Short answer: Braces can be used for people of almost any age who have problems such as crowding, gaps between teeth, deep bite, open bite or crossbite, or jaw discrepancies, provided their gums and bone support are healthy and any cavities have been treated. Treatment usually starts after most of the permanent teeth have come in. Suitability is determined by an orthodontic examination and X-rays.
When people think of orthodontic treatment, fixed braces are still the first method that comes to mind. But many people come in with questions like “Can I get braces?”, “Am I too old?” or “Are my gums healthy enough for this?” The answer to who is a candidate for braces does not rest on a single age limit or a single rule; the position of the teeth, the jaw structure, gum and bone health, and the person's ability to follow the treatment are all evaluated together.
In this article we explain which problems braces are used for, the role of age and dental development, the oral health prerequisites, and when clear aligners can be discussed as an option.
What problems do braces correct?
Braces are a treatment method that can correct most problems caused by the position of the teeth and the bite. Brackets bonded to the teeth and the wires running through them move the teeth to their planned positions with continuous, controlled force.
The main situations in which braces are commonly used are:
- Crowding: Teeth overlapping because they do not fit in the jawbone
- Gaps between teeth: Spaced teeth or gaps left after a missing tooth
- Deep bite: The upper front teeth overlapping the lower front teeth too much
- Open bite: The front teeth not touching when the mouth is closed
- Crossbite: The upper teeth closing inside the lower teeth
- Forward or backward jaw relationship: A mismatch in the position of the upper and lower jaws relative to each other; in some cases treated together with surgery
- Impacted teeth: Bringing impacted teeth, especially canines, into place with surgical support
Braces can also be used for orthodontic movements that prepare for other treatments, such as moving teeth into a suitable position before an implant or bridge.
How do age and dental development affect treatment?
Fixed braces treatment usually starts after most of the permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 11 and 14; however, there is no upper age limit for a healthy mouth. Age changes the scope and goals of treatment.
Childhood
During the mixed dentition stage, when baby teeth and permanent teeth are present together, full braces are generally not preferred. At this stage, “early intervention” methods such as jaw expansion appliances, space maintainers or partial treatments come into play. That is why a first orthodontic check-up around age 7 is recommended.
Adolescence
Adolescence, when the growth spurt is still under way, is an advantageous time for guiding the jaw relationship. During this period, functional appliances or elastics can be used together with braces to guide jaw growth favorably.
Adulthood
Because jaw growth is complete in adults, skeletal problems can be corrected with orthodontics only to a limited extent; surgery may be needed for significant discrepancies. Tooth movement, however, is possible in adults as well. Since bone metabolism can be slower, treatment may take a little longer and gum health is monitored more closely.
Why do gum and oral health requirements matter?
For braces to be fitted, the gums and the bone supporting the teeth need to be healthy or under control. A tooth that is being moved on an inflamed, weakened foundation can suffer unwanted loss of support.
Before treatment, the following steps are usually completed:
- Tartar removal and, if needed, gum treatment
- Treatment of cavities with fillings and, if necessary, root canal treatment
- A panoramic X-ray to examine the roots and bone
- Oral hygiene instruction: brushing around the brackets and cleaning between teeth
People who have had gum disease in the past can also have braces. However, the disease must not be active, regular gum check-ups must continue, and the forces must be planned to be lighter. In addition, because plaque builds up easily around brackets, the risk of white spots and cavities increases in people who cannot keep up careful brushing. Being able to maintain oral hygiene and keep appointments throughout treatment is also part of being a suitable candidate.
General health conditions
Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, the use of certain medications that affect bone metabolism, or a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck can affect treatment planning. It is important to share this information with your dentist at the examination; if needed, the decision is made together with the patient's physician.
Are clear aligners an option instead of braces?
In many cases, yes; for mild to moderate crowding, gaps and bite problems, Invisalign clear aligners can be considered as an alternative to braces. Today, thanks to digital planning and attachments, more complex movements can also be achieved with clear aligners.
The choice between the two methods is usually shaped by the following questions:
- The complexity of the problem and the type of tooth movements needed
- The patient's discipline in wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day
- Aesthetic expectations and social or professional concerns
- How easy it is to maintain oral hygiene
- Daily habits such as sports or playing a musical instrument
It is worth remembering that both methods give good results in the right case. For a more detailed comparison, see our article clear aligners or braces, and for the suitability criteria for clear aligners, see our who are clear aligners suitable for page.
Who is a candidate for braces, and how is it determined at the exam?
The suitability exam is the first step in clarifying whether orthodontic treatment is possible, which method can be used and how long it may take. In this appointment the patient's concerns and expectations are heard, followed by a detailed assessment.
- Intraoral examination: Tooth alignment, the bite relationship, gum condition and any existing fillings or prosthetics are evaluated.
- Imaging: A panoramic X-ray and, if deemed necessary, a cephalometric X-ray are requested.
- Photographs and digital scan: Facial and intraoral photos are taken, and a digital model is created with an intraoral scanner.
- Explaining treatment options: Braces, clear aligners or, if needed, combined approaches are explained along with their advantages and limitations.
- Planning and information: The estimated duration, check-up frequency and retention period are discussed; fee information is provided in writing after the examination and planning.
Treatment does not have to start right after the exam. The patient can take time to think about the options before deciding. Especially with children, the most suitable approach is sometimes to monitor for a while and start at the right time.
What is expected of the patient during treatment?
The success of braces treatment depends not only on the orthodontist but also on the patient's daily habits. That is why the suitability assessment also covers whether the person can take on the following responsibilities:
- Carefully brushing around the brackets after every meal and using an interdental brush or floss
- Avoiding hard and sticky foods that could break off a bracket
- Keeping check-up appointments, usually every few weeks
- Consistently using the elastics or auxiliary appliances the orthodontist recommends
- Wearing retainers for the recommended period after treatment ends
These responsibilities may feel difficult in the first weeks, but most patients get used to the new routine quickly.
Orthodontic examination in Ankara
If you have questions about the alignment of your teeth, your bite or your child's dental development, an assessment by an orthodontist will clarify which method is right for you. At our clinic in Park Oran Ofis near Panora Mall in Çankaya, both fixed braces and Invisalign options are evaluated together based on the examination findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for braces?
There is no upper age limit for people with healthy gums and bone support. Comprehensive treatment usually starts after most of the permanent teeth have come in. In adults, treatment can sometimes take a little longer.
Can someone with gum disease get braces?
The gum disease must first be treated and brought under control. If the disease is not active and regular gum check-ups continue, orthodontic treatment can be planned. This decision is made by the orthodontist, together with a periodontist if needed.
Can braces be placed on teeth with fillings or root canal treatment?
Yes, teeth with fillings or successful root canal treatment can be moved orthodontically. Special techniques are used to bond brackets to crowned teeth. The condition of these teeth is checked with X-rays before treatment.
Braces or clear aligners: how is the decision made?
The decision depends on the complexity of the problem, the tooth movements needed, the person's discipline in wearing aligners and their expectations. After the examination and digital planning, the orthodontist explains the advantages and limitations of both methods for that particular case.
