Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Orthodontic problems in adults range from minor crowding or spacing of teeth to more complicated problems involving replacement of missing teeth and treatment to correct anomalies of facial growth.

At Manuka Smiles, adult patients can choose from the various braces used in our practice or consider SureSmile or Invisalign®. Many adult patients are hoping to avoid visible braces and choose Invisalign®, clear and removable orthodontic appliances. This is a suitable option in many cases however not for everyone. If you’re considering Invisalign®, Dr. Pazios will discuss this option with you during your initial appointment. You might also be a candidate for SureSmile®, a technology that offers you a ‘braces experience’ with shorter treatment times, fewer office visits, less overall discomfort and high quality results.

Simple dental alignment for adults

A relatively common orthodontic problem for adults involves re-treatment following minor orthodontic relapse. This is usually easy to correct in adults, assuming good dental health is present. To keep the teeth straight after the treatment you will be required to wear retainers.

Routine adult orthodontic treatment

Many adults seek orthodontic treatment because they simply weren’t able to receive it as child or teenagers. In most cases the mode of treatment required is very similar to that for older teenagers and all treatment methods can be used except growth modification appliances.

The jaws in adults are not growing and therefore adult orthodontic patients require jaw surgery more often. Sometimes the size of the upper and lower jaws do not match closely enough to allow a good orthodontic result. This can be not aesthetic and is a potentially serious handicap to the functional chewing ability of the teeth. The only way to get an ideal dental relationship is to straighten the teeth and then to perform surgery on the jaws to correct the growth problem.

Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.