your teeth and the treatment you choose.
Yes. Crowns, fillings and most dental work aren't a problem for braces or Invisalign. When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth tend to drift and tip into the gap, which can affect your bite and make replacing the tooth harder.
Orthodontic treatment can upright and reposition those teeth so your dentist has the right space to place an implant or bridge. We often coordinate directly with your dentist on these cases.
Most adults don't. Braces and clear aligners can correct the vast majority of bite problems. Because adult jaws have finished growing, though, a severe mismatch between the upper and lower jaw sometimes can't be fixed with tooth movement alone and may need Corrective Jaw Surgery combined with braces.
We'll let you know at your first visit whether surgery is something to consider, and explain every option.
Very little. Clear aligners and ceramic braces are hard to notice in everyday conversation, and most adults adjust to speaking normally within a day or two. Appointments are short and spaced several weeks apart, so they're easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Many of our adult patients say they wish they'd started sooner.
The best way to learn what orthodontic treatment could do for you or your child is to schedule a complimentary initial exam. We will determine the best course of treatment and answer all your questions. Book your initial appointment online now using the link below, or just simply call our office.
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