Braces for Adults

Do you want a straighter smile but don’t know if braces are the right choice as an adult? In this post, we will break down some popular questions adults ask about braces.

We offer braces for adults at our orthodontics office in Fremont, CA. Dr. Chew has been improving his patients' smiles for over 25 years at Chew Dental Group.

Because we want to help our patients make the most beneficial decisions for their oral health, we will provide you with as much information as possible. Learn more about braces for adults here!

Is There an Age Limit for Braces?

While braces are typically associated with teenagers and young adults, there is no set age limit for adults getting braces. As long as you have a healthy jawbone and teeth, you should be eligible – patients of all ages benefit from braces!

However, the older you get, the less likely you will be a good candidate. As we age, our bones tend to lose density. As a result, they become more likely to fracture from the force braces apply to them.

Because of the force applied to the teeth with braces, those who have bone loss may experience jawbone fractures or damage to their teeth if they get braces.

Pros and Cons of Getting Braces as an Adult

Almost all orthodontic treatments have positives and negatives associated with them and braces are no different. As an adult, you want to make the right decision, so we have made it a little easier. We have compiled a pros and cons list to help you determine if braces are right for you.

Pros of Getting Braces as an Adult

Corrected Bite Alignment

Having a misaligned bite puts unnatural stress on your teeth when chewing. Since our teeth and bones become more fragile as we age, getting them fixed now is crucial. The longer you live with a misaligned bite, the more likely one or more teeth will get damaged.

That said, aligning your bite now can prevent costly repairs later.

Healthier Mouth

Oftentimes, misaligned teeth can trap food particles and make it harder to clean them. By aligning your teeth, you can maintain better oral hygiene to fight tooth decay and gum disease.

Overall Better Health

Your mouth health is directly connected to the health of your entire body. A healthy smile means a healthy body!

Since malocclusions make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean, plaque can accumulate quickly. In some cases, this plaque can enter the bloodstream and lead to heart disease.

Also, digestive issues can occur from not being able to properly chew and digest food.

What’s more, teeth and jaw misalignment often cause obstructions that are the cause of sleep apnea – which can be very dangerous.

Straighter Smile

Teeth and jaw alignment are primarily for your health and well-being, but they can also help aesthetics. Having straighter teeth can drastically improve your confidence and social life.

Cons of Getting Braces as an Adult

Price

Orthodontic treatment time for adults tends to be longer than those under 18 because their mouths aren’t as malleable as a child’s so it takes longer to correct their teeth. A longer treatment time means more adjustments and hardware being used. Because of this, the overall cost of braces for adults is generally more than that of a child.

Time Commitment

Since treatment time usually takes longer with adults, you will most likely have to make more trips to the orthodontist for adjustments and checkups.

Social Stigma

For some reason, there is a stigma attached to adults wearing braces. However, those that think twice about it probably don’t realize the benefits of having proper jaw and teeth alignment.