Adult Orthodontics
Although teeth can move at any age, adult orthodontic treatment can be complicated by dental wear and fractures, tooth loss and/or bone loss, and gingival recession or exposed roots.
For these reasons, adult treatment may require coordination between the orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist, endodontist, and family dentist to ensure complete rehabilitation of the bite.
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Appliances used in adult orthodontics
Metal braces are the most commonly used orthodontics appliances in adult patients. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive.
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Ceramic braces for adults
Ceramic braces, which are made of translucent materials, are commonly used in adult patients. In cases where the bite and crowding are less severe, clear aligners can be used to gradually move teeth into their correct position.
Mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices for adults
One of the new advances in adult orthodontics is mini-implants or temporary anchorage devices (TADs). These can help with difficult tooth movements such as closing large spaces which was impossible or very difficult to do in the past.
Clinical Cases
This patient’s upper jaw was very narrow causing an asymmetric bite with posterior crossbite.
Braces were used in combination with micro-osteoperforations (MOPS) to accomplish a difficult bite correction in just 8 months.
This adult patient presented with generalized spacing and a edge-to-edge anterior bite relation. Treatment with braces was able to close all spaces and established a normal and functional bite.
Adults also need to use retainers after treatment to maintain the stability of the new bite
