Why is orthodontics becoming more common among adults?
Adults seek orthodontic treatment not only for aesthetic reasons. Crowded teeth are harder to clean and prone to tartar build-up; bite problems can contribute to tooth wear, fractures or gum recession. In addition, moving the teeth into the right position before treatments such as bridges, implants or crowns helps these treatments to be planned more soundly.
Clear aligners are often the preferred option for adults who do not want visible metal brackets and who frequently speak, give presentations or meet clients at work.
Which problems can wire-free orthodontics treat?
- Crowding and rotated teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Deep, open and crossbite (those of dental origin and suitable cases)
- Teeth moving back after previous orthodontic treatment (relapse)
- Positioning teeth before prosthetics or implants
In severe skeletal jaw discrepancies, orthodontics alone may not be enough; in these cases combined planning of orthodontics and jaw surgery may be considered.
Points to consider in adults
Gum and bone health
For teeth to move, the gums and bone that support them must be healthy. If there is gum disease, it is treated before orthodontic treatment, and regular gum check-ups are recommended throughout.
Fillings, crowns and implants
Because implants fuse with the bone, they cannot be moved orthodontically; so planning takes existing implants into account. On crowned teeth the method of bonding attachments may differ.
Missing teeth
Where teeth are missing, neighbouring teeth tilt over time. Orthodontics can upright these teeth and create suitable space for an implant or bridge.
Jaw joint
If there is clicking, pain or limited mouth opening in the jaw joint, it is assessed and recorded before treatment.
Fitting in with work and social life
- Speech: A slight lisp on some sounds is possible in the first few days; for most people it passes quickly.
- Meetings and meals: The aligners come out for meals; afterwards brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth, and put them back.
- Coffee and tea: Drinking only water with the aligners in is recommended; hot and coloured drinks can stain the aligners and change their shape.
- Travel: Keep a spare aligner case, your next aligner and a toothbrush with you.
What does treatment length depend on?
Mild crowding of the front teeth alone may be corrected in a few months, while comprehensive cases that also need bite correction can take 12–24 months. The length is determined by the complexity of the problem, bone structure, consistent aligner wear and keeping to check-ups. The exact duration is discussed after digital planning.
After treatment
In adults too, teeth tend to move back towards their old positions after treatment. That is why long-term, often indefinite, retention with a fixed wire or a clear retainer worn at night is recommended.