Can You Be Too Old For Braces?

Braces are typically associated with youth and adolescence, but the truth is that increasing numbers of adults are opting to straighten their teeth post-puberty as well. In fact, the amount of adults with braces in the United States increased by 37% between 1994 and 2004, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. In addition, the British Orthodontic Society indicates that adults make up half of orthodontic patients, many of whom are opting to get braces later in life.

Hollywood is certainly not exempt from this phenomenon, as celebrities ranging from Tom Cruise, to Gwen Stefani, to Nicholas Cage, to Katherine Heigl have all sported braces well into their careers and adulthood. Wearing braces did not deter these stars from continuing to flash their pearly whites, and a quick internet search will reveal red carpet pictures, braces in tow.

On-screen, adult braces also have a visible presence. Ugly Betty has received criticism from dentists for the excessive length of time that the title character sports her metal brackets, while Sex and the City's Miranda lasts a mere few days with braces before her self-consciousness gets the best of her. Negative portrayals aside, Turk, on Scrubs, sports braces confidently and without issue, while The "Man with Braces" from The Simpsons makes a brief appearance in the popular series.

In terms of adults' actual suitability for braces, adults are often good candidates, though they have to consider a number of factors that children do not. For instance, adults are much more likely to have periodontal disease or tooth decay than children, both of which must be treated before the individual is a suitable braces candidate. In addition, since jaw growth is long complete in adults, it will not be possible to achieve some of the same results as in children. Finally, adults are much more likely than children to consume beverages such as coffee and red wine, which stain teeth. This can be particularly problematic with braces, as removed brackets will reveal bracket-shaped spots, taking away from even the straightest of teeth.

Additional factors aside, braces can be very effective ways for adults to achieve the smiles that they have always wanted, and an increasing array of options available a far cry from the "metal-mouth" of the past. If you are interested in braces, it is best to go in for a consultation with your dentist, who can assess your suitability, and recommend an appropriate course of action.