Orthodontics for older adults: Should seniors get braces?

The impact of age on tooth movement

Whether you’re 16 or 66 years old, you can straighten your teeth with traditional braces, hidden braces (like Breezy Braces®), or clear aligners (such as Invisalign®). As an older adult, the most notable difference in your teeth straightening journey may be the duration. Orthodontics work faster during childhood and the teenage years, because the jawbones are still growing. But as we age our teeth continue to shift, so it’s never too late for smile straightening!

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Our team of top-rated clinicians can assess your teeth, jaw, and bite in order to provide a recommendation for you.

Benefits of orthodontics for seniors

Most older individuals choose orthodontics for one main reason: to improve their appearance (aka cosmetic improvements). That said, there are many other benefits to straightening your teeth later in life, including:

Better oral health

Crooked or overlapping teeth often create hard-to-brush spaces, leading to excess bacteria and plaque build-up. Over time, this can cause tooth decay and even gum disease. A straighter smile can make it easier for seniors to clean their teeth and as a result, leading to a healthier mouth.

An improved bite

Many people have crowding or spacing issues because they have something called malocclusion, or a misaligned bite. When your bite is off, your teeth may wear unevenly or excessively, or cause other issues like chipping and pain. Orthodontics can help improve your bite, and as a result can help you avoid some of these issues.

Avoiding future dental problems

Straightening your smile now – whatever age you may be – can address bite and crowding issues in addition to giving you a gorgeous smile. In addition, orthodontics can help protect your natural teeth from cavities, damage, and other problems that may crop up in the future.

Teeth straightening options for senior adults: Braces vs. aligners

So, you’ve decided to straighten your smile with orthodontics. Great choice! Now, which type of treatment is right for you? You have two main options, including:

Braces: Traditional and lingual

Traditional braces are a common way to fix crowding, spacing, and bite issues. They are affixed to the front of the teeth and include brackets, wires, and bands.

Lingual braces, aka "hidden" or "invisible" braces, are placed on the back on the teeth, using the same type of hardware.

Clear aligners

Removable and nearly invisible, clear aligners – including the well-known Invisalign brand – are a popular orthodontic treatment, but may not be appropriate for more complex orthodontic cases.

Learn more: Tend's Complete Guide to Teeth Straightening for Adults

Pros and cons of braces for older adults

While there are both upsides and downsides to getting braces as an older adult, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. First, straightening your teeth as a senior can help you feel better about yourself and your appearance. Orthodontics can also treat misalignment, making for a happier and healthier smile.

That said, straightening your smile can take time (a year or more!) and it can be expensive (although some dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage). Finally, in order to maintain your beautiful new smile, a retainer must be worn indefinitely.

Other considerations when you’re thinking about braces

If you’re an older adult and think braces might be good for you, it’s important to take a few things into account:

• How healthy are your teeth and gums? Strong teeth and healthy gums are a must!
• Do you have osteoporosis? Orthodontics might actually help preserve your bone structure.
• What’s your lifestyle like? This may impact the type of treatment that’s well-suited for you.
• Do you have a dry mouth? If so, definitely discuss this with your dentist or orthodontist in order to avoid complications.

Frequently asked questions

Is 60 too old to have your teeth straightened?

Absolutely not! There is no age limit for getting orthodontic treatment, but you must have healthy teeth and gums in order to be a candidate for braces or aligners.

How are senior adult orthodontic treatments different from orthodontics for children?

The biggest difference is the time it may take to get the results you desire. This is because the bones (and teeth) of adults tend to move slower.

How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic case and the patient compliance, especially when it comes to wearing aligners.