#BodyTalkWithCosmo: Braces at 30? Here's everything you need to know before you commit

Gone are the days when braces were reserved for teenage awkwardness and school photo day. Today, more and more adults—yes, including those in their 20s, 30s, and beyond—are investing in orthodontic treatment, not just for the perfect selfie smile, but for serious functional health benefits too.

But before you panic about metal wires in your work Zoom calls, take a deep breath: adult orthodontics has evolved, and the process is way more manageable than you think. To break it all down, we spoke to a preventive and pediatric dentist and founder of 32 Reasons Multispeciality Dental Centre, Dr Reshma Shah, about everything you need to know before taking the leap.

First of all, can you even get braces as an adult?

Short answer: absolutely. “There’s no age limit for straightening your teeth,” says Dr Shah. “If your gums are healthy and you don’t have any severe bone loss, you're good to go.” In fact, adult patients often make better candidates for treatment because they're typically more compliant. “Adults are motivated. They understand the process, they maintain oral hygiene better, and they usually have very specific goals,” she adds.

Okay, but is it just for looks?

Not at all. While aesthetics may be the entry point, the benefits of braces go far beyond surface-level alignment.

“We’re not just fixing for pretty,” says Dr Shah. “A lot of adult patients have functional issues—teeth grinding, jaw pain, even sleep disorders caused by misalignment. And when you fix those, the bonus is that their smile improves too.”

What many people don’t realise is that oral health is deeply connected to overall health. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which can lead to plaque buildup, gum infections, and chronic inflammation. And this can escalate into more serious issues. “There’s a huge link between periodontal health and cardiovascular health, but it’s not something most people—or even most doctors—talk about,” she explains. “I’ve had cardiologists refer patients to us before surgery, just to check for any underlying dental infections. Because if bacteria from your gums enter your bloodstream, it can cause complications during or after cardiac procedures.”

Ignoring alignment issues can also lead to headaches, neck strain, poor digestion, and even sleep apnea. “When your bite is off, your body compensates—your jaw muscles, your posture, even how you chew and breathe are affected. Over time, that throws your whole system off balance.”

So, are clear aligners the only option?

While clear aligners like Invisalign and Flash (an Indian brand) are popular among adults for being discreet, traditional metal braces and ceramic options are still widely used, especially in complex cases.

“Aligners are great for mild to moderate corrections,” says Dr Shah. “They’re removable, easier to clean, and they look almost invisible, which is why many working professionals prefer them. But if your case requires major movement, we may still recommend fixed braces.” Your orthodontist will guide you based on your bite, budget, and how involved you're willing to be.

Do you have to remove wisdom teeth before starting?

This is one of the most common adult queries—and the answer is, it depends. “If your wisdom teeth are impacted or pushing your other teeth out of alignment, we may recommend removing them,” says Dr Shah. “But if they’re not causing any issues, we can work around them.” In other words: don’t assume extraction is a must. Get evaluated first.

What if you already have crowns, caps or fillings?

Good news—you can still go ahead with braces or aligners. “Many adult patients have had dental work like crowns or root canals, and that doesn’t disqualify them,” she explains. “We just take those restorations into account when planning your treatment. In fact, sometimes we even correct spacing around crowns to improve how they function.” So, whether it's a cap from a decade ago or a new filling, your ortho plan can work around it.

What about cavities or gum issues?

If you have active cavities, gum disease, or infections, these need to be treated before you start any alignment process. “Your foundation needs to be healthy,” says Dr Shah. “We’ll do a complete dental check-up first and take X-rays. Any underlying issues—like decay or gingivitis—must be addressed so the treatment doesn’t cause more harm than good.”

How long does it take?

On average, most adult treatments last 12–18 months, but it can vary based on your case and how consistent you are with wearing your aligners (if that’s the route you choose). “Some people start seeing visible changes in a few weeks, which keeps them motivated,” she says. “But full correction takes time. We also add a few months for retention—wearing retainers after your braces come off—to keep everything in place.”

Is it painful?

Let’s be real—it’s not pain-free, but it’s not as bad as you imagine. “You’ll feel pressure or tightness for the first few days after a new tray or wire change. Some people feel mild soreness, especially when eating,” says Dr Shah. “But it’s manageable with soft foods and maybe a painkiller on Day 1.”
Pro tip? Don’t schedule your tray change right before a big event or wedding shoot.

What does it cost?

Braces and aligner treatments can range from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000+, depending on the type, duration, and city you’re in. “It’s an investment,” Dr. Reshma admits. “But when you factor in the long-term health benefits—preventing tooth wear, reducing headaches, fixing bite issues—it’s worth every rupee.” Some clinics offer EMIs, so you don’t have to pay it all upfront.

So… who should you see?

Always go to a qualified orthodontist or a clinic that works with one. Avoid DMs from sketchy ‘aligner startups’ or flashy Insta ads that promise magic results in 6 weeks. “A proper dental evaluation, X-rays, and a treatment plan customised to your face and jaw is non-negotiable,” warns Dr Shah. “No filters or quick fixes. Just safe, science-backed treatment.” 

Braces in your 30s are not weird. What is weird is ignoring your bite and letting it mess with your sleep, digestion, posture, and self-confidence. So if you’ve been putting off that ortho consult, maybe this is your sign.

Lead image: Pexels

Also read: From "get ready with me" to "come to therapy with me": The evolution of influencer oversharing

Also read: Expert-approved skincare and haircare launches you need to have on your radar