Adult Treatment

Will braces give children and adults the same results?

Orthodontics can be performed at almost every age, and the process is just as easy for adults in most cases. The force provided by braces and other orthodontic appliances moves teeth the same way for an adult as it does for a child. However, some complications, such as lack of jaw growth in an adult, may require specialized treatment. With the right orthodontist, you can receive customized treatment that directly addresses your unique concerns.

How is adult braces different than treatment for children and teenagers?

Since adults have stopped growing, a breakdown can occur of the teeth and jawbone that support the teeth. In such cases, this means the patient may require more than braces. To achieve your goals, you may instead require the combined efforts of an orthodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon, endodontist, as well as your family dentist. For regular orthodontic treatment, the process is the same for adults as for children. However, for adult braces, some factors to consider include:

1. Jaw Growth Issues
   An adult with a lower jaw that is too short and that doesn’t align with your upper jaw can experience severe bite problems. Braces may not help with this issue on their own, and surgery might be required. Orthognathic surgery can lengthen the lower jaw and move the lower teeth forward. Other jaw-width issues or incongruities with length may also require surgery.
2. Loss of Gum or Bone
   Damage to the gums and gum loss that supports the teeth are common as we age. These problems require the combined efforts of your dentist and a periodontist before, during, and after you receive orthodontic treatment. This is because the loss of bone structure can limit teeth movement and direction, which is required for treatment. By addressing these issues, you can see greater success in your adult braces treatment.
3. Teeth that are Worn or Damaged
   Worn, damaged, and missing teeth can lead to an unattractive smile and hinder oral function. Wear caused by age can cause teeth to move into improper positions, and missing teeth can cause the drifting and tipping of the remaining teeth. Each of these issues can lead to bite and gum problems.

While orthodontic treatment is recommended for these cases, such treatment may be more complex and require additional time to complete a full correction.

Can my orthodontist treat pain in my muscles and joints?

Discomfort in your jaw muscle or joints is commonly associated with teeth grinding, typically at night.

This habit can lead to wearing down teeth and problems with your jaw’s joint structure. You can also experience acute pain, in some cases chronic pain. Treatment may involve using a bite splint or a night-guard to protect your teeth and ease your jaw muscles, both of which can alleviate the pain. If you suffer from structural damage caused by this, you may require joint surgery and the restoration of any damaged teeth.

Do I need orthodontic treatment before replacing missing teeth?

If a missing tooth was crowded, there may not be enough room to replace it. To ensure that you have continued health, some orthodontic treatment may prove necessary to get your mouth ready for a replacement tooth. Complex tooth restorations can be more effectively treated when your remaining teeth are in proper alignment. Replacement options can include:

• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dental implants

When you lose your permanent teeth, the remaining teeth can begin to tip, drift, and shift. This type of movement can create a bad bite and uneven teeth spaces. To correct your bite, we recommend the replacement of any missing teeth if you hope for orthodontic treatments to have the full effect.

I have had crooked since I was a child? Why should I have orthodontic treatment now?

In short, it is never too late to get the smile you want. In addition, by getting orthodontic treatment now, you can avoid future complications. You might not have trouble from your teeth now, but untreated misalignment can come back to bite you in the future!