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Adults
are increasingly seeking orthodontic treatment. This is usually
for one of four reasons.
- Treatment
was not undertaken as a child.
- There
has been previous treatment but there has been some relapse
or additional treatment is necessary.
-
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.
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Adults don’t grow. In fact, their faces do grow but
only very slowly, certainly not enough to help with treatment.
Growth is an important factor in the treatment of children.
-
The rate of tooth movement is slower in adults in the early
part of treatment. Subsequently, the rate increases to be
similar to that of children, about 1mm per month.
-
The teeth and gums can be in poor condition. The older the
patient, the more likely this is to be a problem.
Limitations
of adult orthodontics
The differences between adults and children impose certain
limitations but successful treatment is nevertheless possible
in the great majority of cases. In a small number of patients,
it is necessary to collaborate with a maxillofacial surgeon
for correction of jaw position.
Treatment
planning
In summary, adults seek treatment for a variety of reasons
and have varying aspirations. This means that when planning
treatment, we recognise that adult orthodontic patients are
all different. We think in terms of a problems list, establishing
priorities, and mutual agreement on treatment aims.
Treatment
The great majority of adult patients wear upper and lower
fixed appliances, usually taking advantage of tooth coloured
ceramic brackets for the upper front teeth. Most adult patients
wear 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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