Can braces or aligners close gaps?

Adults can usually have orthodontic treatment if their teeth, gums and bone support are healthy enough. Adult plans may need closer attention to gum health, existing dental work and long-term retention. Adult teeth move more slowly than a teenager's because the bone is denser and growth has finished, so treatment can take somewhat longer, and gum disease must be controlled before it starts. Many adults choose aligners or ceramic or lingual braces because they are less noticeable at work.

Clear aligners can suit some teenagers if they can wear them consistently and keep them safe. Braces may be more predictable where compliance, tooth eruption or complex movement is a concern. Aligners need to be taken out for meals and brushed after, and lost or broken trays delay treatment, so parents and clinicians usually look at how reliable the patient is before recommending them. For under-18s, NHS funded treatment is generally provided with fixed braces rather than aligners.