Orthodontics at Every Age: Treatment for Kids, Teens, and Adults

You may think of braces or orthodontics as a treatment for kids and teens. It's so common, it's almost considered a rite of passage or a milestone. However, orthodontics for adults is also popular, whether for health or cosmetic reasons, and it’s never too late to correct or enhance your smile.

Still, treatment goals and options vary depending on age, and you may need or want something different for your younger child versus yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about orthodontics at every age. 

Age and Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatment is often associated with teenagers in braces. However, the truth is that anyone who needs braces can get them at almost any age. Treatment decisions are generally based on the growth and structure of your teeth and jaw, and age is rarely the most important factor. 

In fact, orthodontics for adults is very popular. About one in three orthodontic patients is an adult. The process for moving crooked teeth or enhancing jaw alignment is the same whether you’re young or older.

That said, the best time to see an orthodontist is early on. The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends you take your child to see an orthodontist around age seven. Children typically have a combination of baby and adult teeth at this age, and your orthodontist can spot potential problems while they’re small and create a treatment plan.

Benefits of Treatment

There are many reasons to pursue orthodontic treatments, one of them being a beautiful smile that enhances your confidence. However, braces and other treatments also offer many health benefits.

Tooth and bite problems, like crowding, misaligned teeth, and open or overbites, can make it tough to chew and speak properly. Crooked teeth may also be difficult to floss or maintain dental hygiene, causing plaque to build up.

You may experience more cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. Or your teeth, bone, and enamel may wear down, leading to poor oral health. Braces correct these problems by shifting teeth and bones into their optimal position for overall oral health. With proper tooth and jaw alignment, you can improve long-term care and prevent dental issues.  

Pros and Cons: Early vs Late Treatment

Kids and teens are still growing when they get braces, which makes it easier and faster to move teeth. Facial and jaw bones are still expanding and shifting, which means teeth have a chance to move into place and change facial shape with the right force. 

On the other hand, later treatment as an adult typically takes longer. Your teeth will still move, and both adults and kids will need retainers to keep their teeth in their new positions. However, adult teeth are set more firmly in place, taking more pressure and time to shift. 

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

There are several types of treatments available to help achieve straight teeth, jaw alignment, and healthy overall tooth and bone structure. Your orthodontist may feel that one will achieve better results than another, depending on your teeth and needs. However, they will also consider your goals and concerns.

Orthodontics for Kids

Orthodontics for toddlers and kids involves treatment to help guide proper mouth and facial growth and structure. Treatments at this age may also correct finger or thumb-sucking habits that damage teeth or help make space, preventing more treatment later on. There are a few common options. 

Retainers

Early orthodontics for kids may start when your child still has baby teeth and may involve retainers or appliances, like palate expanders or Wilson’s arch. These appliances might move teeth forward or expand the palate or jaw to make room for teeth as your child grows. Retainers will also be required after braces to hold teeth in their new position.

Braces

Traditional metal braces may be the first or next step for kids. These are the typical braces you think of with metal brackets cemented to teeth and threaded with wires. Your orthodontist will tighten wires and adjust braces every four to 12 weeks to change the force or pressure until teeth move into place. 

Elastics

Orthodontics for kids may also include elastics, which are rubber bands attached from a bracket hook on an upper tooth to one on the bottom. These little bands provide extra pressure or force to help move teeth and refine the final appearance.  

Orthodontics for Teens

Teens have many of the same treatment options as younger kids, but may also be suitable for clear aligners. Treatment can help prevent gum disease, jaw problems, and overall tooth breakdown. 

Traditional Metal Braces

Teens often benefit from metal braces, and these are best for more complex dental problems, like crowded or crooked teeth, over or underbite, and missing or extra teeth. Teens may feel self-conscious about their appearance, so clear braces may be an option. These are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets are ceramic instead of metal.

Elastics and Archwires

Archwires are the wires that thread through brackets and help move the teeth. These are a critical part of traditional braces and must be changed and tightened every few weeks. Like orthodontics for kids, elastics are also a common orthodontic treatment for teens. 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom, removable trays that fit over teeth and gently push them into place. Clear aligners must be worn 24 hours a day and are best for mild to moderate concerns. 

While some young children may be responsible enough to wear and maintain clear aligners, it may not be best for others. However, teens are typically good candidates, provided that aligners are right for their teeth.

Retainers

Once treatment is complete, teens will also need to wear retainers to keep their teeth in position. These may be removable wire appliances, permanent bar appliances, or retainer trays. Removable appliances will often be worn full-time for the first year and nightly or a few nights a week for life.

Orthodontics for Adults

Braces and orthodontic treatments are for adults, too. While many people get braces as teenagers, not everyone can or does. Correcting your teeth alignment and position is about overall health and well-being, and can be achieved when you’re older, too. The bonus is that there are now more discreet options than before.

Traditional Options

Adults also benefit from traditional metal braces, which include archwires and may involve elastics. These orthodontic treatments are reliable and will deliver beautiful results with regular appointments and care. If you need help with jaw alignment, crowding, gaps, crooked or overlapping teeth, or other more complex concerns, traditional options may be best. 

Discreet Solutions

Adult braces are common, but it’s also common for adults to avoid treatment because of how they look. Luckily, there are a few discreet options for orthodontics for adults, including clear braces and clear aligners.

The ceramic brackets of clear braces are as effective as metal ones and best for more complex concerns, but they are less noticeable. Less obvious options may help your braces blend in and make you feel more comfortable about your appearance.

On the other hand, clear aligners are nearly invisible but are best for milder concerns. Both options require frequent adjustments, but you can take aligners out to eat and clean your teeth.

You’ll wear a new set of aligners every week to gently move your teeth in increments. However, while they provide flexibility and near-invisible treatment, these only work if you wear them for most of the day.

Explore Orthodontic Treatments at Beam Dental

Your teeth and smile are essential to your overall health and your self-image. Correcting your teeth with orthodontic treatment can help improve your oral health, prevent long-term dental issues, and enhance your smile. 

Our team at Beam Dental helps you achieve beautiful results with cutting-edge technology, personalized consultations, and custom treatments to meet your unique needs and goals. Book an appointment and discover your options.