While younger patients only need to have a complete set of permanent teeth before they are fitted with dental braces, there are several requirements that need to be met so adults can have the same success with braces.
Strong Teeth and Jaws are Important
You can still be fitted with dental braces as an adult, provided that you have a healthy set of teeth and a normal jaw bone. Orthodontists and other experts recommend this to avoid unwanted consequences such as jaw issues, gum disease, or tooth decay.
Some Misalignments Are More Complicated
Adult teeth have reached a point in which they have stopped growing, making it harder to correct more severe misalignments. Some structural changes cannot be accomplished with just braces alone, and orthodontic treatment may also require oral surgery to achieve the same results as a child or adolescent. Of course, cases vary from patient to patient and are not always a direct result of a person’s age.
Treatment May Involve More than Orthodontics
Adults seeking any orthodontic treatment may find that there are other dental issues that need to be treated before braces can be installed. For example, you may be referred to a periodontist if you’re at risk for gum disease or it’s determined you have gum disease already. You may also need a filling, root canal, or other dental treatments in preparation for braces if you’ve been neglecting your oral hygiene as an adult.
Despite these requirements, studies found that correcting adult teeth using braces is often just as successful when compared to their younger counterparts. The high success rate is driven by the fact that adults tend to be more compliant to the advice and instructions of their dentists, orthodontists, and other medical professionals. Generally, adults looking to get braces also exercise more consistent oral hygiene than those who do not value a healthy smile.