Yes, adults can get braces at any age, and there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. An increasing number of adults in the UK are choosing to straighten their teeth, driven by advances in discreet options like Invisalign and ceramic braces that were not widely available a generation ago.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we fit adult braces regularly for patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Whether your teeth have shifted over time, you missed out on orthodontic treatment as a child, or you want to complete treatment that was started years ago, adult braces can deliver excellent results.
The “train track” metal braces of the past are no longer the only option. Today, adults can choose from several types of braces, many of which are virtually invisible during daily life.
| Brace Type | Visibility | Removable? | Best For | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invisalign clear aligners | Nearly invisible | Yes — removed for eating and cleaning | Mild to moderate misalignment | 6-18 months |
| Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces | Low visibility | No — fixed to teeth | Moderate to severe cases | 12-24 months |
| Lingual braces | Invisible (fitted behind teeth) | No — fixed to teeth | Patients wanting zero front visibility | 12-24 months |
| Traditional metal braces | Visible | No — fixed to teeth | Complex or severe misalignment | 12-30 months |
Invisalign is the most popular choice among adults at Pure Smiles because the aligners are removable, transparent and allow normal eating and oral hygiene. For more complex cases, fixed braces may be recommended for greater control over tooth movement. learn more
As an adult, the choice to get braces is yours. You select the treatment that suits your lifestyle and budget — including options like Invisalign that parents may not have considered or been able to afford during your childhood. This personal investment often results in greater commitment to wearing aligners and attending appointments.
Teeth naturally shift throughout life. Even if your teeth were straight as a teenager, crowding, gaps or bite changes can develop in adulthood. Conditions such as jaw joint pain (TMJ), uneven tooth wear and difficulty cleaning overcrowded teeth are more common in adults — and all can be improved with orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is not something that was universally accessible in previous decades. It is significantly more available now, with a wider range of options and more affordable payment plans. Many adults at our Fulham practice are straightening their teeth for the first time, taking advantage of options that simply did not exist when they were children.
Straighter teeth are easier to clean. Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where plaque accumulates, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Correcting alignment reduces these hard-to-reach areas and makes daily brushing and flossing more effective. learn more
The mechanics of moving teeth are the same at any age. However, there are some practical differences between orthodontic treatment for adults and children.
| Factor | Adult Braces | Childhood/Teenage Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment duration | Slightly longer — adult bone is denser | Typically shorter — growing bone is more adaptable |
| Motivation and compliance | High — personal decision and investment | Variable — depends on the child |
| Choice of brace type | Full range including Invisalign, ceramic, lingual | Often limited by parental budget |
| Oral health considerations | May need gum disease or decay treated first | Usually healthier starting point |
| Retention (post-treatment) | Permanent retainer or nightly wear recommended | Same — retainers essential at any age |
Adult treatment may take a few months longer than the equivalent treatment in a teenager, but the results are equally effective. The most important factor in a successful outcome is compliance — wearing aligners as instructed and attending all scheduled appointments.
Pure Smiles has been providing orthodontic treatment to adults and children in Fulham since 2009. Our approach focuses on thorough assessment, clear communication and a comfortable experience — especially for patients who may feel self-conscious about starting braces later in life.
We offer:
Book your orthodontic consultation by calling 020 7736 6276 or visiting our website. learn more
Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case and the type of braces used. Invisalign for mild to moderate alignment issues typically takes 6 to 18 months. Fixed braces for more complex cases may take 12 to 24 months. Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) will provide an estimated timeline at your consultation.
Braces cause mild discomfort for a few days after each adjustment or new aligner tray, as your teeth begin to move. This is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. The discomfort decreases as treatment progresses and your teeth settle into their new positions.
Yes, retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back. At Pure Smiles, we typically recommend a fixed wire retainer bonded behind the front teeth combined with a removable retainer for night-time wear. Retainer wear is a long-term commitment for lasting results.
