Adult Orthodontics
About one in four patients undergoing orthodontic treatment are adults. Orthodontic issues, such as misaligned teeth, can result in other dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, excessive toothwear and difficulty chewing. Adult braces treatment can improve your bite and in turn minimise the risk of developing these dental problems.
Many people believe that orthodontics is only for teens and children however the teeth continue shifting even in adulthood, causing a misaligned bite and crooked teeth. You can undergo orthodontic procedures at any age to improve your smile, whether for health or cosmetic reasons.
Orthodontic treatment is a good option for most adults. Like children and teens, adults benefit from the self-assurance of a confident smile, as well as the improved oral health benefits.
Advancements in adult orthodontics have made treatment less noticeable and more comfortable. Most treatments are designed to reduce the appliance’s appearance to fit into your lifestyle.
Adult Invisalign Crowding and worn lower teeth
What is the difference between adult and child orthodontics?
The primary difference between children/teens and adult orthodontics is that children are still growing and this growth within the jaw can be modified, additionally childrens bone is less mature and therefore tooth movements are easier and quicker in children. Adult treatment may therefore take slightly longer than treatments for children and teens with the same problem due to adult bone density and maturity.
Certain medications and habits, like grinding or clenching teeth, tongue thrusting, and smoking, can affect the result of the treatment.
Orthodontists always work with the patient’s family dentist during care as well as with other dental specialists, such as endodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons, to achieve the optimal outcome.
Common adult dental problems
- Overcrowding
Overcrowding occurs when there is not enough space within the jaw bone for the teeth to naturally align in an ideal position - Overbite
Also called a deep or closed bite, an overbite occurs when the upper front teeth cover the whole of the bottom teeth on biting together. - Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw or front teeth sit in front of the upper jaw or front teeth. - Protruding teeth
Protruding teeth occur when the upper front teeth project further forward and often the lower lip is trapped behind the upper front teeth which makes the top teeth look even more prominent. - Open bite
The upper and lower arch do not meet each other in an open bite. When you have an anterior open bite, the back teeth touch but the front teeth do not overlap at all and the front bite is open. - Jaw pain
Jaw pain can occur from several causes, including a bad bite. Other causes of jaw pain are trauma, stress habits (teeth grinding or clenching) and neuralgia (non-specific pain unrelated to functions or structures in the area). - Tooth decay or toothwear
While all teeth wear, misaligned teeth wear unevenly and faster than straight teeth. - Gum disease
Gum disease is a gum infection from plaque build-up and incorrect brushing techniques. Gum disease has three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
When is the right time for treatment?
Consulting an orthodontist will help you know if you need treatment. Orthodontists are highly trained specialist dental professionals who focus of diagnosing, preventing and treating issues related to the alignment and positioning of teeth and jaws. They have vast experience in adult orthodontics with the aim of creating a healthy and beautiful smile.
Treatment options in adult orthodontics
- Braces
Braces have brackets fixed to the teeth with a wire passing through the brackets to align the teeth. Fixed braces can be placed on the outside or the inside of the teeth and when placed on the outside of the teeth they can be made of metal, metal with a gold coating or eramic. - Aligners
Aligners are a series of clear, plastic, trays that are custom-made to fit the teeth. Aligners gradually move the teeth to the correct position and patients are responsible for their wear, insertion and removal. - Retainers
Retainers are devices orthodontists provide after treatment to prevent the teeth from moving. Different retainers are available, including removable or fixed retainers. - Archwires
Archwires fit in the brackets and provide the force that moves the teeth. - Elastics
Fixing the bite may require elastics connected between the upper and lower braces. Rubber bands or elastics help the upper and lower teeth fit properly, they are removable for cleaning and replaced every 24 hours. - Mouthguard
A mouthguard protects the teeth from dental trauma during sporting or competitive activities. Mouthguards ust still be worn when fixed braces are fitted and your orthodontist will advise you on the best moutguards for your case. - Orthognahtic surgery
Orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery that aims to correct skeletal problems that prevent chewing and biting properly. This is planned and provided alongside surgical orthodontics so that the bite following surgery can be carefully aligned.
If you have orthodontic issues and want to undergo an adult orthodontic procedure, visit Kingston Orthodontics or call us on 0203 002 2501 to consult one of our orthodontists.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on different factors, including the severity of the problem, the duration of the treatment and the type of appliance required.
You do not need insurance for orthodontic treatment however some insurers do assist with the cost of orthodontics.
Age isn’t a limiting factor for orthodontic treatment, your general and dental health are the main factors that the orthodontist will discuss with you at your consultation before formulating your orthodontic treatment plan.
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