It may hurt, but it’s worth it! Even at an older age, you can still get braces.

24/09/2024 Braces

Did you know that older adults can also get braces? As our oral health naturally declines over time, it’s important to maintain proper care suited to our age. Today, we’ll help you understand the process of getting braces in older adults—how it works, whether it’s painful, and if there are any risks involved. 

No matter your age, you can get braces because dental issues such as crooked teeth, gaps, and overbites can occur at any age and should be addressed properly before they affect daily life, confidence, or become a more complex issue. For seniors considering braces, The Tooth Club has gathered all the essential information on what type of braces to choose, how to care for them, and whether the existing dental issues are suitable for treatment. 

Why should older adults consider getting braces?

As mentioned earlier, our dental health deteriorates with age. If we have dental issues that require braces, it’s still possible to get them, even at an older age. Here are some oral health conditions that may require braces: 

• Gum disease due to insufficient oral hygiene, often caused by the alignment of teeth. Those with gum disease need to address it before getting braces. 

• Tooth misalignment or shifting caused by various factors, such as aging, jaw issues, tooth loss, or not replacing a missing tooth with a prosthetic. 

• Aesthetic concerns, such as crooked teeth, overbites, crowded teeth, gaps, or any other dental irregularities that affect daily life and confidence. 

What age is appropriate for getting braces?

There is no age limit for starting braces treatment. The decision to begin braces is based on the dentist’s diagnosis of the patient’s dental issues. In general, treatment can begin as early as childhood, typically before the age of 10, and adults over 60 can also get braces. However, adults must have specific indications for braces, and they need to have good oral health before proceeding with treatment. This decision is primarily at the discretion of the dentist. 

What types of braces are suitable for older adults, and how much do they cost?

Here are the types of braces suitable for older adults and their starting prices: 

• Metal braces: Starting at around 40,000 THB 

• Damon braces: Starting at around 80,000 THB 

• Ceramic braces: Starting at around 60,000 THB 

• Clear aligners (Invisalign): Starting at around 70,000 THB 

The choice of braces depends on the individual’s dental issues, as each type of braces has its own advantages and limitations. It is best to consult with a dentist to plan the treatment closely, allowing the patient to choose the most suitable type of braces for their dental concerns. 

Self-care after getting braces for older adults

• Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for braces 

• Choose toothpaste with fluoride to prevent tooth decay 

• Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups to maintain oral health 

• Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods and avoid sticky or hard foods 

• Do not attempt to adjust or tamper with the braces; if issues arise, consult the dentist for adjustments 

• Clean teeth regularly with an interdental brush to maintain good oral hygiene 

What can older adults eat after getting braces?

Recommended foods for people with braces are typically soft, easy-to-chew, and easily digestible to avoid putting too much pressure on the braces. Some options include: 

• Rice porridge, congee, clear soups, and broth-based soups 

• Tender meat cut into small pieces, or non-chewy meats like chicken, fish, shrimp, etc. 

• Eggs and milk 

• Soft fruits (avoid fruits that require biting into directly) 

• Cooked or steamed vegetables 

Do older adults need to extract teeth before getting braces?

It depends on the dentist’s professional judgment, as not every case requires tooth extraction before braces can be applied. The dentist will take X-rays of the mouth and teeth to determine if any teeth need to be extracted. Afterward, they will plan the appropriate treatment based on the individual case.