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Do Adults Wear Braces Longer Than Children?

Even though many people associate wearing braces with being a teenager, the fact is that more and more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment. One of the myths that needs to be busted straight away is that teeth don’t move as we get older. This is simply not true. Our teeth can be moved at any age with the right kind of treatment. Your orthodontist will be able to advise on the best orthodontic treatment for you, even if you’re an adult.

Why Should Adults Get Braces?

There are a growing number of adults wearing braces and it’s important to understand why more and more older people are undergoing treatment. Here are a number of reasons why adults should seriously consider braces if they’re unhappy with their smile:

  • Our smiles are important to us at any age,
  • Teeth can be shifted into a new position at any age,
  • There are many choices as to what kind of braces treatment to opt for
  • Because people are living longer on average, the other health problems that are caused by a misaligned bite are more serious as an adult.

What you Should Know About Wearing Braces as an Adult

In many ways, orthodontic treatment for adults is the same as it is for teenagers and kids. Of course, many adults want to know exactly how long they’ll have to wear braces. The real answer is: it depends.

Adults will often have some other dental health issues, such as bone loss. Even though teeth can certainly be moved at any age, sometimes adult teeth do take longer to reach a new position. This may mean that braces need to be worn longer. Typically, adults need to wear braces between 18 months and 3 years.

Despite this, perhaps one of the biggest advantages that adults have when it comes to wearing braces is that they will often have more options available to them. For example, some kinds of braces aren’t suitable for kids either due to a tight budget. Or, because children are too young to take responsibility for wearing them properly. Adults in this situation are able to consider other treatment options that may be possible.

Do Adults Wear Braces Longer Than Children?

In some cases, yes, adults wear braces longer than children. Is can be easier and quicker to move teeth at a younger age, but it depends on the individual case. To discuss if adult orthodontics is right for you, and how long your treatment may take, book an appointment at Bachmayer Orthodontics.

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Orthodontist Dr Helen Moon in Norwest and Tallawong

Dr Helen Moon, Specialist Orthodontist Sydney

Orthodontic Specialist
Dr. Helen Moon is an orthodontist who has taken the scenic route to perfecting smiles. After earning her Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) from the University of Queensland, she moved halfway across the globe to complete a Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Manitoba. She's now qualified as a specialist orthodontist in Australia, Canada, and the USA because why settle for one country when you can have three?

Her research has been featured at international conferences, and she's a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) and CAO (Canadian Association of Orthodontists).

Dr. Moon is passionate about providing evidence-based, personalised care, with a special interest in digital orthodontics and clear aligner therapy. She has also completed the Aligner Intensive Fellowship, an advanced training program in aligner treatment, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest techniques in orthodontic care. With a knack for spotting the little details that make a big difference, she loves helping patients achieve smiles they’re proud to show off.

During her time in Canada, Dr. Moon embraced the cold with skiing, chasing the northern lights, and surviving temperatures that could freeze your eyelashes. Now back in sunny Sydney, she’s swapped snow for sand and spends her time playing tennis, scuba diving, and enjoying life without five layers of clothing.
Dr David Bachmayer, Specialist Orthodontist Sydney

Dr David Bachmayer

Orthodontic Specialist
Dr David Bachmayer graduated as a dentist from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in 1979 (cum laude). After practising General Dentistry for three years, he went on to study orthodontics at the University of Toronto, where he received a Diploma in Orthodontics and a Master of Science.

Since arriving in Australia in 1986, David has maintained his private orthodontic practice in Norwest. He has been a tutor in orthodontics at the University of Sydney and has also been a visiting Dental Officer at the Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Dr Bachmayer was awarded the prestigious Harry Sicher Award by the American Association of Orthodontists for his research on children born with cleft lip and palate.

David has a special interest in clear aligner orthodontics and has received the Diamond Invisalign® Provider status. When he isn’t straightening smiles, he can be found paddling his surfski on Sydney Harbour.