Adult Treatment

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there’s no such thing as being too old for braces. However, the main difference in orthodontic treatment for adults compared to children or teens is that adults are no longer growing. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than treatment for children or teens with a similar problem due to the maturity and density of adult bones.

It’s also important to note that periodontal (gum) disease is more common in adults than in children. If the gum tissues are not healthy during orthodontic treatment, it can lead to bone loss and weaken the long-term prognosis of the teeth. Therefore, any gum disease must be addressed and controlled before starting orthodontic treatment. Additionally, regular professional cleanings are necessary during orthodontic treatment, along with maintaining good oral hygiene at home.

The duration of adult treatment depends on the complexity of the existing problems and the desired treatment goals. Treatment times vary for each adult patient and can range from 6 months (for minor, limited corrections) to 36 months (for complex treatments that may involve tooth extraction or surgery).