Am I Too Old For Braces? When to Consider Adult Orthodontics

If you’re asking yourself ‘am I too old for braces’ we’re here to explain everything there is to know about adult orthodontics.

Perhaps you missed out on treatment as a teen or your teeth have moved since you entered adulthood?

Whatever your reason, it’s never too late to consider braces to improve your confidence while supporting better long-term oral health. As crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth can be more difficult to keep clean, this increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore straightening your teeth can make brushing and flossing more effective.

If you’re unsure about adult orthodontics, or have questions around the process and cost, we’re providing your complete guide below. At Sensu, we’re one of the UK’s leading Invisalign providers and we have a range of discreet, comfortable options so you can enjoy straight teeth without the hassle. Advances in modern orthodontics mean adults can now achieve exceptional results with treatment options that are more comfortable, convenient, and discreet than ever before.

Since opening in 2008, we have transformed more than 20,000 smiles through our specialist-led orthodontics and restorative dentistry. Read on to find out more about adult orthodontics and how we can help you.

Why Do Adults Choose Braces?

There are lots of reasons why adults choose to have braces and it’s important to know that there is no age limit.

Some of the reasons include:

• Missing out on treatment as a teen – Whilst braces are available on the NHS, children have to meet strict criteria in order to qualify for free treatment. If you did not fulfill the criteria, you will not have received treatment.
• Lack of confidence – You may not have felt comfortable wearing traditional metal braces as a teenager. Today, there are far more discreet treatment options, including Invisalign, clear ceramic braces and lingual braces.
• Your teeth have moved – Teeth aren’t fixed in place as they can move as we enter adulthood. This could mean you didn’t need braces as a teen, but you do now.
• You’re experiencing bite issues – Crooked, misshapen, or overlapping teeth can lead to bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Not only does this affect the appearance of your smile, but it can affect your oral hygiene.
• Cosmetic reasons – Whether it’s a wedding, milestone birthday or career progression, you might want to feel confident when smiling with your teeth in photos instead of feeling like you need to hide away.
• Relapse after previous braces – Many adults had orthodontic treatment when they were younger but have experienced movement over time.

Everyone is unique, and regardless of your reason for considering adult orthodontics, we will create a tailored plan that works around you. As a cosmetic dental specialist in London, we make sure you feel comfortable and informed about any treatment you choose.

Can Any Adult Get Braces?

Most adults are suitable candidates for orthodontic treatment, but your teeth and gums must be healthy enough first to support treatment.

Before recommending braces or Invisalign, your clinician will assess:

• The health of your teeth and gum
• Your bite and jaw alignment
• Existing dental work such as implants, bridges or crowns
• Your overall treatment goals

At Sensu, we follow a 3 step process that ensures you feel fully informed so there are no surprises. We want every patient to feel confident about their treatment, so you can make the right decisions for your own needs.

Step 1: A Warm Welcome

You’ll receive a warm welcome from our reception team when you enter the Sensu clinic.

We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and care throughout your visit. From regular air purification to strict hygiene protocols, every detail is designed to ensure your comfort and safety – without compromising on the friendly, relaxed atmosphere we’re known for.

Step 2: Your Smile Assessment

We’ll usually start your consultation by taking some photos of your face and teeth. If they’re needed, we’ll also take some X-rays of your teeth and jaws.

You’ll see one of our senior dentists who will gently examine your teeth and gums to make sure they’re in the best condition and ready for your treatment.

Last but not least, we’ll take a digital scan of your teeth to show you a 3D simulation of your new smile.

Step 3: Your Personalised Treatment Plan

You’ll leave us with your proposed treatment options, estimated costs, and finance details. Our team of specialists will then review your case, and we’ll send you your final treatment plan and quotes.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. When you’re ready to start your transformation, contact our team, and we’ll arrange the next steps.

Choosing the Right Adult Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re considering braces in adulthood, the chances are the range of treatment options has significantly changed since you were a teen. At one point, metal fixed braces were the norm, whilst discreet options such as Invisalign were less widely available.

