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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What age is too old to get braces?

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    Dentistry Oral Health
    I am already 30 years old but never had braces growing up. My teeth are misaligned and I have always been self-conscious of my smile. Is it too late to get braces? I also worry how I will look as a 30 year old with braces! But I'm willing to do it for 2 years (or however long it normally takes) to have a decent smile the rest of my life… thoughts?
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    Dr Paul Coceancig

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

    I am a specialist oral & maxillofacial surgeon based in Sydney and Newcastle, Australia. I graduated in medicine from the University of Otago, and in … View Profile

    A decent smile is important, but whilst crooked teeth are fixed by braces, the way your teeth come together (the occlusion) is defined more by jaw growth, jaw symmetryc, and jaw proportionality.

    Having a small jaw, can lead to crowded lower teeth, and a dental overbite (or prominent overjet). Whilst you can have upper premoalr teeth extracted, and your prominent front teeth moved backwards by orthodontics, it will not fix a small lower jaw.

    Orthodontics is possible at any age, but to fixed crooked teeth can sometimes mean much more than braces alone. Jaw correction surgery is also available to correct bad bites caused by having a jaw that is too long, or too short, or that is asymmetrical.

    To find out more on the link between braces and jaw correction surgery, you can watch this YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXZ6e0SqTHo 

    I hope that helps

    Paul Coceancig @ Profilo Australia

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  • 19

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    Dr Arnold Baume

    Dentist

    • The entire process may take longer for you than for a child or adolescent. While the time it takes to straighten teeth varies from person to person, on average, treatment lasts about two years.
    • If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may also need to see a periodontist as well as your general dentist and orthodontist to ensure that the treatment is not complicated by bone loss resulting from gum disease. 30 years is not to old to have braces but ….get your teeth checked by your dentist for decay and  the need  to  improve older restorations  as well . Periodontist checks your gum . Although this advice for gums and decay may seem trivial to you… it is very important for long term success . When you are at the dentist get him to discuss  “ tooth vitality ” meaning can your teeth have nerve damage ..or can tooth movement cause this .

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    Dr Andrew Chang

    Dentist, Orthodontist

    We are a specialist orthodontic practice, focused on creating beautiful, healthy and functional smiles, and on you. We are located in the Western Suburbs of … View Profile

    I can understand you tend to hide your smile, and this can be frustrating at times. The short answer is there is no age limit for straightening of teeth, though initial teeth movement can be slower in adults and the orthodontist you see would check the medications you are on to check that none of them can slow down teeth movements.

    Be aware of the discreet options for teeth straightening now
    I come from the perspective of having straightened many kids, teenagers and adults teeth and recommend your speak to your orthodontist about the more discreet options for teeth straightening as an adult ie: clear outside braces or braces attached to behind your teeth. There is even a braces free option of a series of clear removable plates to move your teeth. The most popular brand of this type is called Invisalign.
    There are pros and cons for each option, so it is best you speak to your orthodontist on this.

    Treatment time
    Another worry you mentioned is the length of time of 2 years. Depending of your problems, needs and outcomes you are seeking, treatment times can range from 6 months to 24 months. There are also vibration devices that you can use for 20 minutes each day (one type is called Accelerdent) during your orthodontic treatment that can speed it up. 

     

     

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    Dr Keith Hengpoonthana

    Dentist

    Principal dentist of Newington Dental Care. Previous teaching staff for the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney. Special interest in dental anxiety management and orthodontics. … View Profile

    Just to add to other comments above, you'd be suprised how many adults are straightening their teeth these days, it is becoming much more common. It seems like you are very motivated and I agree with you it would be worth it to have a nice smile for the rest of your life. 

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