Can I Get Braces in My 50s (or Beyond)? Why It’s Never Too Late for a Confident Smile

The good news is simple. Teeth can be moved at any age when the gums and supporting bone are healthy. Your goals might be cosmetic, functional or both. With careful planning and specialist care, adult orthodontics can be comfortable, discreet and very rewarding.

Is 25 too late to get braces?

Not at all. 25 is a common age to start treatment. Many adults choose to prioritise their teeth once study is finished, careers are settled or budgets allow. At this age, you will have fully developed jaws, so treatment focuses on moving teeth within the bone, aligning the bite and improving smile aesthetics. Results are predictable, and you can choose from options that fit your lifestyle, including ceramic braces or Invisalign® clear aligners.

Can older adults or seniors have orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Age alone does not prevent you from having braces or aligners. We regularly treat patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. What matters most is oral health. Before we start, we check your gums, bone levels and any existing dental work. We coordinate with your dentist and, if needed, a periodontist to stabilise gum health. With the right foundation, teeth respond well to gentle forces. Many senior patients tell us they wish they had done it sooner, and they enjoy the confidence and functional benefits that follow.

What is different about adult braces compared to kids or teens?

The biological process of tooth movement is the same at any age, however adult care comes with a few unique considerations.

• Gum and bone health: Adults may have a history of gum disease or bone loss. We review this carefully, plan light forces and monitor more closely.
• Existing dentistry: Crowns, implants and bridges are common. We work around them, and in the case of implants, we plan tooth movement relative to fixed implant positions.
• Bite correction: Adults are no longer growing. For some significant jaw discrepancies, comprehensive correction may involve combined orthodontics with jaw surgery. Many adults still achieve great outcomes with braces or aligners alone, focusing on alignment, bite improvement and aesthetics.
• Lifestyle and aesthetics: Discreet options matter more to adults. Ceramic braces and Invisalign® are popular because they are less noticeable and fit busy routines.
• Time and flexibility: We schedule efficient visits, use digital scans and, where suitable, remote monitoring to reduce time away from work or family.

Why now is a smart time to invest in your smile

Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, which supports gum health. A balanced bite can reduce uneven tooth wear and make chewing more comfortable. There is also the confidence boost that comes with a smile you love. If you have been putting this off, modern orthodontics offers more comfortable appliances, fewer appointments and digital planning that lets you preview potential outcomes before you begin.

Your treatment options at Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic

We tailor your plan after a thorough assessment with our specialist orthodontists, Dr David Bachmayer and Dr Helen Moon. Here is how we typically approach adult and senior care.

• Comprehensive assessment: We examine your teeth and bite, take digital scans and X-rays, and review gum health. We discuss your goals, treatment choices and expected timelines.
• Braces: Metal or clear ceramic brackets are precise and effective for a wide range of cases. Many adults choose ceramic for a more subtle look.
• Invisalign® clear aligners: Removable, near invisible and convenient for eating and cleaning. You wear aligners about 22 hours per day and change them at set intervals. As a long-standing provider with Diamond recognition, our team plans complex and simple cases with clear communication and realistic timelines.
• Retainers after treatment: Retainers are essential to keep your teeth in their new positions. We provide a plan that suits you, often a combination of fixed and removable retainers.

If your child is also ready to start, we can coordinate family care. Our team treats all ages and understands how to make appointments smooth and efficient.

Comfort, cost and time, what to expect

Most adult treatments take about 18 to 24 months, although mild cases may be shorter and complex cases may take longer. Discomfort is usually mild and temporary after adjustments or when changing to a new aligner. We provide practical tips for comfort, diet and oral hygiene, and we are here if anything feels off between visits.

We know cost matters. At your consultation you will receive a personalised quote and flexible payment options.

How we support adult and senior patients

We designed our process around busy lives and long term health.

• Personalised planning: You will meet a specialist orthodontist who will map a plan based on your goals, dental history and clinical findings.
• Coordination with your dentist: We collaborate to manage fillings, gum health, whitening and any restorative work in the right order.
• Digital convenience: We use iTero scans for comfort and accuracy. Where appropriate, we incorporate remote check-ins to reduce clinic time.
• Clear communication:You will know what to expect at each stage, including timelines, maintenance and retention.
• A friendly, experienced team: With over 30 years of specialist experience, we have helped thousands of adults achieve confident smiles. Patients tell us our clinics are welcoming, punctual and well organised.

Frequently asked concerns, answered

• Will braces be noticeable at work? Ceramic braces are more subtle, and Invisalign® is very discreet. Most colleagues will not notice after the first few days.
• Can I eat normally? With aligners, you remove them to eat. With braces, you will avoid very hard or sticky foods. We provide a practical list and easy swaps.
• What if my gums are sensitive? We partner with your dentist or periodontist to stabilise gums before and during treatment, and we tailor gentle forces to protect your tissues.
• Am I too late to start? No. Whether you are 25, 55 or 75, we can assess your suitability and outline realistic, healthy options.

Ready when you are

If you have been waiting for the right moment, this could be it. A straighter smile can improve confidence, function and long term oral health. Our team will guide you from the first conversation through to retainers and beyond.

Book a consultation with our specialist team at Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic. We will listen, examine carefully and create a plan that makes sense for your life today. It is never too late to start.