Crooked teeth not only impact your appearance and may cause embarrassment when smiling for photographs, but their consequences extend far beyond aesthetics and are more severe than commonly perceived. If not treated with dental braces, improper dental alignment can damage oral tissue, lead to tooth chipping or cracking, or even dental cavities. An incorrect bite can furthermore precipitate speech difficulties, cardiovascular issues, and headaches, thereby influencing important body systems and overall well-being.

Optimal Timing for Teeth Alignment

Crooked teeth can originate from various factors, but most issues arise from the developmental patterns of teeth and gums during early childhood and adolescence. This is why dental clinic Maroubra recommends children have their first orthodontic consultation at age seven, as straightening teeth with the help of dental braces is often easier when the teeth and jaw are still developing and, therefore, more responsive to alignment. However, in most cases, we advise waiting to start alignment treatment until the permanent teeth have fully emerged, typically around age 13.

There’s no age limit for mature adults to fix crooked teeth. However, as we age, certain issues may need addressing before starting treatment with invisible braces. For example, missing teeth might need replacement with crowns, bridges, or implants to prevent shifting after correction. Additionally, the oral cavity and gums must be healthy enough to support the teeth during repositioning.

Let’s examine how teeth change over the course of your lifespan and discuss treatment with dental braces as you age.

Your Dentition in Childhood

As we grow up, we develop two sets of teeth:

Deciduous Teeth

Young children possess 20 teeth, evenly distributed between upper and lower jaws. The roots eventually dissolve, causing the teeth to loosen and ultimately fall out.

Permanent Teeth

By age 13, most individuals have 28 teeth. These are intended to last throughout their lifetime. Closer to adulthood, commonly between 17 and 21, some develop an additional set of teeth. This final set of four molars is situated at the rear of the oral cavity. These wisdom teeth aren’t universal and aren’t typically considered part of the standard permanent teeth.

Each tooth type serves a unique purpose:

• Incisors are located at the front of your mouth and slice food into smaller pieces.
• Canines sit adjacent to your incisors and assist in breaking down meats and other chewy foodstuffs.
• Premolars are positioned beside your canines to crush and grind food.
• Molars are situated at the back of your mouth and further pulverise food to ensure safe swallowing.

A complete set of properly aligned teeth is essential for safe and effective chewing, preventing choking or gagging.

Your Dental Care as You Age

Dental issues tend to become more prevalent with every added candle on our birthday cakes, and as you age, you might encounter:

Nerve Changes

We rely on sensory cues to alert us to potential dental risks. However, these nerve fibres diminish in size as we grow older, potentially causing us to overlook signs of dental damage. As a consequence, chips and cracks may develop.

Gingival Recession

Bacteria, dry mouth, and medications can all interact and compromise the tissues surrounding your teeth. You may even experience tooth loss.

Underlying Conditions

Your susceptibility to issues such as oral cancer increases with age.

While some individuals maintain excellent oral health into their senior years, the team at dental clinic Maroubra strongly advises starting braces treatment at a young age to complete it successfully and prevent health issues related to teeth misalignment.

How Old is Too Old for Dental Braces?

There is no upper age limit for braces, as anyone with a full set of permanent teeth can potentially undergo teeth-straightening procedures. However, some health issues may prevent us from working on your smile. You might not qualify if you are:

Missing Numerous Teeth

Any underlying condition causing tooth loss should be addressed when considering dental braces. Sometimes, it may be more practical for older adults to consider dentures or bridges instead.

Living With Advanced Periodontal Disease

If your gums have significantly receded from your teeth, unfortunately, the damage may be irreversible, and our dentists may not have sufficient healthy tissue to proceed with the teeth alignment procedure.

Managing An Underlying Condition

Some health issues like diabetes don’t directly impact your teeth. However, they have the potential to increase the risk of complications, including problems such as open sores and bleeding. If you’re managing another underlying condition, dental clinic Maroubra may advise improving it before attempting brace treatment.

The Benefits of Invisible Braces

One popular option for dental braces is clear aligners. These invisible braces are ideal for those needing teeth straightening but do not like the look of traditional braces. However, individuals should typically be at least 14 years old before starting treatment with Invisalign aligners, and older patients may encounter age-related limitations, as this method requires a full set of permanent teeth when initiating treatment.

Achieve Your Best Smile at Any Age

While there are some distinctions in orthodontic treatment for adults compared to children, dental braces can enhance your smile regardless of age. Although orthodontic treatment is typically simpler in children or adolescents, our professional team of dentists at the dental clinic Maroubra can still effectively realign teeth in adulthood. To ensure a bright and straight smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation and find the best method to fix your crooked teeth and improve your overall well-being.

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