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.
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 |
|
After |
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.
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 |
|
Upper crowns
Lower brace |
|
Lower teeth
straightened |
Final result |
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 |
|
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.
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.
Nightguard |
|
Nightguard in place |
See Orthodontics
for Children and Adolescents
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here to view some of other case studies from
our clinic.
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