Adult Orthodontics: Embrace Your Smile at Any Age
Have you ever noticed that there seem to be more adults getting orthodontic treatment, whether it be with clear aligners or braces? You’re not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today are adults.
Orthodontic treatment is not just for improved cosmetics. Misaligned teeth can cause many dental issues, from excessive wear to gum disease and even challenges in everyday tasks like chewing.
It’s never too late to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether boosting your confidence with straighter teeth or addressing a dental concern, adult orthodontic treatments may be for you. Adult orthodontics ensures both aesthetic and functional improvements and provides confidence that lasts a lifetime.
A Complete Guide to Adult Orthodontics
Being older does not prevent you from getting orthodontic treatment. Our teeth can naturally shift as we age, and that can be detrimental to our oral health and affect our confidence. Whether your motivation is cosmetic or health-driven, remember; that it’s never too late to reinvent your smile.
You deserve the self-confidence that comes with a radiant smile and the associated health benefits of properly aligned teeth and bite. Modern advances in orthodontic technologies make it easier than ever to improve your smile. Today’s esthetic treatment options are better suited to adult lifestyles.
From cosmetic braces to clear aligners, adult patients have more options than ever before.
Breaking Free from Social Stigmas of Adult Orthodontics
There’s a prevailing myth that braces and orthodontic treatments are exclusively for teenagers. However, seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult isn’t about vanity but health, confidence, and overall well-being. The value and benefits of adult orthodontic treatment continue to become better understood and accepted.
Why You May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can fix many teeth and jaw alignment issues. Even as an adult, you may benefit from treatment if you are experiencing any of the following orthodontic problems:
Overcrowding
Overcrowding happens when the jaw lacks space for all adult teeth, causing them to become crooked or overlap. This issue affects children and adults and can lead to problems with hygiene, difficulty chewing or speaking, and lower self-esteem. Treatment often includes braces or clear aligners.
Overbite
An overbite, or deep bite, occurs when the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower ones. It can result from genetics, oral habits, or tooth loss. Untreated, it may cause tooth wear or require restorative work. Adults can correct overbites with braces, clear aligners, or sometimes surgery.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth. Though less common, it can affect oral health, appearance, and function. Treatment with braces or clear aligners can improve chewing and speech, as well as reduce jaw pain and tooth wear.
Open Bite
An open bite is a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. It affects chewing, speech, and appearance. Adults can treat it with braces or clear aligners, leading to better function, oral health, and aesthetics.
Jaw Pain
Orthodontic treatment can relieve adult jaw pain, often linked to wisdom teeth. These teeth can cause crowding and misalignment, which braces or aligners can correct. In some cases, removal may be needed to prevent further issues.
Tooth Wear or Decay
Misaligned teeth can cause uneven enamel wear, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. They’re also harder to clean. Orthodontic treatment helps align teeth, improving bite function, oral hygiene, and long-term dental health.
Gum Disease
Gum disease starts as gingivitis and can progress to a serious infection. Misaligned teeth make cleaning harder, increasing plaque buildup. Orthodontic treatment improves alignment, making oral hygiene easier and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
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Braces
Composed of brackets that are affixed to teeth and wires that are threaded through slots in the brackets.
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Aligners
Clear, thin, plastic-like trays that are formed to fit an individual’s teeth. Patients are responsible for insertion and removal.
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Retainers
Removable, clear, thin, slightly flexible, and made of a plastic-like material. They fit the exact shape and placement of the teeth.
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Elastics
Elastics are tiny rubber bands that apply extra force to a tooth or teeth in ways that braces alone cannot. This helps teeth move into their ideal positions.
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Mouthguards
A mouth guard is used by athletes of all ages to protect teeth from trauma during competitive and individual sporting activities.
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Orthodontic Surgery
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect the ability to bite, chew and speak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse our list of adult orthodontics FAQs. If you can’t find an answer to your question, contact us and we will supply you with an answer and any other information you may need.
Start Your Orthodontic Journey with an AAO Orthodontist
It’s never too late to take control of your oral health and smile. We can find the right orthodontist near you and help you choose the best treatment plan for your lifestyle. The AAO represents over 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Search our network of orthodontic professionals and experience the life-changing benefits of orthodontic care today.
