Right Age for Getting Orthodontic Treatment

We all know that our body goes through significant changes with age and time. Be it our physical appearance, our body weight or height, the body adapts to different growth phases. These growth phases also bring changes in the functioning of our body such as immunity, power, stamina, mental well-being, healing capacity etc. Therefore, when people go through any medical treatment, their body responds according to age also. Be it cosmetic surgery, orthodontic treatment or any other surgery, each body responds differently at different ages. There is no age category defined for orthodontic treatment, however, the duration and treatment procedure might vary according to the age group of a person.

It is a general belief that going for orthodontic treatment is not advisable for people over the fifties but it is not true at all. Modern dental procedures and devices offer revolutionary treatments that give accurate results for people of any age group. One such product is dental aligners. Clear aligners can correct minor, moderate to complex dental malocclusions at any age. Orthodontic treatment can be done for anyone who has permanent teeth with no mobility. These aligners have been designed to fit the modern lifestyle and provide desired results for teeth alignment issues. Orthodontic treatment is advised for conditions like crooked teeth, teeth gaps, over-bite, under-bite, crowding, open-bite etc, these dental conditions are classified as minor, moderate or complex according to the severity and time it is would take to correct these problems. Patients are advised to either opt for ceramic, metal or clear braces to resolve such issues.

Orthodontic Treatments and Age

Metal Braces – Traditional Braces

• They are best suited for complex teeth alignment cases.
• They offer accurate results.
• Metal braces are durable and give long term solutions to complex dental conditions.
• Metal braces treatment can be taken at any age however they are best suited for the kids and teens falling in the age group of 12-14 years of age.
• The metal braces give effective results for kids and teens as the mouth and head are still in the formative stage at this age.
• Metal braces are fixed and need 12-36 months for the treatment procedure.
• They are cheaper than other orthodontic treatments.
• They need regular dental visits.

Drawbacks:  Although metal braces are an affordable and effective solution the metal wires make them unattractive. People suffer from self-consciousness and lower self-confidence during the treatment duration as these braces are fixed. Also, the nature of the material of the brace is such that it can cause cuts and swell in the gums. Patients have to adhere to cleaning guidelines and dietary restrictions for desired results which is a difficult habit to inculcate in kids and teenagers.

Ceramic Braces

• They are less visible than the metal braces. The ceramic material used to design these braces is nearly clear or tooth coloured.
• They are an effective solution to treat malocclusions, especially in adults.
• As adults have fully grown teeth and jawlines. These braces are an easy solution to move these teeth as the chances of bracket breaking is less due to less strain or pressure to move the teeth in the desired position.
• They are the ideal choice for working professionals, college students and people with active social life as they are less noticeable.

Drawbacks:  Ceramic braces are expensive as compared to metal braces. They move teeth slowly and hence the treatment duration can extend from the time estimated. Ceramic braces can cause gum sensitivity as ceramic brackets are large and toothbrush fails to reaches the gum line and enamel. They can also get stained while eating various foods.

Clear aligners – Alternative of Metal Braces

• Clear aligners are new-age solutions to malocclusions as they are invisible, removable, painless and quick teeth alignment treatment.
• As clear aligners are invisible they can be worn by people of any age group.
• They are effective smile correction treatments for minor, moderate to complex dental conditions.
• Patients do not have to follow any dietary restrictions as these braces can be removed while eating or drinking.
• They are made from a high-grade polymer that is soft on gums and does not cause any swelling or cuts on the inner lip lining.
• As they are invisible, patients do not feel conscious while wearing them during the treatment.
• Clear aligners take at least 12-22 months for teeth alignment depending on the complexity of the dental care.

Drawbacks: Clear aligners are not advisable for severe dental malocclusions. Patients with highly misaligned or crooked teeth won’t be able to get desired results from clear aligners. Lastly, clear aligners are the most expensive orthodontic treatment currently as it comes with advantages that metal or ceramic braces do not offer.

From the above discussion, we can clearly conclude that orthodontic treatment is advisable for kids, teens as well as adults. Every orthodontic treatment has its own pros and cons and takes its own time to offer desired results. There is no right age for any treatment, it is when you feel the need to have a confident, beautiful and flawless smile, that is the right time to go for an orthodontic treatment that is suggested by the treating dentist after analysing a patient’s dental condition. Any adult with permanent teeth which are in healthy condition can get dental malocclusions treated through clear aligners.