Is 40 too old for braces?

Braces aren’t just for teenagers — we regularly treat adult patients over 40 at our clinics in London Waterloo and Marble Arch. If you’re considering creating a straighter smile later in life, our expert dental team at Whites Dental is here to help.

Does a Patient’s Age Matter?

Braces can take slightly longer to work in adults compared to teenagers, as adult teeth are more established and harder to shift. However, age is not a barrier to treatment if your teeth and gums are healthy. In fact, issues like malocclusion (poor bite), crowding, and overlapping teeth can lead to long-term complications like decay, gum disease, chewing difficulties, and jaw discomfort. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and can help prevent these issues.

It’s worth noting that patients with gum disease or poor oral health may not be suitable candidates for orthodontics without prior treatment. That said, adults of all ages are increasingly opting for braces — and achieving fantastic results.

Things to Keep in Mind If You’re Over 40

• Adult bones are fully developed, meaning structural changes may require surgery in some cases.
• Treatment may take longer than it would for teens — typically around 18 to 24 months, but this varies by case.
• You may need to visit a periodontist in addition to your general dentist and orthodontist to ensure there are no complications due to bone loss or gum disease.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces use gentle, controlled pressure to move your teeth into better alignment. As pressure is applied, bone tissue is resorbed on one side of the tooth, allowing it to move, and new bone grows behind to stabilise the change.

The appliance most commonly used is the fixed brace. Brackets are attached to the teeth and connected via arch wires, which are adjusted over time to apply pressure. Elastic bands or springs may be used to guide specific tooth movements. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours to fit, with some discomfort expected in the days following adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relief can help ease the transition.

You Can Have Braces at Any Age

There’s no age limit when it comes to correcting crooked teeth. Provided your gums and bone structure are in good shape, you’re likely a candidate for orthodontic treatment.

At Whites Dental, we believe you’re never too old to improve your smile. As we age, teeth naturally shift due to wear, tooth loss, and bone changes. This can lead to food traps, overcrowding, and difficulty cleaning — all of which increase the risk of decay and gum disease.

Our advice? Book an appointment with your general dentist and orthodontist for a full evaluation. This often includes X-rays and a detailed assessment to determine your suitability for treatment and expected timescale.

Invisalign is one of the more discreet modern appliances we offer and may be ideal if you prefer not to wear fixed braces.

Final Thoughts

Orthodontic care is about more than just looks — it’s about maintaining long-term oral health. Once your braces are on, the time flies. Before you know it, you’ll be wondering what all the fuss was about and enjoying your new smile with confidence.

Want to learn more? Visit our Braces Homepage for additional information, or book your free consultation today. Our Central London private dentist clinics in Waterloo and Marble Arch are conveniently located and offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends.