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Original poster

Do adult dental braces work?

16 replies

futterbingers · 02/03/2012 00:44

I am 50 and am thinking of getting braces. My previous dentist was not keen, but I switched to another practice and the orthodontist there says he can fit them. I'm thrilled, but worried that maybe they won't work as well, seeing as how I'm ancient. I'd just really like to have a nice smile. I have almost no photos of myself cos I've always been conscious of my inward-leaning upper teeth and my tomb-like lower ones (mmm... sexy!). My teeth went very wonky after having my first child. Luckily both of my kids have lovely straight teeth. Anyhoo, would appreciate any advice, tia.

OP posts:
NatashaBee · 02/03/2012 02:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

echt · 02/03/2012 05:23

I had braces put on in my very late 40s, took 2-3 years in my case.

What I have found is that I have to wear a retainer at least very other night as the teeth don't settle as well in the older-type person's gums. No big deal.

Go for it, but be prepared for the shape of your face to change. I had protruding teeth, and as they straightened, I got a wrinkle on the side of my mouth which is permanent. My buck teeth were acting like collagen, pushing out the upper lip.:o In your case, the reverse should happen.

DavidaCottonmouth · 02/03/2012 05:50

I had braces when I was 39. I had them less than a year, and they worked. My teeth are still straight nearly a decade later, thanks to my permanent retainer.

theseventhdwarf · 02/03/2012 08:13

Same here - I m 34 had braces worked perfectly - was always self conscious of my teeth and smile . It s given me a huge boost and I love the result - go for it

potoroo · 02/03/2012 08:31

I am 38 and have braces now. They are working quite quickly and I am thrilled. Wish I had done them sooner!

unna · 02/03/2012 20:09

Had mine in the late 30s, still wear retainers every night and have no intention to stop. I needed to wear braces for 2 years and enjoyed every second of it.

ninah · 02/03/2012 20:11

what about non brace solutions like invisalign? google it, might suit you

Pudden · 02/03/2012 21:17

I hate my teeth and do closed mouth smiles; would love a brace but it is a few thousand to have one as an adult (or so I am told)

cerealqueen · 02/03/2012 21:42

I'd love to have a brace too! I never smile in photos, or do so with closed mouth. How much does it cost??

AmethystMoon · 02/03/2012 22:19

I had braces when I was 29 for 18 months. They worked brilliantly and teeth still straight 8 years later Grin I did have permanent wires fixed to the back of my bottom teeth to stop them moving back. Good luck, go for it!

AmethystMoon · 02/03/2012 22:20

Mine cost about £1500 my orthodontist let me pay £100/ month.

sphynx · 02/03/2012 22:25

I had braces put in when I was 33 and wore them for just under 3 years. My teeth were very crooked, but are now perfectly straight. Wearing braces was the best decision, I feel so much more confident.

cuddlymanatee · 02/03/2012 22:37

I am 32 and had braces a few years back and am SO GLAD I DID. I had a pretty bad crossbite and other issues and now my whole head is just so much more comfortable.

They def. work but your dentist can advise you about whether braces or other things (veneers etc), would be best for your situation.

Nevertooearlyforcake · 02/03/2012 23:08

I really think you should. I have braces at the monent and so pleased - though can be surprisingly painful! On my top teeth the brace goes behind, rather than across the front of my teeth so most people don't know I have a brace on. So expensive, on the bottom I have a normal wire - cost for this combo £5000, trying not to think about it.

Not sure about the comparison with brace when young - almost everyone I know who had braces as a kid has crooked teeth again as retainers weren't given out in the years of my youth, my DH's are atrocious! Have had so many chats with people considering getting another brace!

slapmeonthepatio · 03/03/2012 13:13

Reading this with interest as I'm 38 and have wanted them for my bottom teeth for the last 10 years. I've been told it's possible - and there are a variety of ways to do it these days.

EllenParsons · 03/03/2012 13:42

My mum is 59 and just got her braces off in this last year - they really worked great, her teeth are completely straight and she used to have one that jutted forward which she hated. Her orthodontist was brilliant and took the treatment seriously, not letting her have the braces off til he was satisfied they had worked, but he did get them off temporarily for a wedding and then back on again.

One of my friends has them on now age 30.

It can definitely work on adults and can be a huge confidence booster :)

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