Can You Get Orthodontic Treatment in Your 60s? A Six-Month Case of Partial Treatment for the Front Teeth with Periodontitis

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223.10~24.05

Hello.

This is Apgujeong Yonsei Baro Dental Clinic.

“I'm in my 60s. Is it okay to get orthodontic treatment now?”

Many people think orthodontic treatment should be done when you are young, but in reality, it is more important to first check the current condition of the teeth and gums than to focus on age itself.

Especially after middle age, some people begin considering orthodontic treatment as changes such as gaps developing between the teeth, the front teeth gradually moving downward, and the gums becoming swollen or receding appear.

Today, we would like to introduce a case of partial orthodontic treatment for the front teeth of a patient in their 60s whose front teeth had become spaced and moved downward due to periodontitis.

23.10

If no-prep veneers were placed in the current condition, the two central incisors would look excessively large, almost like doors.

The ends of the teeth that have moved downward could be reshaped to make them shorter.

However, the gap between the front teeth is about 3 mm. If each front tooth became 1.5 mm wider toward the center, the teeth might look like pieces of Xylitol gum.

23.10

In addition, the lateral incisors next to the central incisors are undersized teeth, so they are small.

If the central incisors became larger, the lateral incisors would appear relatively even smaller.

After explaining the situation, we decided to first improve the alignment and distribute the space through partial orthodontic treatment for the front teeth so that no-prep veneers would be possible.

24.03

If you have periodontitis, your gums should be checked before orthodontic treatment.

When periodontitis is present, simply moving the teeth is not the only priority.

First, it is necessary to control swollen gums and inflammation through scaling and gum treatment.

For this patient as well, the gum condition was addressed first, followed by partial orthodontic treatment for the front teeth.

The front teeth were moved using MTA mini-tube appliances. By the fifth month of treatment, the heights of the two central incisors that had moved downward were beginning to align.

During this process, the gap between the front teeth also naturally decreased.

In addition, because the right canine had moved downward, treatment was also performed using a mini-screw to level the occlusal plane.

The two central incisors that had moved downward moved upward and began to reach the same height by the fifth month of treatment.

During this process, the gap between the central incisors naturally narrowed.

Although this was partial orthodontic treatment, the right canine had moved downward, so a mini-screw was placed and treatment was also performed to make the occlusal plane horizontal.

24.04

In the seventh month of orthodontic treatment, the orthodontic phase was completed, and preparations for no-prep veneers began.

24.04~24.05

The appearance before and after no-prep veneer treatment.

Why the black triangles were not intentionally eliminated 100%

The before-and-after photos show that a small space remains near the gums between the front teeth.

This is commonly called a black triangle.

From a cosmetic perspective, you may want to fill this space completely, but closing every space unconditionally is not always best.

If the space between the teeth is made excessively narrow and becomes difficult to clean, food debris and plaque can accumulate more easily, which may also be unfavorable for gum health in the long term.

Therefore, for this patient, we improved the visible areas as naturally as possible while leaving enough space for the patient to clean independently with an interdental brush.

For patients who have had periodontitis in the past, it is especially important not only to improve the appearance but also to create a form that can be maintained after treatment.

24.04~24.05

The color was matched to a natural tone.

Now, here are the comparison photos.

23.10~24.05

23.10~24.05

23.10~24.05

This is how it looked after the wire retainer was placed.

Initial visit - Front teeth - After no-prep veneer treatment

These photos are shown in order: at the initial orthodontic consultation, after orthodontic treatment, and after no-prep veneer treatment.

As important as it is that the treatment has been completed successfully, maintenance is also important.

Because the patient had severe periodontitis, thorough care will be necessary to prevent recurrence.

“I'm in my 60s. Can I still get orthodontic treatment?”

It is certainly worth having a consultation.

Being older does not automatically make orthodontic treatment impossible.

However, unlike orthodontic treatment in your 20s or 30s, after middle age it is important to examine the health of the teeth and gums more carefully and develop a treatment plan accordingly.

Especially when the front teeth are spaced or have moved downward, or when the gums frequently swell or there is a history of periodontitis, it is important not simply to close the gaps but first to determine why the teeth changed in that way.

As in this case, appropriately combining orthodontic and prosthetic treatment can allow a treatment plan to be developed that improves both dental function and appearance, even for patients in their 60s.

If you have been thinking, “I'm too old, so orthodontic treatment must be difficult,” first have the current condition of your teeth and gums accurately evaluated.

Orthodontic clinic for middle-aged patients in Gangnam

At Apgujeong Yonsei Baro Dental Clinic, we will work with you to find a treatment method suited to your condition.

https://ysbaro.co.kr/