Thinking about adult orthodontics, no matter how old you are, can bring up a lot of questions. You might have assumed that braces were something that you missed out on as a teenager, or it’s simply never been the right time to think seriously about them. If your teeth have changed over the years, you may now be wondering whether it is too late to straighten them.
Fortunately, being an adult does not mean that you have missed your chance. Orthodontic treatment can still be an option later in life, although your needs and priorities may be different from when you were younger. Taking the time to understand what is possible can help you feel more confident about whether treatment is worth considering.
What orthodontics can change
Orthodontic treatment can move teeth into better positions within the mouth, which can be helpful if your teeth are crooked, crowded or sitting unevenly, giving them a straighter and more balanced appearance. Treatment can also close or reduce gaps, whether these have always been there, have appeared because of missing teeth, or have developed as teeth have moved over time.
It can also improve the way your upper and lower teeth come together. For example, treatment may reduce an overbite where the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, and it can also help improve an underbite or crossbite by guiding the teeth into a more suitable position within the bite.
If your front teeth sit further forward than you would like, orthodontics may be able to reposition them. Moving prominent teeth can change the overall balance of your smile and how your teeth sit within it. At the same time, improving your bite can make everyday things such as chewing your food feel more comfortable.
There are also times when moving teeth is useful before or alongside other dental treatment. Orthodontics can sometimes create or maintain space where it is needed for restorative or cosmetic work. The effect on your smile will depend on how your teeth are positioned to begin with, so the changes will be different for every person.
What orthodontics cannot change
While orthodontics can move your teeth, it cannot change their actual size or shape. If a tooth is naturally small, wide, short or long, moving it will not alter these features. Braces and aligners will not change the colour of your teeth either; if you want a whiter smile, teeth whitening would be a more appropriate treatment to help you achieve this.
Moving teeth also cannot repair damage that is already there. If you have worn, chipped or heavily restored teeth, you may still need treatments such as bonding, veneers or crowns to address these concerns. The same applies to missing teeth, as orthodontics can sometimes move the surrounding teeth or help manage the space, but it cannot replace the missing tooth itself.
There are limits to what orthodontics can do when the issue involves the jaw or supporting tissues. In adults, orthodontic treatment mainly moves the teeth, so a significant difference in the position or size of the jaws may need a different type of treatment. It also cannot replace gum or bone that has already been lost. Additionally, existing problems such as tooth decay or active gum disease usually need to be treated first.
It is also worth remembering that your teeth can move again after treatment, so retainers help keep them in their new positions. Wearing them is an important part of maintaining the result over time, as, while orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference to your smile, it cannot promise that your teeth will stay perfectly straight forever without proper retention.
Orthodontic treatments to choose from
Adults have several orthodontic options to choose from, so treatment does not have to mean wearing traditional metal braces. Each option works slightly differently and has its own practical considerations. The right choice will depend on the movements your teeth need, as well as what feels most suitable for your day-to-day life.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment uses removable trays that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into position. You normally wear a series of different aligners as treatment progresses. Because they are clear and can be taken out when needed, they can suit adults who would rather keep their orthodontic treatment discreet.
Traditional fixed braces
Traditional fixed braces use brackets and wires attached to the teeth, which remain in place throughout treatment and give the orthodontist precise control over how the teeth move. They can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems and are not limited to only mild to moderate cases.
Ceramic braces
Also sometimes called tooth-coloured braces, ceramic braces work in the same basic way as fixed metal braces, but use brackets that are clear or tooth-coloured, making them less obvious when you smile or talk. They may be worth considering if you want the control of fixed braces without the more noticeable appearance of metal brackets.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are fixed to the back of your teeth, so they are largely hidden from view. They can provide controlled tooth movement without brackets on the front surfaces of your teeth, meaning they are a good option for adults who want or need the power of fixed braces but would prefer them to be much less visible.
Differences between orthodontic treatment as an adult vs as a child
During childhood, there is still natural growth taking place, which can sometimes be taken into account when managing certain orthodontic problems. However, the biggest difference when getting orthodontic treatment as an adult is that your teeth and jaws have finished developing. This means orthodontic treatment works with the jaw you already have, moving the teeth through the existing bone.
There is usually more dental history to consider in adulthood, too. Your orthodontist may need to look at the health of your gums and supporting bone, along with any fillings, crowns, bridges, implants or previous dental treatment. Years of wear or earlier dental work do not necessarily prevent treatment, but they can affect how it is planned.
