Is there an age limit for braces?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age when the gums and bone are healthy. Adults and children are evaluated differently because growth affects the options.
Orthodontics and braces
Orthodontics and Braces for Children and Adults in Southern California
Reviewed by Dr. Ammar Siddiqi, DDS, MBALast reviewed
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth and improves bite relationships using braces, clear aligners, or hidden braces, and the appliance depends on the diagnosis, the movements required, growth, and the patient's age and preferences. Conventional braces remain the reference for broad control of complex movements in children, teens, and adults; aligners and lingual braces suit selected cases. At Advanced Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Ammar Siddiqi provides orthodontic care, including braces, Invisalign, and InSmile hidden braces, at all three offices.
Key takeaways
- Braces treat crowding, spacing, and bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite in children, teens, and adults.
- Some problems are easier to address while a child is still growing, which is why an early evaluation can be useful even when treatment waits.
- Adult treatment is common; gum health, existing restorations, and bone condition are evaluated before teeth are moved.
- Every appliance carries risks such as soreness, hygiene challenges, root changes, and relapse without retainers.
- A written plan should state the appliance, the expected sequence, what is included, and the retention plan.
Start here
Request an appointment
Choose your preferred office. The team will follow up to confirm availability and the appropriate visit type.
When should a child be evaluated?
An orthodontic evaluation during childhood lets the clinician check jaw growth, the eruption of adult teeth, habits, and bite relationships. Many children do not need early treatment, and an evaluation often results in monitoring rather than appliances. When a growth-related problem is found, treating it in stages can be simpler than waiting. The American Association of Orthodontists publishes patient guidance on timing, appliances, and what to expect.
What can orthodontic treatment address for adults?
Adults are treated for crowding, spacing, relapse after earlier treatment, bite problems, and to prepare for restorative or cosmetic work such as veneers or implants. Because adults are no longer growing, some jaw relationships are managed differently, and gum health, existing restorations, bone condition, and tooth wear are evaluated first. Teeth can be moved at any age when the supporting tissues are healthy; moving teeth with untreated gum disease can cause harm.
How do braces work?
Examination and records
Teeth, gums, bite, jaw relationships, and growth are evaluated; photographs, scans, and imaging are taken when indicated.
Appliance selection
Conventional braces, clear aligners, or InSmile hidden braces are chosen for the diagnosis, the movements required, and the patient's preferences. Bite correction may add elastics, springs, or other auxiliaries.
Active treatment
Brackets bonded to the teeth hold wires that apply gentle, continuous force. Adjustment visits change the wires as teeth move. The length of treatment depends on complexity and cooperation.
Removal and retention
Brackets are removed and retainers are fitted. Retention continues long term because teeth can move.
How do braces compare with Invisalign and InSmile?
| Consideration | Invisalign clear aligners | Conventional braces | InSmile hidden (lingual) braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear removable trays; tooth-colored attachments may be visible at close range | Brackets and wires on the front of the teeth (metal or ceramic) | Brackets and wires bonded behind the teeth; not visible from the front |
| Removability | Removed for meals and cleaning | Fixed for the length of treatment | Fixed for the length of treatment |
| Compliance | Success depends heavily on wearing trays as prescribed | Does not depend on remembering to wear anything | Does not depend on remembering to wear anything |
| Range of movements | Appropriate for selected problems; some movements are less predictable | Broad control, including many complex movements | Similar control to conventional braces for many cases; candidacy is assessed individually |
| Speech and comfort | Temporary pressure and mild speech change when a new tray is inserted | Cheek and lip irritation early on; adjusted with wax and time | Tongue contact often needs an adjustment period for speech and comfort |
| Hygiene | Trays removed for brushing and flossing; trays themselves need cleaning | Cleaning around brackets and wires requires added care | Cleaning behind the teeth requires added care and specific tools |
| Retention afterwards | Retainers required | Retainers required | Retainers required |
| Who provides it at the practice | Dr. Siddiqi, Dr. Khoudari, Dr. Tedini, Dr. Liswi | Dr. Siddiqi | Dr. Siddiqi |
What are the risks, limitations and alternatives?
Possible issues with any orthodontic treatment include temporary pressure or soreness, irritation of the cheeks, lips, or tongue, speech changes while adapting, cavities or gum inflammation when hygiene is poor, unwanted tooth movement, root changes, and the need for refinements or a change of appliance. Moving teeth when gum health is inadequate can cause harm. Teeth can move after treatment, so retention is a long-term part of care whichever appliance is used. Patients should receive an individualized discussion of risks and alternatives, including limited treatment, monitoring, or no treatment.
What affects treatment time and cost?
Time and cost depend on complexity, appliance choice, records, the number of trays or adjustment visits, refinements, additional procedures, retention, and the patient's adherence to the plan. Advertised starting prices or monthly payments do not describe every case. Request a written estimate showing what is included, ask whether attachments, elastics, scans, refinements, retainers, and replacement trays are covered, and verify orthodontic benefits, age limits, lifetime maximums, and network rules directly with the insurer.
Offices, clinicians and financing
This treatment is offered at all three Advanced Dentistry & Orthodontics offices.
Advanced Dentistry & Orthodontics – Newport Beach
20072 SW Birch Street, Ste 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Request an appointment in Newport BeachAdvanced Dentistry & Orthodontics – Pomona
101 West Mission Blvd., #221, Pomona, CA 91766
Request an appointment in PomonaAdvanced Dentistry & Orthodontics – Brea
1800 E Lambert Rd # 160, Brea, CA 92821
Request an appointment in BreaClinicians who provide this care
- Dr. Ammar Siddiqi, DDS, MBA
Orthodontics
Financing options include Cherry, CareCredit, and in-house financing. Review the interest rate, promotional-period rules, fees, and total repayment in writing before choosing one. See the financing and insurance page. Dental benefits vary by plan; ask the office for a written estimate and verify benefits directly with your insurer.
Dentist-reviewed guides
Read before your consultation. Each guide names its reviewing dentist and lists its sources.
- Invisalign and orthodontics guide for Southern California
Aligners and braces compared, with candidacy, limitations, wear, risks, and retention.
- Invisalign clear aligners
Candidacy, wear, refinements, and retention.
- InSmile hidden braces
Lingual braces bonded behind the teeth.
- Questions to ask before clear-aligner treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every child who is evaluated need treatment?
No. Many evaluations end in monitoring. Early treatment is considered only when a growth-related problem is found that is simpler to address in stages.
Are ceramic or clear brackets available?
Bracket options are discussed at the evaluation. The choice depends on the movements required, hygiene, and preference; the appliance type does not change the need for retention afterwards.
How long does treatment take?
Timing depends on the diagnosis, the number and difficulty of movements, biological response, missed appointments, and cooperation with elastics or wear instructions. A responsible estimate is a range based on the individual plan.
Will I need retainers after braces?
Yes. Teeth can move after any orthodontic treatment, so retention is a long-term part of care.
Sources
These sources support general patient education. Individual diagnosis, treatment options, timing, and risks require an examination by a qualified dental professional.
- Clear-aligner and orthodontic patient FAQsAmerican Association of Orthodontists. Accessed 2026-08-05.
- AlMogbel A, et al. Efficacy of Clear Aligner Therapy over Conventional Fixed Appliances in Controlling Orthodontic Movement: A Systematic Review. PubMed PMID 38784075.PubMed. Accessed 2026-08-05.
Request an evaluation
An evaluation establishes a diagnosis and the options that apply to you. It is not a promise that a particular treatment is indicated.