Orthodontics for Adults
- Is it unusual for adults to have orthodontic treatment?
- Is adult orthodontic treatment successful?
- I’ve always had crooked teeth. Does in really matter?
- What are the most common orthodontic treatments for adults?
- What problems could make orthodontic treatment for adults more difficult?
- Can an orthodontist help my painful jaw muscles and joints?
1. Is it unusual for adults to have orthodontic treatment?
- More and more adults are having orthodontic treatment to correct crooked or crowded teeth.
- Orthodontics can make the teeth more attractive and more functional, by improving jaw alignment, and correcting “the bite“.
- Improved techniques have been devised for treating adults.
- Modern orthodontic braces are less obtrusive and adults are more willing to wear them.
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2. Is adult orthodontic treatment successful?
- Adult orthodontics is particularly successful for correcting crowding and jaw problems.
- Healthy teeth can be moved with braces at any age.
- Very similar treatments and appliances are used for children and adults.
Before |
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After |
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3. I’ve always had crooked teeth. Does it really matter?
- It does. Crooked teeth can prevent you from chewing properly, and lead to jaw joint problems.
- Improving “the bite” can make eating more efficient and comfortable.
- Crooked teeth affect your appearance and most people want to look their best at any age.
- People with unattractive teeth are often too embarrassed to smile. Orthodontic treatment enables you to smile with confidence.
- Looking better can make you feel better about yourself, and can increase your self-confidence.
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4. What are the most common orthodontic treatments for adults?
- Correcting crowding or crooked teeth.
Crowding |
- Closing newly developed or old spaces between teeth.
- Correcting the position and alignment of teeth
Teeth often tilt into gaps left by extractions. These teeth have to be moved into a more upright position.
This correction makes it possible to use replacement crowns, implants, fixed bridges, or removable partial dentures to replace the missing teeth.
- The photographs below explain what can be done for an adult, when the orthodontist, periodontist and prosthodontist all work together.
Before |
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Upper crowns Lower brace |
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Lower teeth straightened |
Final result |
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5. What problems could make orthodontic treatment for adults more difficult?
- Periodontal Disease
- Adults may suffer from periodontal disease, which is a deterioration of the gums and underlying bone.
- Periodontal treatment will be necessary before the orthodontic treatment can start.
- Tooth decay
- All dental decay should be treated before orthodontic treatment starts.
- It is less comfortable to have dental treatment after braces have been fitted.
- Abnormal jaw relationships
- The growth of the jaws has been completed in adults, and so this treatment is not always possible.
- In children, the ongoing growth of the jaw can be directed to correct the abnormalities that are present.
Lower jaw protrusion |
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Lower jaw protrusion |
- Worn down or broken teeth
- These must be built up or restored before orthodontic treatment can start.
- Lack of commitment
- Adult patients may find it hard to commit to long term treatment, especially to wearing braces for long periods.
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6. Can an orthodontist help my painful jaw muscles and joints?
- Your orthodontist or dentist will be able to diagnose the problem.
- This problem can be caused by the grinding and clenching of teeth.
- The action is unconscious and involuntary.
- The technical name for it is “bruxism.”
- Bruxism usually happens during sleep.
- It wears down the teeth, and causes stress and trauma to the jaw muscles and the teeth.
- The orthodontist will probably suggest a splint, bite plate or a nightguard to protect the teeth during sleep. This will also relax the muscles of the jaw.
- These devices should relieve and prevent the results of tooth grinding.
- The cause of the bruxism may be psychological, and may have to be treated by a suitable therapist.
See Bruxism
Nightguard |
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Nightguard in place |
See Orthodontics for Children and Adolescents
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