The most common thing adults say at an evaluation is some version of "I should have done this years ago." The second most common is "am I too old?" The answer to the second is no.
Why age is not the barrier
Teeth move through bone remodelling, which continues throughout life. Adults in their 60s and 70s are treated routinely. Movement is somewhat slower than in a teenager and the plan is more conservative to protect the gums, but the biology works at any age.
What is the barrier
Gum health. Active gum disease has to be treated and stable before tooth movement, because moving teeth through inflamed, thinning bone can accelerate bone loss. Adults with a history of gum problems see their dentist or a periodontist first. Once stable, orthodontics often helps, by making teeth easier to clean and reducing traumatic bite forces.
Why adults do it
- Relapse after teenage braces when retainers were abandoned
- Lower front teeth crowding with age, which happens to most people
- A dentist's recommendation before crowns, implants or veneers
- Chipping, wear or difficulty chewing from a bite problem
- Wanting to, which is reason enough
What is different in the plan
Existing dental work is planned around; implants do not move. There is no growth to help with jaw discrepancies, so they are camouflaged, accepted or, in significant cases, corrected surgically. Jaw joint symptoms are assessed before starting. Limited treatment of the front teeth only is an option when the bite is stable. Detail on Invisalign for adults and adult orthodontics.
Realistic timeline and cost
Limited cases 4 to 9 months; comprehensive 12 to 18; with a refinement round. Fees at Lower Mainland specialist offices run roughly $5,000 to $9,000 for comprehensive treatment, less for limited. Some employer plans cover adults; health spending accounts and the medical expense tax credit apply. See cost and insurance.
Retention
Adults who have relapsed once know why it matters. Nightly retainers for life, often with a fixed wire behind the lower front teeth.
Ready to find out what your options are?
Complimentary evaluations for children, teens and adults at myORTHODONTIST Maple Ridge on Dewdney Trunk Road. No referral needed.