Is it ridiculous for a 37 year old to get braces?

Question

My teeth a a bit crooked and the overbite seems to get worse as the years go by....it's do dang expensive though.

Answer 1

Absolutely not, we have quiet a few "older" patients in ortho. The way most of them look at it is that they've raised the kids, gone through all of the sacrifices that we as parents make, now it's their turn. Usually the reason their teeth weren't corrected was because their parents couldn't afford it or didn't think it was a necessary procedure. But over the years that theory and way of thinking has been proven to be incorrect. Dental health is of the utmost importance in a bodies overall good physical health. It' those kid's (or adults now) that grew up then they married and had kids, then their kids had to have ortho and they realized the importance of having teeth in alignment. So at 37 with a bit crooked and a little overbite, you should take care of yourself. You only have this one set of teeth to last you a life time, don't neglect them or put off having them straightened and your bite corrected if they need it. Try not to rationalize having orthodontic treatment as a cosmetic procedure, because in reality it's a dental health reason. Hope I've been of some help and good luck!

Answer 2

I got braces when I was 40. It's not at all ridiculous. (A friend told me they made me look younger. Gave me that teenage look I guess.)

I had drifting teeth, and eventually they drifted such that I was in pain everytime I bit and I feared I would crack a tooth. I could see wear on the face of one tooth, which indicated this had gone on a long time before the pain came.

You've noticed that your "problem" is worsening. Learn from my experience: fix it before you start having pain. You spend less time in braces if the teeth don't need so much correction.

Braces are expensive. Mine cost a total of about $5000. But orthodontists offer monthly payment plans.

I'm not promoting braces for the sake of vanity. My time in braces gave me a big lesson about how hard it is to eat well if you don't have good teeth. (I had a lot of soreness and mouth ulcers from the braces.) In senior citizens, poor ability to eat directly affects their health and lifespan. A bad bite can cause you to lose teeth. A malocclusion causes the biting force to beat up the bone holding the roots of the affected teeth. Eventually this (healthy) tooth must be extracted.

If you really can't afford to invest in braces, try to find a dental school in your area. You may be able to get very discounted service. But you should expect that your visits will take more time. A professional office will get you in and out faster than a dental school.

Answer 3

NO! You are taking care of your teeth!

And if anyone thinks it's ridiculous, screw them.

I would much rather kiss a man with braces than one with a jacked up mouth.

Answer 4

no, it's not ridiculous. If you can afford them, go ahead, but be aware that you will have to wear a retainer for the rest of your life.
But, if you need to do the braces thing, do it. Lots of older people get them. I have a friend that is 52 and she has them.

Answer 5

I use to work as a dental assistant in a orthodontist's office,and let me tell you that there are many older people who get braces,so don't feel anguish about getting them.

Answer 6

I hope not,because im 32 and i'll be getting braces in 3 weeks. I'm at the point in my life where i'm trying to convince myself it'll be ok.Hang in there and wish me luck.

Answer 7

My stepdad got braces at your age. He says it paid off

Answer 8

no because i know a lady that is well over 50 who got braces

Answer 9

Any age can get braces

Answer 10

its not ridiculous
but it will be truly hurt
if u can stand the pain in your teeth and in your pocket
( money wise )
go for it