Now there are a whole range of discreet braces, from those that sit behind your teeth, to clear fixed braces, to removable retainers.

Below we’re exploring different types of clear braces:

Invisalign

Since launching in 1999, Invisalign has helped more than 22 million patients worldwide with its clear, removable aligners that gently move teeth into place. At Sensu, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading Invisalign providers, with our specialist team having straightened over 13,000 smiles, including complex cases.

Led by specialist orthodontists Dr Ilias Marinopoulos and Dr Kirpal Benawra, we offer Invisalign Express, Lite, Moderate and Comprehensive treatments tailored to your needs.

Even if you’ve previously been told you’re not suitable for aligners, our experienced team can provide a second opinion. Every Invisalign treatment package also includes teeth contouring and professional whitening for a complete smile transformation.

Clear Braces

Clear braces work in the same way as traditional fixed braces but use tooth-coloured or translucent ceramic brackets for a more discreet appearance.They offer the same level of control and are suitable for a range of smile concerns.

Modern self-ligating systems, including In-Ovation C and Radiance Plus, use advanced sliding mechanisms instead of elastic bands. This can make them easier to clean while reducing friction and improving comfort throughout treatment. At Sensu, our specialist orthodontists offer advanced clear brace options, including In-Ovation C and Radiance Plus, with treatment tailored to what you want to achieve.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the most discreet way to straighten your smile, with custom-made brackets fitted behind your teeth so they are completely out of sight.

Using the same principles as traditional braces, they can treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowding
• Spacing
• Bite issue

Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of your case, with most cases completed within 12-24 months.

Are Braces for Adults Expensive?

Braces for adults are an investment in your smile, but they aren’t unaffordable.

Thanks to flexible pricing options such as the ones offered at Sensu, we make affording your new smile feel within reach. We want everyone to enjoy straighter teeth as we know the difference this makes to both your confidence and your oral hygiene.

View all of our pricing here to get an accurate understanding of how much different treatments will cost. We also offer every patient a free consultation worth £350, where we will assess your smile and discuss the best treatment for your budget and goals.

Why Choose a Specialist Orthodontist in London?

Choosing the right orthodontic specialist in London means doing your research beforehand. There are a few things you should do before making your decision to ensure you’ve found the right clinic. This includes:

• Checking their website – do they have informative content about their different treatments and what’s involved? A blog is helpful as this allows you to read about treatments in more depth.
• Looking at patient reviews – do they post reviews from patients talking about their experiences at the clinic? Are these positive and do they mention the quality of the customer service and the process?
• Reviewing before / after images – do they have photos of the treatments before and after so you can visually see the quality of their work.
• Knowing their expertise – check how long the dental clinic has been in practice and the experience of their orthodontic team. A specialist orthodontist with a strong track record and experience treating a wide range of cases can give you greater confidence in the care you’ll receive.
• Understanding their treatment options – do they offer a range of orthodontic treatments, or are they only recommending one solution? A good specialist should be able to assess your smile and recommend the most suitable option for your needs.

From offering evening and weekend appointments, to having decades of clinical experience, at Sensu, we make your treatment journey as convenient and comfortable as possible.

Am I Too Old For Braces? When to Consider Adult Orthodontics

If you think you’re too old for braces, rest assured there is no age limit for adult orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy and strong, you can have braces fitted at any stage in life, ensuring you feel happy and confident with your smile.

No one should have to feel self-conscious about smiling with their teeth, and with so many discreet options available, you can enjoy a straighter smile without the fuss.

When you work with a dental specialist in London such as Sensu, we will explain your different options to you. As a practice that is home to specialist-led orthodontics and world-class cosmetic and restorative dentistry, every treatment option will be carefully explained by our multidisciplinary clinical team, allowing you to make an informed decision.

With all of our patients, we ensure the treatment chosen enables them to achieve their desired outcome. To start your smile journey, book your free consultation.