If you are weighing up braces in Bentleigh, McKinnon and Ormond for yourself or your child, the decision usually comes down to timing, lifestyle and how much growth is still available. Teens and adults face different challenges, so a side-by-side look helps you choose the right path.
Timing: When treatment starts
For teenagers, the ideal window is usually once the last baby teeth have fallen out, around age 12 or 13. At that point, most permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still growing, which can make tooth movement more predictable. General dental guidelines recommend an orthodontic check for children aged 7 to 9, especially if there is mouth breathing, persistent thumb sucking, teeth that stick out, a bite that does not meet, or severely crooked teeth. Early treatment options include expanders and myofunctional appliances such as Myobrace. These can guide jaw growth and make later braces simpler, or sometimes avoid them altogether.
Adults can start braces at any age, provided the gums and bone are healthy. There is no upper age limit, but we check for gum disease, bone loss and any existing crowns or fillings before planning tooth movement. Common reasons adults start treatment include crowding, bite problems and teeth that have moved back after earlier orthodontics.
Growth, tooth movement and oral health checks
Teen treatment benefits from active jaw growth. The upper jaw, for example, can be widened more easily before the mid-teens, and a growth spurt can help correct certain bite problems. That is why an early assessment matters, even if braces are not started straight away. For adults, the jaw has stopped growing, so teeth move more slowly and the roots may need gentler forces over a longer period. We also pay close attention to the gums and bone; if there is any sign of gum disease, that needs to be addressed first. Existing crowns, bridges or fillings can affect how brackets are placed and how teeth respond. Sometimes we refer more complex cases to local orthodontic specialists, especially when surgery or significant jaw correction is involved.
For everyone, good oral hygiene is non-negotiable. Braces trap plaque, so cleaning around brackets takes extra time. We recommend a soft brush, interdental brushes and a fluoride toothpaste. Warm salt water rinses can soothe sore spots in the first week. If you need pain relief, paracetamol is usually suitable. Records are taken with digital scans, which give a precise 3D model of your teeth.
Compliance: aligners versus fixed braces
Clear aligners are removable trays that must be worn about 22 hours a day to work. That means taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth. Some teens find this hard to stick to, especially during sport or busy school days. Adults often find it easier to manage because they are used to routine and can keep the trays in during work. Fixed metal braces, on the other hand, are glued to the teeth and cannot be removed, so compliance is not an issue. However, they require more careful cleaning and avoid certain foods that can break brackets.
Sport and musical instruments are common concerns. A mouthguard is essential for contact sports, and we can advise on the best type for braces. For wind or brass instruments, aligners can be removed, while fixed braces may need a little adjustment in playing technique. Ask about appointment times that fit around school or work. We offer a free orthodontic consultation to discuss these practical points.
Eating, cleaning and adjustment visits
With fixed braces, you need to avoid hard, sticky or crunchy foods that can pop a bracket off. Cutting apples and carrots into small pieces helps. Cleaning takes longer because you must thread floss under the wire or use interdental brushes. Adjustments are usually every 4 to 8 weeks, and each visit may cause a day or two of tenderness. Clear aligners are removed for eating, so you can eat what you like, but you must brush before putting them back in. Aligner changes are often every 1 to 2 weeks, with check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks. Both options require regular visits, but aligners may mean fewer emergency trips for broken brackets.
After any orthodontic treatment, retainers are needed for life to hold the teeth in their new positions. Retainers are typically worn full-time for a few months, then nights only. Without them, teeth can drift back, especially in the first year. We provide retainers and monitor them at your regular check-ups. For adults with existing crowns or fillings, we assess whether those restorations need replacing before or after treatment.
Questions to ask at your consult
A free orthodontic consultation at McKinnon Dental Care is a good time to get clear answers. Here are some questions to bring along.
- Is my child’s jaw still growing, and would early treatment help?
- Are my gums and bone healthy enough for braces or aligners?
- How long will treatment take, and how often are visits?
- Will existing crowns or fillings affect the plan?
- What retainer options do you recommend, and what do they cost?
Teens often benefit from growth and simpler treatment timing, while adults need healthy gums and bone plus extra care around existing dental work. Both do well with good compliance and lifelong retainers.
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This article by McKinnon Dental Care is general information only and not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation for advice specific to you.
