Am I Too Old for Braces?

I’m nearing the half-century mark and have battled with the decision to fix my smile for practically my whole life. Although it bothered me some, age has caused me to lose a couple teeth, and now my teeth seem more crooked than ever. I want to do braces and have a particular interest in Invisalign. Is there some cut-off date as to age for braces or Invisalign? If so, what are my other options?

Thanks,

Margie

Dear Margie,

There isn’t an age limit for braces. In fact, Invisalign is incredibly popular among adults because the aligners don’t look like braces. A lot of adults feel better about that as an option, because it doesn’t carry the same perceived stigma.

With that said, your missing teeth should be addressed as well. First off, losing teeth is not a natural part of aging. You weren’t specific as to what happened to them, but if periodontal disease played a role it, you’ll need to get that under control in the beginning. You’ll also need to discuss with your dentist which options are best to replace them. As you observed, these open gaps where the teeth were before allow the other teeth in your mouth to shift around fairly easily. So, having a replacement in mind before you begin treatment is important.

There are a myriad of alternatives which you may be a candidate for, depending on your overall oral health, position of your teeth, and other factors. For instance, porcelain veneers might be able to make your teeth appear like they’re in better alignment, though they won’t help ensure there is adequate space for replacement teeth.

Your best bet is to have a consultation with a dentist who has experience working with cosmetic cases, including braces and Invisalign. He’ll be able to assess what options are available for you, so that you can make an informed decision.

This blog is sponsored by Elgin dentist, Dr. Steve Sirin.