I'm 25 yrs old. is it too late for me to brace my teeth to improve my smile?

Answer 1

definitely not, my best friend's mom has braces and she is in her late 40s early 50s

Answer 2

I'm licensed to do orthdontics, but I'm a family dentist at heart. Here's what little I do know:

There are a couple of physiological milestones most people are familiar with: most boys stop growing at 16-18, most girls at 13-15. At this point, the bones stop growing longer. (your nose and ears never do, but that's another story) I think this is where most of the misconceptions about post-adolescent orthodontics come from.

What most people do not know is that until the day you die, your bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding on a microscopic level. We take advantage of that mechanism to produce orthodontic movement of teeth.

BEFORE
<----------High Orthodontic force from wire---------
===Jawbone======/[Tooth Root]/ ===Jawbone===


AFTER
<--Wire relaxed, less force
===Jawbone=/[Tooth Root] /========Jawbone===

Orthodontic movement happens when you apply a continuous force to a tooth. Observe the (crude) diagram above. There are tiny ligaments that hold your teeth in the bony sockets. If you push a tooth to the left, the ligament on the left side experiences pressure, and the ligament on the right side experiences tension. To relieve the pressure, the left side breaks down some of the alveolar (socket) bone and returns the calcium to the body. The stretched right side takes calcium from the body and builds new bone to relieve the tension. The net result is slight movement of the tooth to the left. All orthodontics, whether by braces, clear aligners, or appliances, rely on this fundamental principle.

The reason why teenagers do much better with orthodontics is that this recycling process happens at a much faster rate. That means faster movement. As you get older, this remodeling happens much slower, so tooth movement gets slower, too. Certain movement types become impractically slow, and the orthodontist may have more limited movement options with older patients.

For practical intents and purposes, being 25 doesn't limit the orthodontist very much at all. I had my second round at 29. At 40 and up, there are some minor considerations, but the point is that it's never too late to make your smile better. If you're patient with the process, you can have braces at age 90. But please don't wait that long :)

Good luck,

Answer 3

Not at all. 25 is very young and you'll see that once you get to 30 (which is still young).

Braces only need to be on the teeth for about half a year or so, and that's nothing! It's annoying while you have them though and you maybe self conscious for a time.

Also, be aware of this, the stuff contained within the braces themselves can make people unwell or feel worse for wear.

If you get them and notice ANY health changes for the worse, just be aware it could be from the nickel in the braces and other metallic toxins. That is not really avoidable if you want straight teeth, but I would hate to think you got them and felt worse and wondered why! So you will KNOW why.

If that should occur, just make extra efforts on your diet, like avoid sugar more, gluten grains and yeast, so that your system will be stronger to be able to tolerate the braces (if they should happen to make you feel worse). Eat healthy and cut out the junkfood, as braces are a challenge to the immune system, particuarly those with metal allergy and already weak defenses.

My friend had braces put on her teeth at age 21. She never regretted it and once they're gone, that's it, you got those teeth for good (hopefully). Just look after your health particularly well when you get them put on! I got very ill when I had them put on my teeth and nobody told me why.

If I had known, it would have helped me ALOT. But I had no idea what was going on. Most people do just fine and don't really notice anything, but a small majority definitely do.

Best wishes and hope you go get that improved smile :D

Answer 4

25 years old is NOT too old to get braces on your teeth. They will improve your smile, boost your confidence, make your teeth last longer and encourage you to take better care of your teeth and gums from here on out. Go For it! My sister had them put on when she was 34 and able to afford them on her own and it made a world of difference. She used to cover her mouth when she laughed and she always had a half smile in pictures. Now that her teeth are they way she wants them she laughs openly and happily poses with a big grin for pictures. They also make "invisible" braces if you don't want the metal wires showing. Best of Luck, you won't regret it!

Answer 5

absolutely not many people use braces even at 25 plus to improve their smile in fact now a days the brace is quite discreet in the mouth its a single brace across the teeth. you should seek advice from your local orthodontist.

Answer 6

No! It's better to have straight teeth and live with braces for a year than it is to have crocked teeth for the rest of your life! If you're worried about looking weird with them on at your age, just get the invisaline ones (the clear ones). I know someone who just got them on and they're 45 and you can hardly notice they have braces on.

Answer 7

Not at all. My best friend just got hers done and she is 35yrs old. I think it has to do with your mouth structure more than your age. They have the cool invisiline invisible braces but they are so expensive. My friend just went for the old fashion metal braces. And yes ... it is still no fun to go through no matter the age. Good luck.

Answer 8

no, but be prepared to have some teeth pulled. If it's looks that you are worried about, get the clear ones. Now, if you have money, there are ways around a 2 year braces period.

Answer 9

It is never too late for braces. Ask my 48 year old sister in law, or my 65 year old uncle.

Answer 10

not too late. i know a 50 yr old woman who has braces. i suggest opting for the clear brackets to make them less noticable

Sent!