Adult Orthodontics
- Treatment was not undertaken as a child.
- There has been previous treatment but there has been some relapse.
- The teeth were previously fine but have started to move.
- The general dentist plans to carry out restorative treatment but some orthodontic correction is necessary first.
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| Treatment started at 47 for this lady with crowding and a poor bite. The white fillings were done by her general dentist. | ||
Adult/child differences
There are differences when comparing the treatment of children and adults.
Essentially, adults don't grow (growth is a helpful factor in children), the teeth move more slowly and some older patients have gums and teeth that are in poor condition. These differences impose certain limitations but successful treatment is nevertheless possible in the great majority of cases.
Treatment
When planning treatment, we recognise that adult orthodontic patients are all different. We think in terms of a problems list we establish priorities, and mutual agreement is needed on treatment aims.
The great majority of adult patients wear upper and lower ceramic fixed braces followed by fixed retainers on a permanent basis after completion of treatment.
The Invisalign appliance is suitable for a number of adult patients. More information is presented on the 'Invisalign' page.
In our experience, adult patients are highly motivated, take great interest in the progress of treatment and are a joy to treat.
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Before treatment- and still smiling with perfect teeth |
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