Getting braces as a teenager often feels awkward and embarrassing. With senior prom, graduation, and starting college right around the corner, some teens wonder if they’ve missed the window for straighter teeth. Here’s what you need to know about getting braces later in your teens.
What’s the ideal age for braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child get a screening with an orthodontist by age 7. Early treatment may be recommended between ages 7-10 if there are clear orthodontic issues. However, most people get braces between ages 11-13 before all their permanent teeth have come in.
Getting braces at age 11-13 allows the orthodontist to guide the incoming permanent teeth into the ideal position. It also maximizes the opportunity to correct jaw growth and alignment during the peak growth years before puberty ends. However, braces can still be effective at later ages.
What are the benefits of braces at 17?
Here are some of the benefits of getting braces at age 17:
- Your jaw growth is mostly complete, allowing for precise correction of your bite and tooth alignment.
- You have all of your permanent teeth, aside from wisdom teeth.
- You are likely more responsible now than at age 11 or 12 in terms of keeping up with orthodontic instructions.
- Clear aligner options like Invisalign offer more discreet braces for teens who want to hide them.
- You will hopefully have straighter teeth as you start college or your career.
What are the drawbacks of braces at 17?
Here are some of the potential drawbacks of waiting until 17 for braces:
- Your jaw growth is mostly complete, so jaw alignment issues may be harder to correct.
- Long term bite and alignment problems can worsen over time without treatment.
- Treatment may take longer than if you had started earlier.
- You’ll likely have braces for many major life events like prom, graduation, and starting college.
- Costs may be higher due to the additional time and challenges of correcting longstanding orthodontic issues.
Can braces still work at age 17?
Yes, braces are still effective for teenagers at age 17! While earlier treatment between ages 7-13 is ideal, orthodontists can still achieve dramatic straightening of teeth and improvement in bite even if you wait until the late teens. However, the following challenges may arise with braces at 17:
- Molar teeth have settled longer into crooked positions and may be harder to move.
- Jaw misalignment is more set.
- Lips, cheeks and tongue have adapted to compensate for crowded or gapped teeth.
- Long term oral habits like tongue thrusting are deeper ingrained.
Fortunately, orthodontists have many tools to overcome these challenges. But braces at 17 may require more appointments and supplemental devices than braces at age 11 or 12. With maturity and diligence, braces can work well at age 17 before you head off to college or career.
How long do braces take at age 17?
Braces typically take 18-24 months at any age. However, braces at age 17 may take closer to 24 months since the teeth and jawbone are less responsive than at younger ages. Braces also tend to take a few months longer with more significant alignment and bite issues.
Duration of full braces at age 17:
- Mild crowding or spacing: 18-22 months
- Moderate crowding or spacing: 20-24 months
- Severe crowding or spacing: 22-26 months
Clear aligner treatment like Invisalign may also take a few months longer at age 17 than younger ages. Aligners have less force than braces and require full cooperation with proper wear and attachment care. But aligners can still effectively straighten teeth in most older teens.
Duration of clear aligners at age 17:
- Mild crowding or spacing: 18-24 months
- Moderate crowding or spacing: 20-26 months
- Severe crowding or spacing: 24-30 months
What are the costs for braces at 17?
Braces costs range from $3,000 – $7,000 depending on the extent of treatment needed. More complicated cases usually have higher costs. Without dental insurance, braces at age 17 may cost more than the average since longer treatment is likely needed. Options to manage costs include:
- Dental insurance – Covers up to 50% of braces costs for children and teens. Get quotes on plans with low or no waiting periods.
- Payment plans – Orthodontists offer flexible monthly payment plans spread over treatment time. Plans have little or no interest.
- Dental schools – Dental students provide low-cost braces under faculty supervision. The process takes longer but costs 1/3 less.
- Dental tourism – Travel to get braces in countries like Mexico or Costa Rica can save 40-50%. Factor in travel costs.
Talk to your orthodontist about ways to make braces affordable at age 17. It is an investment that pays dividends in confidence and oral health long-term.
What are alternatives to braces at 17?
If you are unable or hesitant to get braces at age 17, effective alternatives include:
- Clear aligners – Clear plastic trays like Invisalign are changed out weekly or biweekly to gradually move teeth. Less noticeable than braces.
- Lingual braces – Braces attached to the back of teeth instead of front. Fully hidden but more difficult to adjust.
- Ceramic braces – Braces with tooth-colored or clear brackets to blend in more than metal braces.
- Tooth removal – Extracting select permanent teeth can resolve crowding without braces.
- Premolar extraction – Removing the bicuspids creates space to straighten front teeth with less comprehensive braces.
- Delay treatment – Waiting until after college or starting a career to pursue braces or aligners.
