At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, our team believes everyone should have the opportunity to wear braces and work towards a straighter smile. It’s not just about aesthetics; being happy with your grin and supporting your self-esteem can make a world of difference. As you get older, you may wonder if you are too old for braces. The short answer is no, and braces for older adults are more common than most people think. We are here to answer all your questions on receiving treatment, the benefits of straightening your teeth, your care options and more!
You Are Never Too Old For Braces!
Good news! It is always possible to get braces as an adult. Many believe braces treatment is an experience reserved for children and teenagers. While it is true that most patients are in middle and high school, the amount of adult orthodontic patients continues to grow each year. Some of our patients were not given the opportunity to get braces while still in school or simply didn’t need any care at the time.
No matter the circumstances, Dr. Sheinis and our team assure you age does not disqualify you from pursuing treatment and reaping the benefits of straighter teeth.
Braces for Older Adults in Their 50s, 60s and Beyond
We treat patients well past their school years, including adults in their 50s, 60s and older. What matters most isn’t your age. It’s the health of your teeth, your gums and the bone that supports them.
A few things work a little differently for older adults:
- Gum health comes first. Healthy gums and bone give your teeth a stable base to move through. If there’s any gum disease, it gets treated before braces go on.
- Existing dental work gets planned around. Crowns, bridges and fillings are common by this stage, and Dr. Sheinis plans your treatment with them in mind. Dental implants are fused to the bone, so they don’t move with braces.
- Treatment can take a bit longer. Adult bone is denser than a teenager’s, so teeth sometimes move more slowly.
- Shifting teeth are a common reason to start. Teeth can drift over the years, and many older adults come in because crowding they never had before has started to show up. Others had braces as kids and their teeth have moved back.
Benefits of Getting Braces in Adulthood
Build On Your Confidence
First impressions can be tricky, but working towards a straight smile can be a step in the right direction. Feeling good about your smile has a real effect on how you carry yourself. Putting forward the effort to share your happiness can offer a world of opportunities, both personal and professional. Taking the steps toward a confident smile helps open up doors and grow new relationships with the people around you.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Keeping up with your oral health and hygiene routines becomes easier with straight teeth. Well-aligned teeth leave fewer hard-to-reach corners in your mouth, which makes brushing and flossing each night more effective and helps lower your risk of cavities and other complications. Braces help provide a solid foundation for long-term health and set you up for success.
Enjoy Overall Better Health
Pursuing braces treatment as an adult can even provide benefits that impact your general health. Chewing more comfortably, protecting your gums with easier cleaning and helping with some speech issues tied to how your teeth line up are just a few examples of how straight teeth can protect you from seemingly unrelated health issues. You have the power to stop these issues from taking over any aspect of your life and proactively work toward improving yourself.
Our Selection of Braces
InSmile Hidden Braces
Using a small wire masked behind your teeth, InSmile hidden braces (formerly InBrace) are programmed to slowly align your teeth into place using advanced computer modeling and Gentleforce technology. This effective treatment does not require tightening each month and lets you eat most of your favorite foods while wearing them. The open design also makes brushing and flossing easier. The subtle aesthetics of this appliance make InSmile a popular option among adults. If you’re curious about the details, here’s how InSmile works.
Metal Braces
A traditional yet reliable option, metal braces continue to advance each year and help our patients comfortably transition their smiles. This appliance is smaller than ever, thanks to modern orthodontics. They excel in strength and durability, providing long-lasting orthodontic treatment that will preserve your teeth for years to come.
Clear Braces
Made of ceramic, clear braces provide a nearly invisible appearance while offering the same reliability as metal braces. Our adult patients prefer a discreet appliance that can blend in with their teeth so as not to disturb their day-to-day appearance throughout treatment. Using tooth-colored brackets, they use the same technology as traditional braces, so you can rely on them to deliver the results your smile goals are after.
Clear Aligners
If you’d rather skip brackets altogether, Invisalign and Solventum Clarity clear aligners use a series of removable trays to move your teeth. They’re a good fit for adults who want something they can take out for meals and important moments, as long as they wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
What To Consider Before Starting Treatment
Average Treatment Length
A commonly asked question to our team is what to expect regarding the length of your treatment. Well, it depends on a few factors, including the appliance you decide on, your case’s complexity and your current oral health. The average length of treatment ranges from one to three years. Some patients get done sooner than others if their case is milder than an adult’s average work.
Dr. Sheinis works with you to determine which treatment best suits your case and specific needs. The time and effort you put into improving your teeth will pay off once you see the final results!
Free Consultation
To help our patients at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we proudly offer a free consultation for all newcomers. During this appointment, our team will examine your teeth, see what work needs to be done and walk you through the treatment options the practice can offer. Our goal is to ensure all of your questions and concerns are answered so you feel completely comfortable before you start.
Common Questions About Braces for Older Adults
Is there an age limit for braces?
No. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can straighten your teeth at any age. We treat adults in their 50s, 60s and older.
Can I get braces if I have crowns or implants?
Usually, yes. Crowns and bridges can be worked around, and Dr. Sheinis plans your treatment with them in mind. Dental implants don’t move with braces, so the plan is built around them.
How long do braces take for older adults?
Most treatment takes between one and three years. It depends on your case and the appliance you choose, and adult teeth can sometimes move a little more slowly.
What’s the most discreet option for adults?
Clear braces blend in with your teeth, InSmile hidden braces sit on the back of your teeth and clear aligners are removable trays. We’ll help you pick the one that fits your case and your lifestyle.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Braces!
The transformative power of a uniform smile has done wonders for our patients at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, and now it is your turn! Working on your dental health may seem daunting, but taking the first step now can significantly impact your future. Our Huntington orthodontist team welcomes adults from Huntington, Woodbury and the surrounding communities. Give us a call today, and we will happily walk you through how to begin treatment!