Are you too old for braces? The short answer to that question is, “No.” Whether you’re a child or a retiree, anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatments in Melbourne, FL. At Melbourne Orthodontics, we look at every patient on a case-by-case basis. If adult braces are not the best choice for correcting misaligned teeth as you get older; that doesn’t mean we don’t have a solution for you! Between 20 and 30 percent of all orthodontic patients in the US are actually over the age of 18. There’s age requirement to wearing braces, so long as you meet other requirements.

Adult Teeth and Braces

No matter how old you may be, the same process that applies to braces can still work to readjust the alignment of your teeth. The braces put pressure on the teeth and adjust their location — and that still works no matter how old you are. The thing about braces is that they do work best during the teenage years, when the patient is still young and physically growing. However, your teeth can still be adjusted with braces (or through other methods) when you get older.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to adults and braces:

• The process may take longer. Adults have fully-formed bone structures, so the teeth won’t want to adjust quite as quickly as they might for a teenager with braces. For example, it might take a teenager 22 months to adjust their teeth with braces (the national average). As where an adult might take 24 to 26 months.
• A majority of adults will experience periodontal disease (gum disease) at some point in their lives. Periodontal disease can result in bone loss that ranges from mild to severe. Bone loss due to gum disease can make the process of braces more complicated. You may be referred to a periodontist or your regular dentist during the process. They can ensure that braces will still work for you. This depends on a case-by-case basis for adults.
• Some of the structural changes that are accomplished with braces in teenagers may not be possible for adults. This may be true with adults whose bones have stopped growing. This doesn’t rule out braces if you are an adult, but it can complicate things in certain cases. Some changes are just not possible for adults using braces.

Beyond Braces in Melbourne

There have been a tremendous amount of advances in orthodontic appliances in recent decades. With the added technology, we have several options for patients available at Melbourne Orthodontics. Invisalign for Melbourne patients is extremely popular, for example. These (nearly) invisible clear aligners fit comfortably over the teeth and adjust them over time, much like traditional braces.

Invisible braces in Melbourne are another option, in addition to ceramic (tooth-colored) braces. Another option is a lingual appliance. This appliance attaches to the back of the teeth and is invisible when the patient speaks or smiles. None of these are one-size-fits-all solutions for orthodontic problems. Every system has advantages and disadvantages to them, which we are happy to discuss with you. We will explain how many adults, including working professionals and even seniors, have a lot of orthodontic treatment options available to them.

Just because the early teenage years are the “best” years to adjust the teeth with braces, doesn’t mean that you’ve “missed the boat” when it comes to correcting the alignment of your teeth. With so many unobtrusive or “invisible” options available today, we have many patients who are working professionals who choose to finally get their teeth adjusted for personal or career reasons — and they are achieving amazing results thanks to the options that Melbourne Orthodontics can provide them with.

We also want to stress that if we don’t think braces or another orthodontic system is the best option for you — we’ll tell you. We may refer you to an oral surgeon or another type of specialist to help you meet your smile goals, if we think that orthodontic treatment is no the best solution for you. The good news is that for most adults, you can still opt for braces, Invisalign, or invisible braces in Melbourne and achieve fantastic results!

Contact Us About Adult Braces in Melbourne

We’re ready to help you achieve that perfect smile you’ve always wanted, regardless of your age. To schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Melbourne, FL, call our office today at (321) 254-5232 or contact us here.