Orthodontic treatment for adults is a fast growing area. It would seem that this interest is expressed by two particular groups of adults. The first group comprises adults who have not had orthodontic treatment as children, perhaps through their own reluctance as adolescents or who simply slipped through the net. This group often demonstrates significant malocclusion and requires comprehensive treatment. The second group comprises those adult patients who require complex restorative procedures to control dental disease and /or replace missing teeth. Often this group requires adjunctive orthodontic treatment to enable the restorative procedures to be effectively achieved.

Today, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult. It is well recognized that when left untreated, many orthodontic problems may become worse. When you have a malocclusion, your teeth may be crowded, excessively spaced or may not fit together correctly. Such conditions may lead to dental health problems. Crowded teeth are hard to clean and, given time, may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Bad bites can also result in abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing and damage to supporting bone and gum tissue. Poorly aligned teeth can contribute to pain in the jaw joints.

You’ll be pleased to learn that orthodontic treatment will fit in with your current lifestyle – you can sing, play a musical instrument, dine out, kiss, and even have your picture taken. One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

The rate of toothlessness has declined over recent decades.  Our great-grandparents, for the most part, lost their teeth around age 40.  Today’s 25-year-old has the potential of another 75 years of keeping and using their teeth.  This is a major change in dental health care (and life expectancy).  Teeth that do not fit well often wear down more quickly—another reason to make sure that your teeth are in good alignment and well maintained in your adult years.