The biological process of orthodontic treatment is the same, regardless of age. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children and teens, especially if treatment focuses on aligning teeth rather than altering jaw structure.

Adult orthodontic treatment differs from treatment for children and teens in several ways, primarily due to differences in growth, oral health and lifestyle considerations.

In addition to the lack of growth potential, adults are often present with already worn and damaged dentition, existing periodontal concerns, extensive restorative treatments (crowns or veneers), missing teeth, implants and less than ideal TMJ function. However, none of these are contra-indications to the orthodontic treatment but challenges we are trained to navigate around.

Here are the key distinctions:

1. Skeletal Maturity: Adult treatment often focuses on aligning teeth and improving bite without altering jaw structure. Cases in which the change in jaw position is desired may require TAD’s or surgery in addition to Invisalign treatment or braces.
2. Gum and Bone Health: Adults may have periodontal (gum) issues, bone loss or other dental concerns that need to be managed during treatment.
3. Compromised Dental Health: Adults may have worn, damaged or missing teeth, requiring treatment plans that address these issues alongside alignment.
4. Treatment Options and Goals: Adults typically prioritize discreet treatment options, like clear aligners or ceramic braces, to maintain aesthetics. Treatment also focuses on addressing functional issues, such as bite problems and TMJ concerns, that may have developed over time.
5. Treatment Time Adult treatment can take longer due to slower bone metabolism. However, many adults are pleasantly surprised by the actual time required to address their specific concerns. With our extensive experience and advanced technology, most adult treatments are completed within a six to 18 month time frame.
6. Lifestyle Considerations Adults often prefer discreet, low-profile appliances for aesthetic reasons and seek flexible treatment plans to accommodate busy schedules, with options for fewer visits, shorter appointments or appointments outside regular hours. For those reasons, we do offer late afternoon and weekend appointments.
7. Multidisciplinary Approach: Adult treatment may involve a collaboration with other dental specialists to manage complex dental or restorative needs.
8. Psychological Readiness Adults are generally more motivated and understand the long-term benefits of treatment, leading to higher engagement and adherence to care plans.

Yes. In some cases, we may be able to move adjacent teeth and close those spaces. In other cases, we may need to maintain an open space for a bridge or an implant. Careful coordination of care with your family dentist and/or other dental specialists will allow us to choose the best possible treatment option in your particular situation.

Yes, the smile can get wider to a certain degree. However, many factors come into play, and the complexity of treatment to widen the smile depends on the nature and severity of the “narrow smile”.

Since growth has already been completed in adults, growth modification techniques are not possible. In less severe cases, we can mask the skeletal discrepancy by only moving teeth.

If severe discrepancy is present between the upper and lower jaws, we may need to coordinate care with a surgeon in order to get an optimal result.

Yes. Natural teeth with crowns, veneers and root canals can be moved. Only dental implants cannot be moved. However, even if you have dental implants, that does not mean that you cannot get orthodontic treatment.