Many adults who have long passed their teenage years still dream of a perfect smile. However, hesitation often stems from the old belief that braces are only for kids. Fears about "hard bones," side effects, or long-term complications lead to the ultimate question: Can you really get braces at an older age?Today, we will clear up the confusion and dive deep into the specific challenges and benefits of adult orthodontics to help you make an informed decision.Can I Still Get Braces as an Adult? In medical terms, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Whether you are 30, 40, 50, or even 60, you can successfully undergo treatment. The key requirement is that your gums and jawbones are healthy enough to support tooth movement, as evaluated by a professional orthodontist.What Defines "Adult Orthodontics"?When people refer to "getting braces at an older age," they typically mean individuals aged 30–40 and above. At this stage, bone structures are no longer as flexible as they are in adolescents, which is why specialized planning is required.The Unexpected Benefits of Adult BracesBefore looking at the challenges, let’s explore why adult orthodontics is more than just an aesthetic upgrade.Enhanced Personality and Professional ConfidenceIn professional environments, your image matters. A great smile creates a powerful first impression. Correcting issues like protruding teeth, gaps, or crowding restores confidence, making you appear more approachable and credible in business and social interactions.Better Long-Term Oral HealthAligned teeth are significantly easier to clean. It reduces the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, the primary causes of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Choosing braces in your 30s or 40s is an investment in keeping your natural teeth healthy well into retirement.Improved Chewing and DigestionMany adults suffer from shifting teeth due to previous extractions or natural wear. This can lead to an "improper bite," affecting how you chew. Braces help realign the bite, ensuring food is processed properly, which reduces the strain on your digestive system.The Challenges: Disadvantages of Getting Braces Later in LifeWhile possible, adult orthodontics comes with unique challenges compared to teenage cases. Here is what you should prepare for:Longer Treatment DurationAdult jawbones are denser and fully developed. Consequently, teeth respond more slowly to pressure, often extending the treatment time by several months compared to younger patients.Risk of Gum Recession and GingivitisThis is the most common concern. Adults often have a history of tooth wear. Moving teeth can sometimes trigger gum recession. Without meticulous hygiene, adults are also more prone to periodontal disease during treatment.The Appearance of "Black TrianglesWhen severely crowded teeth are straightened in adults, the gum tissue might not fill the gaps completely, leaving small dark triangular spaces between teeth. While common, they can be managed with professional dental contouring.Adjustment and SensitivityBecause adult tissues are less elastic, the initial phases of getting braces or tightening wires may feel more tender or uncomfortable than they would for a child.Choosing the Right Braces for ProfessionalsSelecting the right tool for your lifestyle is crucial for success.Metal BracesThe traditional, cost-effective method. While highly effective for complex cases, they are harder to clean and may appear less professional in certain corporate settings.Clear AlignersThe top choice for adults. They are virtually invisible and removable for eating and cleaning. Invisalign significantly reduces the risk of gum disease and is generally less painful, making it perfect for executives and those who face the public.Preparation Steps for Older AdultsComprehensive Oral Exam: X-rays are vital to check the strength of the roots and bone.Clearance: You must treat existing gum disease, cavities, or root canal issues before starting. Moving teeth in an inflamed environment can cause rapid bone loss.Medical Consultation: Disclose any chronic illnesses or medications, as some can affect bone remodeling and tooth movement. Adult Orthodontics FAQ, Is it dangerous to get braces at age 40 or 50?It is not dangerous if performed by a specialist. However, a much more detailed assessment of the bone and gums is required compared to teenagers.What is the biggest risk?The biggest risks are gum disease and root resorption (shortening of the roots). This is why a "slow and steady" approach with moderate force is best for adults.Which type of braces is best for adults?If the budget allows, Invisalign or Damon (Self-Ligating) Braces are ideal. They are easier to keep clean and generally more comfortable for the gums.Will braces change my face or make me look younger?Orthodontics can improve facial symmetry. Correcting protruding teeth can refine the mouth area and profile, often leading to a more refreshed and youthful appearance.ConclusionAdult orthodontics is a journey toward health and confidence. While it requires more patience and meticulous care than teenage orthodontics, the results—a functional bite and a radiant smile—are well worth the investment.Konvy Dental Clinic specializes in adult orthodontic care. We offer free consultations and dental assessments by our experienced team of orthodontists.Contact us for promotions or appointments:Ari Branch: 093-329-9282 | 096-119-1164Tawanna Bangkapi Branch: 093-329-9282 | 065-887-8191