Consult an orthodontist on the right option for your situation if you have hesitations about standard braces at age 17.
Do I really need braces at 17?
Only an orthodontist can determine if you need braces or orthodontic treatment at age 17. Consider the following factors:
- Does your bite align properly, allowing your front and back teeth to mesh?
- Is there spacing, crowding or significant overlapping of your teeth?
- Do you have jaw pain or teeth grinding from misalignment?
- Are your teeth, lips or jaw symmetrically aligned?
- Are you happy with the appearance of your teeth and smile?
Any signs of bite issues, misalignments or discomfort may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation. An orthodontist can discuss options to determine if braces could help even at age 17.
Will I need braces when I’m older if I don’t get them now?
It’s hard to predict with total certainty if you’ll need braces later in adulthood if you don’t get them in your teens. But these factors make braces more likely down the road:
- Existing bite alignment issues remain unaddressed.
- Teeth drift more out of position over time.
- Jaw growth ceases, losing a window for optimal correction.
- New dental issues like chipped teeth affect alignment.
- Gum disease causes tooth shifting or loss.
The American Dental Association conducted a study showing that 1 in 5 orthodontic patients are adults. It’s very possible you may pursue braces later if significant problems remain unresolved now.
Am I too old for braces at 17?
You absolutely are not too old for braces at age 17! In fact, 17 is still considered an ideal age for orthodontic treatment since you likely have all of your permanent teeth except wisdom teeth at this point.
While earlier treatment between ages 7-13 is preferable, orthodontists regularly treat older teens with great success. In fact, the average overall age for braces is between 11-14, so you’ll be right in that window at 17.
With modern orthodontic techniques, even adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond can get braces. While the process may take a few months longer at older ages, orthodontists have the skills and technology to straighten your teeth effectively even as a late teen. Don’t worry – you still have an excellent chance for an amazing orthodontic outcome at 17!
Is Invisalign an option at 17?
Yes, clear aligners like Invisalign work well for teenagers at age 17 and beyond! Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces that uses a series of clear plastic trays changed out every 1-2 weeks to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Benefits of Invisalign at 17 include:
- Virtually invisible so many people won’t notice them
- Removable for eating, brushing and special occasions
- Smooth plastic is more comfortable than braces
- Shorter appointments since no brackets or wires to adjust
- Teeth can be whitened in the process
Teens need compliance from parents since aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day to work. But Invisalign can be a great option to avoid a “braces look” at an older teen age.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are braces attached to the back of your teeth rather than the front. This hides the brackets and wires from view for a more discreet look. Lingual braces work well at age 17 for teens who want invisible orthodontic treatment.
Drawbacks of lingual braces include difficulty brushing teeth, some speech impairment, and higher costs. Impressions and fittings must be precise since the braces anchor to the tongue-side of teeth. But lingual braces are an effective “hidden” solution at 17 if you have concerns about braces appearance and social life.
Can I play sports with braces at 17?
Yes, you can still play sports at age 17 with braces! Protective mouthguards are highly recommended to avoid injury. Here are a few tips to make sports safer with braces:
- Get a custom mouthguard molded to fit your braces.
- Avoid high-impact sports like football or hockey that increase injury risk.
- Find sports like swimming, tennis or volleyball that pose lower risks.
- Ask your orthodontist about recommended sports.
- Wear headgear if playing contact sports like basketball.
- Make sure braces hardware doesn’t increase chances of cuts inside the mouth.
With some adjustments and precautions, braces shouldn’t limit playing the sports you love at 17! The benefits of finally getting the smile you want outweigh short-term inconveniences.
Can I get my prom photos taken with braces?
Absolutely! More and more teens are getting braces at age 17 right before senior prom. Your orthodontist can coordinate the timing of braces at 17 so they don’t interfere with your perfect prom photos. Here are some tips for great prom pictures with braces:
- Get clear or tooth-colored bands without shiny metal showing.
- Select braces on your top teeth only to hide them when smiling with an open mouth.
- Consider clear aligners like Invisalign that can be removed for photos.
- Pay for professional whitening to brighten the teeth around braces.
- Practice your picture smile ahead of time to find what looks best.
- Discuss options with your orthodontist and photographer for ideal images.
With a little preparation, you can get gorgeous prom pictures and memories that capture this special time in your life – braces and all!
Conclusion
Getting braces at age 17 is not too late! While earlier treatment has benefits, modern orthodontics can still effectively straighten your teeth and improve your smile as an older teen. With a little extra time and diligence, braces can help boost your confidence right before milestone events like high school graduation, prom and starting college. Discuss the right braces options and timing with an orthodontist to make your teenage smile dreams come true.