Adult teeth may sometimes move more slowly, so treatment can take longer in some cases. That said, being older does not mean you cannot get a noticeable result. Treatment time and the changes that can be achieved vary from person to person, depending on the starting position of the teeth and the work that needs to be done.
For many adults, the practical side of treatment matters just as much. You may need to fit appointments around work, travel, family or your social life, which can influence the option you choose. There is no single treatment that is right for every adult, and the most suitable approach will depend on your oral health and individual needs rather than your age alone.
What to consider when making your decision
Start by thinking about why you want orthodontic treatment in the first place. It could be because you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, find them difficult to clean, have problems with your bite or have noticed tooth wear. You may have a few different reasons, and being clear about what you want to change can make it easier to discuss your options.
There are a few things worth weighing up before making your choice, including:
- Your current oral health: Your teeth, gums and supporting bone need to be in a suitable condition for orthodontic treatment.
- Any existing dental work: Fillings, crowns, bridges, implants and previous orthodontic treatment can all affect your treatment plan.
- Your lifestyle: Think about how easily you can manage aligners, fixed braces, cleaning, and regular appointments alongside your usual routine.
- The results you hope to see: Your treatment plan should be based on what can realistically be achieved in your particular case.
- Treatment time: You should have an estimated timescale, although this can change as your teeth respond to treatment.
- Retention: Retainers are an important part of keeping your teeth in their new positions, so they are worth thinking about from the beginning.
- Overall suitability: The most discreet or convenient option is not always the best one. Your treatment needs to suit both your teeth and what you can realistically manage.
A proper orthodontic assessment should come before settling on a particular treatment. It can be tempting to choose an option because it looks less noticeable or seems popular, but what works for someone else may not be right for you. An orthodontist can look at your teeth, gums, bite and dental history and explain what is likely to work in your situation.
It is also important to think beyond the day your treatment starts. There will be appointments and ongoing care during treatment, followed by the use of retainers to help protect the result. Having a clear idea of what will be involved can help you choose something that fits comfortably into your life, rather than simply picking the option that looks most appealing at first.
Starting your orthodontic journey at any age
If you have spent years thinking about straightening your teeth but always felt that orthodontics was something you should have done when you were younger, you are not alone. There is no reason to put it off simply because you are in your 30s, 40s or beyond. At Direct Dental Clapham, we can look at where your smile is now, what you would like to change and whether orthodontic treatment could help you get there.
Starting with a consultation gives you the chance to have an open conversation about your options, without having to commit to a particular treatment straight away. We can assess your teeth and bite, talk through what is realistic for your smile and help you decide whether treatment fits into your life. If you have been considering orthodontics for a while, it may be worth taking that first step and seeing what is possible.
FAQs
Will orthodontic treatment affect my speech?
Orthodontic treatment can temporarily affect the way you speak, especially when you first start wearing braces or clear aligners. You might notice a slight lisp or find that some sounds feel a little different. This happens because your tongue needs some time to get used to having something new around your teeth.
For most people, this settles as they get used to their treatment. Clear aligners can sometimes make the change more noticeable at first because they cover the teeth. Talking regularly can help you adjust more quickly. If changes to your speech continue or become troublesome, speak to your orthodontist for advice.
Can orthodontics fix teeth that have moved after braces?
Orthodontics can often move teeth back if they have shifted since you had braces. How easily this can be done depends on how far the teeth have moved and what has caused the change. Your orthodontist will check your teeth and gums before recommending the most suitable way to move them.
If your teeth have only moved slightly, correcting them may be fairly straightforward. If they have shifted more noticeably, treatment may take longer. Once your teeth are back where you want them, wearing your retainers as advised is important. Without regular retention, teeth can gradually move again over time.
How often will I need appointments during treatment?
How often you need to visit your orthodontist depends on your treatment and how your teeth are responding. With fixed braces, appointments are usually needed every four to eight weeks to check your progress and make adjustments. Clear aligner treatment may involve fewer visits, depending on your individual treatment plan and needs.
Your orthodontist will explain your expected appointment schedule before treatment begins, so you know what to expect. Some visits may simply involve checking how things are progressing, while others may involve changing wires, attachments or aligners. If your treatment needs change, your appointment schedule can be adjusted accordingly.
