Is It Too Late for Braces - Dental Health - Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dental Health Is It Too Late for Braces By Dr. James E JacobsReviewed: February 28, 2008Fact-CheckedQ1. I'm a 40-year-old male. Is it too late to get braces? — Joeeg, Missouri The plain and simple answer is it is never too late for braces. Forty is certainly not old, and I have even recommended braces for 70-year-old people! It all depends on why you would be getting the braces. The following are typical reasons:AestheticsAltering the biteRealigning malposed teethRepositioning teeth to allow space for replacement teeth Both adults and children can wear braces, but it is critical for the involved orthodontist to know the differences in treating an adult versus a child. A child up to approximately age 20 or 22 still experiences some jaw growth as the braces are moving the teeth. An orthodontist is highly trained in this matter and knows the periods of bone growth in the different parts of the jaw and how to utilize that growth to move the teeth properly. Usually once a patient has reached his or her early twenties the bone growth stops, and then an adult orthodontist takes over. In this situation, which you are in, the bone will not be growing anymore so it is critical to understand how to move teeth (both the clinical portion that you see and the root structures underneath the bone) into proper positions. Any competent orthodontist knows this and will be able to handle your situation. In summary, braces are an ideal treatment for all of the aforementioned purposes. It is very common for adults to wear braces and it is something that I highly recommend. Braces will affect how you naturally clean your teeth and prevent further gum and bone loss once the teeth become positioned properly. The forces on the teeth will also be in their proper vertical manner and this will help prolong the life of your teeth. Q2. Are mouthwashes necessary for good oral health? And if so, what types are the best? — Katherine, Florida I look at mouthwash as an added positive habit to help with oral health. The following are reasons why mouthwashes are advantageous: 1. A mouthwash with fluoride will help reduce cavities and periodontal disease. 2. Using mouthwash in general, even if doesn't have fluoride, can help reduce periodontal disease. 3. It can make your mouth feel fresh and smell better. 4. Mouthwash can reduce the quantity and quality of the dental plaque and/or bacteria in your mouth. Having enumerated the benefits of mouthwash, it is important to note that it should not be relied upon solely for good oral health. Rather, I believe it should be the final step in the oral hygiene process both in the morning and in the evening. It is critical not to dilute a fluoride mouthwash with water after use. By diluting it with water, some fluoride is prevented from coating the teeth. Therefore, I usually recommend that patients clean their mouths entirely and then, at the very end, use the mouth rinse, spit it out, and go to sleep, or leave the house for the day. Mouthwash helps patients who have a high cavity index — fluoride mouth rinse would be perfect for such a person. The advantage of fluoride is that it fights bacterial plaque as well as puts fluoride back into the surfaces of the teeth to fight sensitivity and cavities. For my patients who have recently had dental sores or dental surgery and cannot clean their teeth the way they normally would, I prescribe a mouth rinse called Peridex, which I also recommend to fight periodontal disease. I usually prescribe this rinse after surgery for 1 to 2 weeks to stand in place of the brushing and flossing that cannot be done at that time due to pain. Mouth rinses can also help patients who have dry mouth, periodontal disease, and dental sensitivity issues. It is important to be trained by your dentist or dental hygienist on how to perform the proper hygiene for your mouth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day (and possibly using some other type of between-the-teeth cleansing, such as rubber tipping or a proxybrush) is important for everyone. Q3. I am 80 years old, and I have several teeth that have root canals and crowns. In addition, my teeth do not line up correctly anymore. Would braces do any good, or would my dental conditions cause too many problems? — Clare, Washington I like to believe you are never too old to have dental care of any kind. In fact, dental care becomes even more crucial as you age. Teeth naturally move over time as enamel wears away or you lose teeth, and the arch that is naturally formed by your teeth starts to tilt. This tilting often creates food traps and crowding, and at the same time, the natural cleaning process of your teeth is hampered. In my opinion, it's never too late to get braces, and I credit any 80-year-old who has this attitude. However, the particular considerations of your case are unique to you, and I encourage you to see both a general dentist and an orthodontist to guide you in making your decision. You’ll need a full set of X-rays, and your orthodontist may need to take some special X-rays to determine whether orthodontics will work and how long the process should take. There are many new techniques in orthodontics, including Invisalign, which may be able to help you without requiring you to wear fixed braces on your teeth. Just be sure to seek professional opinions. Learn more in the Everyday Health Dental Health Center. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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