Everyone is familiar with braces, especially the metal ones. However, have you ever wondered how they exactly work to fix your teeth? If you have ever considered braces, you may want to know what kind of options are available for you and how they function to straighten your teeth. There are several types of braces including metal, invisible, ceramic and lingual. Understand how different types of braces work:How Do Metal Braces Work?Getting metal braces to fix teeth alignment is the most common orthodontic treatment that people get, but how do they work? Metal braces work by exerting constant direct pressure on your teeth. The pressure comes from the arch wires putting pressure on the brackets of the braces. This will cause your teeth to move into the correct position and eventually fix your teeth alignment problems.How Do Invisible Braces Work?Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are a set of orthodontic devices that help align teeth. Unlike conventional braces, they are transparent. If you’re wondering if invisible braces work, the answer is yes. Just like normal braces, they can fix all the common teeth misalignments, such as crowding, overbite, and open bite, among others. But how do they precisely straighten teeth? After all, invisible braces (clear aligners) are vastly different from metal braces, yet they can accomplish almost the same result. Many people think that they’re effective just by snapping them onto your teeth and that your teeth will move magically. However, that’s not the case. How Aligner Attachments Help to Straighten TeethInvisible braces work by applying gentle pressure on your teeth, slowly and gradually shifting them into the desired position. They are designed to make small movements, so switching from one aligner to the next tends to be more gentle and comfortable. For particular cases, clients will proceed with something called “attachments”. Think of them as handles for your invisible braces. Aligner attachments are transparent bumps bonded to your teeth and are left there for the entirety of your treatment. The placement and shape of them will depend on the movement required. They help apply pressure from the aligners onto your teeth, directing them into the proper position.How Do Ceramic Braces Work?Apart from the brackets being either clear or tooth-coloured, ceramic braces function just like traditional braces. Like their name implies, this type of braces is made of ceramic. They are still functionally capable of treating any teeth misalignments that traditional braces can treat by applying consistent pressure to your teeth. But because the substance is less durable than metal, they can be less long-lasting.How Do Lingual Braces Work?Lingual braces are suitable for people who want to be discreet about their braces treatment. If you get this type of braces, it will not be placed in the front of your teeth but rather at the back. Like traditional braces, they are able to correct the majority of alignment issues by exerting pressure on the teeth. The main difference between normal braces and lingual braces is that they are hidden inside the teeth and hence cannot be seen.While most types of braces work in a similar way, the right one for you will depend on your personal preferences and the condition of your teeth. It’s always best to consult a dentist to make sure you’re choosing the most suitable and effective option for your smile. Not sure if braces are right for you? Take our free smile consultation — it only takes a minute to find out if you’re a good fit.

In today’s health-conscious society, it’s natural to be increasingly mindful of your smile’s appearance, particularly if you’re dealing with issues like crooked, misaligned teeth, noticeable gaps, or overcrowding. If you’re contemplating braces, it’s crucial to establish realistic expectations. We’re here to walk you through what to anticipate before and after getting braces and explore the range of teeth-straightening methods available. Whether you’re inclined towards traditional orthodontics or intrigued by modern alternatives, let’s embark on the journey towards achieving your ideal smile. 6 Expectations Before Getting Braces Before you start braces treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind. This article will help you acquaint yourself with some of the treatments to make the transition as seamless as possible.1. Initial Discomfort and AdjustmentWhen you first start wearing braces, whether invisible aligners or the traditional kind, it’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable. Having something new in your mouth is something you’ll need to adjust to. Especially with metal braces, the brackets and wires can feel particularly foreign at first. In the beginning, especially in the first week, you might experience some pain. This is just your braces starting to do their job of straightening your teeth, and it’s a sign that they’re adjusting to your mouth. While it might be a bit tough at first, this discomfort is a common part of the process and it will go away within 4-7 days. If necessary, you may take over-the-counter pain medicine to ease the pain.2. Oral Hygiene ConsiderationsHaving braces means giving your oral hygiene routine a bit of an upgrade to keep your teeth and braces gleaming and healthy. Do everything essential like brushing your teeth, flossing and trying to rinse your mouth after every meal. This isn’t just about keeping your teeth pearly white—it’s crucial for preventing plaque buildup around your braces. Do not forget to keep up with your regular dental check-ups. Your dentist or orthodontist can assess your oral health, provide professional cleanings, and address any concerns or issues early on.3. Dietary ConsiderationsWhen it comes to eating with braces, it’s important to be mindful of your food choices to avoid any inconvenience or potential damage to your braces. You may have noticed that friends or family members with braces sometimes face challenges when eating