Orthodontics for Adults

Adults often question if they are candidates for orthodontic treatment and for most people it is never too late to be your best. Today, adults make up about one in every five orthodontic patients.In our clinic more than 150 parents and children are getting braces together.

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Orthodontic forces move teeth in the same way for both adults and children.Orthodontic treatment can help correct crowded teeth or spaces that you have been self-conscious about for years. It can give you the confidence and pride that comes with straight teeth and a great smile.

Orthodontics in adults can help in maintaining dental health.Untreated misaligned teeth can lead to other dental problems including abnormal wear of the surfaces of the teeth and difficulty in chewing. Advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable than ever with improved outcomes for people of all ages.

Many options are available today to minimize the appearance of braces. Appliances today are smaller and sleeker and some are almost invisible. Invisalign , ceramic brackets and lingual orthodontics are the new orthodontic treatment systems offered by our office. In this-completely clear braces system arch-wires and brackets are clear and work in the same way as traditional metal braces.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is orthodontic treatment for adults as effective as it is for children?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. For many, orthodontic problems can be corrected just as easy in adults as they are in children. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!

How does orthodontic treatment for adults differ from children?

Adults have stopped growing and some may have experienced extreme tooth decay, loss of teeth or bone loss. In this instance, orthodontics is only one step in helping an adult patient achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Working alongside your dentist, periodontist, endodontist and/or oral surgeon, we will ensure your orthodontic problem is managed well and works to complement all the other oral needs this patient has. Below are some common reasons adult treatment may differ from treatment for children:

•Damaged or missing teeth

•Lack of jaw growth

•Gum or bone loss

My dentist said I need to have some missing teeth replaced, but should have orthodontic treatment first. Why?

Many times, having orthodontic treatment prior to having missing teeth replaced helps to set a healthy foundation for achieving optimum results. Properly aligned teeth and correct bites allow more complex restorations like crowns, bridges and dental implants to be completed more easily and effectively.

Why would orthodontic treatment benefit me now if I’ve had crooked teeth for years?

Orthodontic treatment not only restores the natural beauty of your smile and good function to your teeth and jaws, it helps to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem no matter how old you are.