ADULT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age
One in four orthodontic patients is an adult. The truth is that leaving misaligned teeth untreated leads to other dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty chewing. Orthodontic treatment makes teeth fit together correctly, decreasing the risk of future dental problems.
Orthodontic treatment is more comfortable and less noticeable than ever.
You can have a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. No matter your age, if your teeth are overlapped, they can be hard to clean, which makes adults more likely to develop tooth decay. Teeth and jaws that are properly aligned are easier to keep healthy, reduce improper forces placed on the teeth, and improve the odds of keeping your teeth long-term.
Difference Between Adult and Teenage Orthodontics
The most significant difference in orthodontics for adults is that adults are no longer growing. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than treatment for teenagers with a similar problem due to the maturity and density of the bone adults have. For some adults, the orthodontist may need to call in other dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists and endodontists.
With adult patients, Dr. Valeriano will consider a few additional factors when determining the best treatment options, including:
As we age, our bones and oral tissues also change. Sometimes there will be insufficient bone mass, gum disease and even age-related bone loss. These issues may make it tougher to adjust the position of the teeth and longer to heal, making treatment longer.
In adult patients, it is more challenging to correct the bite because there is often not enough room in the mouth to create space for the teeth to move. Sometimes this means teeth may need to be extracted.
Many adults have had a tooth extracted in the past. Missing teeth can cause a couple of issues, including bone loss in the area of the missing tooth that needs to be replaced or a space that cannot be completely closed with orthodontic treatment.
Adults have developed oral habits that can impair treatment, including smoking, tongue thrust, clenching or grinding teeth. These habits may impact the length and outcome of adult orthodontic treatment, so they will need to be addressed to achieve your desired results.
Older patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a higher risk of root resorption, leaving a tooth unanchored. Also, adult patients have a greater risk of developing Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) during orthodontic treatment.
Why Should An Adult Consider Orthodontic Treatment?
- A crooked or misaligned smile can harm your oral health because crooked, crowded and misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, making people more susceptible to decay and gum disease.
- An improper bite causes an excessive force on certain teeth when you bite down or chew, leading to teeth chipping, cracking or breaking.
- Many pains you feel regularly may be caused by irregularities in your teeth and jaw, including headaches, jaw pain, and even ear pain.
- Braces will straighten your teeth and give you a naturally attractive smile.
- Often the misalignment of the teeth and jaws creates oral discomfort, which is a common complaint of older adults.
- Adults can benefit from the boost in self-confidence that a straight, healthy smile gives them.
- Many adults suffer from sleep apnea. Research suggests that orthodontic treatment may help sleep apnea because it adjusts the bones and tissues in the mouth that may obstruct your airway during sleep.
Let’s Get Started
REQUEST A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Not sure what your smile needs? Let our friendly, experienced team help you. Your first appointment is complimentary!
"*" indicates required fields