certain foods. This is because braces can restrict what you’re able to consume. To prevent any issues, it’s advisable to steer clear of sticky or hard foods that could potentially get stuck in or damage your braces.4. Appearance ConsiderationsBraces are a highly visible orthodontic treatment, and for some individuals, the appearance of traditional metal braces with their prominent brackets and wires can lead to self-consciousness. However, modern orthodontic options offer a range of choices, including invisible aligners, also known as clear aligners, which are far less noticeable.5. Braces AdjustmentsWhen you opt for traditional metal braces, it’s important to understand that regular adjustments are an integral part of the treatment process. These adjustments ensure that your braces continue to effectively straighten your teeth and align your bite over time. If you opt for clear aligners, your treatment process will differ slightly from traditional metal braces. Your progress will be monitored remotely, and you need to change to new sets of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks.6. Compliance with Treatment PlanAchieving the smile you desire through orthodontic treatment requires time, patience, and unwavering dedication. It’s essential to fully commit to your treatment plan and trust in the expertise of your orthodontist. Consistency is key, as deviating from your treatment plan or missing appointments can potentially prolong the duration of your treatment. It’s crucial to prioritize your orthodontic appointments and follow any instructions provided by your orthodontist diligently. 6 Expectations After Getting Braces Off Well done on finishing your orthodontic experience! Having attained your ideal smile, it’s critical to understand what to anticipate as you adjust to life without braces. Let’s talk about the exciting adventure you have ahead of you once your braces come off, from changes to your oral hygiene routine to the delight of seeing your perfectly aligned teeth.1. Initial SensationsAt first, your teeth might feel a bit strange because they are no longer constrained by braces. They may feel smooth and slippery. It’s also common to be more aware of your bite as your teeth adjust to their new alignment. Overall, it’s a normal part of the process, signalling the start of a new phase where you can appreciate your beautiful smile without braces.2. Increased SensitivityThe brackets and wires of braces can sometimes cause minor wear on the enamel of your teeth. This can lead to increased sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. During this time, you can ease the discomfort by sticking to softer foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.3. Teeth DiscolourationIf you notice white spots or yellowing on your teeth after removing braces, it’s a common occurrence. The prolonged presence of metal braces, coupled with the difficulty of cleaning around wires and brackets, often leads to such discolouration. Fortunately, there are several options available to address this issue, including professional teeth whitening treatments and at-home products like gels, toothpaste, and strips.4. Retention After BracesWe understand that you may be happy about completing your aligners or braces treatment and no longer need to wear braces, however, your teeth still need to adjust to their new positions. This is where retainers come in. Your orthodontist may recommend wearing retainers regularly to preserve the alignment achieved and prevent any potential shifting back to their original positions.5. Improved Smile AppearanceOne key expectation after completing your braces treatment is the improvement of your smile. This change is a significant aspect of the journey, highlighting the transition from your original smile to the improved version after the braces are removed.6. Improved Oral HygieneWith the braces gone, it becomes much easier to clean your teeth thoroughly. You’ll likely notice that brushing and flossing are much simpler tasks without the brackets and wires in the way. Additionally, the straightened alignment of your teeth not only promotes better oral hygiene but also minimises the chances of food particles getting stuck, ultimately contributing to your overall dental health. Teeth Straightening Options – Traditional vs Modern Exploring teeth straightening options allows you to weigh different approaches for achieving your ideal smile. This section will delve into two popular options: the time-tested metal braces and the innovative invisible aligners.Conventional Metal BracesMetal braces have long been the go-to choice for orthodontic treatment. They consist of durable metal brackets and wires that work together to straighten teeth effectively. Despite their traditional appearance, metal braces are still widely used today due to their proven track record in addressing various dental issues. From correcting crooked teeth to aligning misaligned bites, metal braces offer reliable and comprehensive orthodontic correction.Modern Invisible BracesIt’s time to explore the world of modern orthodontics with clear aligners, or invisible braces. They are made from a translucent, practically invisible material, which offers a more subtle solution for teeth straightening. They are customised to fit over your teeth and gently apply pressure to shift them into alignment over time. They’re virtually invisible and provide the flexibility of being removable, ensuring convenience during daily activities.For more comprehensive details of how they differ from each other, you may check out their treatment processes. This will offer a clearer understanding of how each treatment works, helping you make an informed decision about which option aligns best with your needs.