Doc, is it true? I'm over 30, and it's too old for braces
The claim: I’m over 30, and there is no point in getting dental braces now.
How old is too old when it comes to dental treatments for misaligned teeth or bite issues? Many believe that orthodontic treatment should be done during the teenage years or when you are still a young adult. If you cross 30, there is no point. You are too old for any of these treatments. This has been passed down through generations. But is it fact or simply fiction?
We asked , a registered dental surgeon and member of the Indian Dental Association, with 27 years of clinical experience, based in Haripad, Kerala, to separate fact from fiction.
Is it true that people over the age of 30 are too old for orthodontic treatment?
The verdict: False.
It turns out that wanting a perfect smile or better dental health does not have to be a dream if you are 30 or older. “We often get asked this. People over the age of 30 wonder if they can still get braces for their misaligned teeth. They are worried they have ‘missed the age’ for treatment. People believe that 30 or 35 years is too late for braces. But it’s absolute misinformation,” Dr Hariharan said.
Busting the myth, the dental professional noted that one is never too old for orthodontic treatments. “In reality, age has nothing to do with orthodontic eligibility,” he said. The only eligibility, really, is whether your teeth and gums are strong. “As long as the teeth and gums are healthy and strong, braces can be used, regardless of age, to improve dental alignment and enhance confidence.”
One in three orthodontic patients today are adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. “Whether you’re 8 or 80, the . Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time, regardless of how old you are,” the AAO said in a note on its website. It added that, similar to children and teens, adults too can get their orthodontic problems corrected easily.
The only difference in orthodontics for adults versus young children is that adults are no longer growing; however, this will not impact the success of the treatment. But it might take slightly longer in adults due to the maturity and density of bone tissue, the organisation noted.
Dr Hariharan also stressed that orthodontic treatments are not just limited to braces. “In addition to braces, there are also several advanced options today. Treatments to close gaps, aligners and other options are available to get us the desired result,” he said. Your dentist will decide what would work best for you based on your concerns.
Do you need braces?
How do you know if especially braces? An article published in the University of Rochester Medical Center, there are certain signs that indicate you might need orthodontics treatment. These include:
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
How old is too old when it comes to dental treatments for misaligned teeth or bite issues? Many believe that orthodontic treatment should be done during the teenage years or when you are still a young adult. If you cross 30, there is no point. You are too old for any of these treatments. This has been passed down through generations. But is it fact or simply fiction?
We asked , a registered dental surgeon and member of the Indian Dental Association, with 27 years of clinical experience, based in Haripad, Kerala, to separate fact from fiction.
Is it true that people over the age of 30 are too old for orthodontic treatment?
The verdict: False.
It turns out that wanting a perfect smile or better dental health does not have to be a dream if you are 30 or older. “We often get asked this. People over the age of 30 wonder if they can still get braces for their misaligned teeth. They are worried they have ‘missed the age’ for treatment. People believe that 30 or 35 years is too late for braces. But it’s absolute misinformation,” Dr Hariharan said.
Busting the myth, the dental professional noted that one is never too old for orthodontic treatments. “In reality, age has nothing to do with orthodontic eligibility,” he said. The only eligibility, really, is whether your teeth and gums are strong. “As long as the teeth and gums are healthy and strong, braces can be used, regardless of age, to improve dental alignment and enhance confidence.”
One in three orthodontic patients today are adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. “Whether you’re 8 or 80, the . Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time, regardless of how old you are,” the AAO said in a note on its website. It added that, similar to children and teens, adults too can get their orthodontic problems corrected easily.
The only difference in orthodontics for adults versus young children is that adults are no longer growing; however, this will not impact the success of the treatment. But it might take slightly longer in adults due to the maturity and density of bone tissue, the organisation noted.
Dr Hariharan also stressed that orthodontic treatments are not just limited to braces. “In addition to braces, there are also several advanced options today. Treatments to close gaps, aligners and other options are available to get us the desired result,” he said. Your dentist will decide what would work best for you based on your concerns.
Do you need braces?
How do you know if especially braces? An article published in the University of Rochester Medical Center, there are certain signs that indicate you might need orthodontics treatment. These include:
- Very crowded or crooked teeth
- Impacted teeth in the bone
- Bite problems such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Habits like thumb sucking
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
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