For adults who have been thinking about orthodontic treatment for years, it can be a difficult position to be in. You might wonder if you’re better off just settling for the smile you have now, but Sohn Orthodontics would make a case for scheduling a consultation. We’re going to talk about the best orthodontic options for adult patients today.
Kids, Teens, and Adults: How They Compare
Let’s begin by talking about how age is a major factor in terms of how treatment goes. Oral anatomy changes dramatically over time, which can impact a lot of things, particularly how movement occurs.
Children (Ages 7–12)
- Treatment Goals:
- Early intervention (Phase 1 treatment)
- Guide jaw and facial growth
- Correct harmful oral habits (thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting)
- Create adequate space for permanent teeth
- Common Treatments:
- Palatal expanders
- Functional appliances
- Space maintainers
- Limited braces
Teens (Ages 13–18)
- Treatment Goals:
- Correct bite misalignment (malocclusion)
- Straighten permanent teeth and finalize jaw alignment
- Enhance aesthetic appearance and function
- Common Treatments:
- Traditional braces (metal or ceramic)
- Clear aligner therapy for teens
- Retainers post-treatment
Adults (Ages 19+)
- Treatment Goals:
- Correct long-standing orthodontic issues
- Improve smile aesthetics and oral function
- Common Treatments:
- Clear aligner therapy
- Ceramic braces (discreet options)
- Traditional braces
- Comprehensive bite and jaw alignment
Your Treatment Options
For our adult patients, we will select a course of treatment based on each individual case. We want to talk a bit more about how these treatments relate specifically to this age group.
- Metal Braces: We use these braces on numerous patients of all ages, including adults, due to their ability to be customized and help with tough treatments.
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- Highly effective for correcting severe orthodontic issues
- Often, the fastest route to certain tooth movements
- Generally more affordable compared to other orthodontic treatments
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- Clear Braces: It makes sense that adults favor clear braces in many cases, especially for their discretion in the workplace. They’re a good point of compromise between clear aligner therapy and metal braces.
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- Less noticeable than metal braces
- Effective for complex orthodontic issues
- Strong, durable, and resistant to staining
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- Clear Aligner Therapy: The least noticeable option we offer is clear aligner therapy. These help you achieve your new smile without any wires, brackets, or additional components, making them very popular.
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- Removable for easy eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
- Usually reserved for mild to moderate issues, as opposed to severe misalignment
Why Should I Consider Treatment?
You may have had perfectly aligned teeth when younger, but teeth don’t stop moving after adolescence. Over time, even teeth that were once straight can shift, leading to new gaps, overcrowding, or misalignment.
Issues caused by shifting teeth include:
- Difficulty brushing effectively
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- A decrease in your confidence about your smile
Adult orthodontic treatment can realign teeth that have shifted, helping you avoid these problems and keep your smile healthy.
More Information About Adult Orthodontics
These questions and answers can help shed further light on why Dr. Sohn recommends seeking treatment, but she will always be available to help provide further guidance during your experience at Sohn Orthodontics.
Q: How long does adult orthodontic treatment usually take?
Treatment duration varies based on case complexity, typically ranging from 12–24 months. Minor adjustments may require as little as 6–12 months, whereas complex cases or jaw alignment correction might take longer.
Q: Are adult orthodontics covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans at least partially cover orthodontics for adults, depending on your specific policy. Our office offers financing options and payment plans to make treatment financially accessible for anyone who needs it.
Q: Can adults still get orthodontics if they have missing teeth or restorations?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment can be customized to accommodate patients with existing restorations (like crowns, bridges, implants) or missing teeth. Orthodontics can also improve spacing or alignment before dental implants or other restorative treatments are even applied, as a foundational step.
Q: Do adults need to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment?
Retainers remain vital for adults to maintain their new alignment and prevent relapse. Our adult patients can expect to wear retainers nightly for life or as directed by Dr. Sohn, which is exactly the same for kids and teenagers who undergo orthodontic treatment.
Making the Right Call
Not every adult will need orthodontic treatment in their lives, but many could benefit from it on some level. The first step is simple: to visit Dr. Sohn for a free consultation. This will give us insight into what makes sense for your oral health. We would love to see you soon in our Bridgeville office!