Orthodontics is not only for children and teenagers. As long as the teeth and the bone around them are healthy, teeth can be straightened at any age.
Why do adults have orthodontic treatment?
- To complete treatment that could not be done in childhood
- Crowding of the lower front teeth that has increased over the years
- Teeth that had braces before but have moved because no retainer was worn
- Neighbouring teeth tilting into the space left by extracted teeth
- To bring teeth into the right position before crowns or implants
- To protect gum health where overlapping teeth are hard to clean
How does it differ from treatment in childhood?
Growth is complete
In children the growth of the jaws can be guided. In adults the jawbones have finished growing, so only the teeth are moved; with severe skeletal discrepancies, orthodontics and surgery may need to be planned together.
Gum health is decisive
Force is not applied to teeth while there is active gum disease. Gum treatment is completed first; throughout treatment, hygiene checks are carried out more often.
There may be fillings, crowns and missing teeth
The plan takes existing restorations and missing teeth into account. If needed, renewing crowns or placing implants in the gaps at the end of treatment is planned alongside.
Teeth may move a little more slowly
Adult bone is denser. Treatment may take somewhat longer than for children with similar cases.
The options
- Metal brackets: Durable and suitable for every case.
- Ceramic (clear) brackets: Tooth-coloured and less noticeable.
- Clear aligners: Removable; the least noticeable option at work and socially. Effective in suitable cases and with regular wear.
For a detailed comparison see our article Clear aligners or braces?
How long does treatment take?
From a few months to a year for mild crowding, and from a year and a half to two and a half years for moderate and severe cases. What affects the duration most is the patient's cooperation: attending appointments regularly, wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day if they are used, and not breaking brackets.
Daily life during treatment
- In the first days, and for a few days after each adjustment, there is a feeling of pressure; soft foods help.
- Speech returns to normal within the first week.
- You need to brush after every meal; carrying a small travel brush makes this easier.
- Hard, sticky and shelled foods are avoided.
Retention: even more important in adults
After treatment ends, teeth tend to move back to where they were, and this tendency is stronger in adults. For this reason a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, a clear retainer worn at night, or both are used. Giving up retention is the most common reason for the effort going to waste.
For treatment options and the process, see our orthodontics page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment?
There is no upper age limit. What matters is the health of the bone and gums around the teeth.
I have crowns or implants. Can I have braces?
Brackets can be bonded to crowned teeth. Implants do not move because they are fused to the bone; the plan is made accordingly, and sometimes orthodontics is recommended before an implant to create space.
Can only the upper or only the lower teeth be treated?
In some mild cases this is possible. But because the teeth bite against each other, both jaws usually need treating together.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a complaint, please see your dentist.