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Adult Braces

Many adults are now having braces. Orthodontists are now able to offer much better materials and the science of orthodontics has improved so that even the most stubborn of teeth can be corrected.

What are the benefits?

Adults undertaking orthodontic treatment benefit from a better smile, but also from better oral hygiene. Crooked teeth can he hard to floss and brush, and can easily be prone to food deposits. Better alignment can lead to less trauma on gums and can help immeasurably to promote a better bite with less grinding pressure on the teeth.

Adult braces and retainers?
As we age, it does become more difficult for the teeth to be forced to move. It is also much more likely the teeth will 'travel' back to their original position is we don't use a retainer. Adult teeth have a strong 'memory' and are more difficult to correct than those of a teenager. Some adults may even have to use a retainer for the rest of their lives. Dental manufactures have a range of retainers. With teeth that are likely to travel, you can have a lingual retainer - that is on the inside of the teeth that is simply glued into position and is semi-permanent. Most people don't notice or, or quickly get use to the small band on the inside of their teeth.

What are the issues and problems with Adult Braces?
For the adult, the main issues are that the teeth will have a greater tendency to travel back to their original position before the orthodontic treatment. The adult bone is stronger and is much less pliable than a teenagers. Treatment will tend to be longer, and more difficult to keep in place. Some adults will have to wear a night retainer, for example, for the rest of their life after orthodontic treatment. Consumers now have a wide range of retainers to choose from, including permanent retainers, so the choices are now better. However, most adults thinking about braces do not think about the fact that once the teeth move, they are likely to move back.

Root Damage
Root damage is much more common in adult with severe long-term orthodontic treatments - 2 years plus, than with teens. Technically know as root resorption, see this link for a full detailed explanation, the pressure on your tooth from the prolonged treatment can lead to root damage and even the eventual loss of the root and hence the tooth.