Who Cannot Wear Braces? Surprising Reasons You Need to Know

Common Reasons Some People Cannot Wear Braces

When we think about braces, we often picture teenagers with crooked teeth getting them straightened. But, not everyone is a candidate for braces. There are certain situations where braces might not be the right choice for you. It's a bit frustrating, I know, especially when you're ready to commit to a perfect smile. But trust me, understanding these restrictions can save you a lot of time and hassle later on.

Severe Gum Disease or Poor Oral Health

One of the most common reasons someone may not be able to wear braces is because of existing oral health issues. If you have severe gum disease or cavities that are untreated, braces can actually make things worse. The brackets and wires could irritate your gums, potentially leading to more damage.

I remember a friend, Sarah, who had been planning on getting braces for years. When she finally went to the orthodontist, they found that she had significant gum issues that needed to be treated first. It was frustrating for her, but ultimately, her dental health had to come first.

Insufficient Bone Growth

Another surprising reason some people can’t wear braces is due to insufficient bone growth. This is more of a concern with younger kids or teens who haven’t reached full skeletal maturity yet. If your jaw hasn’t fully developed, applying braces could lead to complications like improper tooth movement or bite issues.

A colleague of mine, Tom, found out the hard way that his jaw hadn’t fully matured at 15, which delayed his orthodontic treatment. His orthodontist explained that waiting until he was older would allow for better results. It was tough for him at the time, but it ended up being for the best.

Health Conditions That Could Make Braces Unsafe

Braces are generally safe, but for some people with specific health conditions, they can pose risks. These conditions include certain chronic illnesses or conditions that affect the teeth and gums.

Autoimmune Disorders

People with autoimmune diseases, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may find that braces exacerbate their symptoms. The inflammation and changes in the immune system can affect how the body responds to the pressure that braces apply to teeth.

I had a client once, Emma, who had rheumatoid arthritis. She was excited about braces but was advised against them by her orthodontist after some careful consideration of how her condition could affect the process. The potential for gum issues or irritation was just too high.

Severe TMJ Disorders

If you have a severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, wearing braces might not be the best option. TMJ issues can lead to pain and discomfort when pressure is applied to the teeth, especially with braces. Braces can sometimes worsen the pain or lead to jaw alignment issues.

I remember hearing from my cousin, Rachel, who had been struggling with TMJ for years. She wanted braces, but after discussing her condition with her dentist, she was advised to try other treatments like bite guards instead of braces. It's a shame, but it was better for her overall well-being.

Alternative Options for Those Who Cannot Wear Braces

If you're one of the people who can’t wear traditional braces, don’t worry! There are still options available to help straighten your teeth and improve your smile.

Clear Aligners

One popular alternative to traditional braces is clear aligners, like Invisalign. These removable trays work by gently shifting teeth over time. They’re a great option for people with mild to moderate alignment issues, and they’re also a good choice for individuals with health conditions like autoimmune diseases.

I had a friend, Jake, who couldn’t get braces because of a previous jaw injury. But he was able to use clear aligners instead. It was a game-changer for him, and he loved how discreet they were.

Veneers or Crowns

For those who have cosmetic concerns but not severe misalignment, veneers or crowns might be an option. While these don’t actually straighten the teeth, they can help make teeth appear straighter and more uniform in shape.

I once had a patient, Nina, who had minimal alignment issues but really disliked her smile. After discussing options, she went for veneers instead of braces and was thrilled with the results.

At the end of the day, if you can’t wear braces, it’s not the end of the world. There are other ways to improve your smile, and your orthodontist will help guide you through the best treatment options for your specific situation. Whether it’s clear aligners, veneers, or other methods, a beautiful smile is still within reach.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.