Orthodontics: Is It More Difficult to Straighten Adult Teeth Than Children’s Teeth?

Orthodontics is necessary for people of all ages, but most orthodontic specialists recommend that treatment is done at an early age. However, that does not mean that adults can not have or do not need orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives. The question remains, is it harder to straighten adult teeth as opposed to children's teeth?

In this article, we discuss orthodontics and whether or not it is harder to straighten an adult's teeth as opposed to children. This is a question that many orthodontic specialists have mulled over time and time again. Being aware of the answer can be helpful to someone who is hoping to know more about orthodontics.

Keep reading to find out more!

What makes orthodontics treatment hard?

There is not one answer to this question. It depends on a few things such as oral health history, the reason behind the crookedness as well as the bone structure of a person's mouth. 

Current oral health conditions

If an adult is in need of orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth, then they will have to consider what their current oral health status is. Someone that has periodontal or gum disease present in their mouth will not be able to have orthodontic treatment done. Bone loss and tooth loss are at risk if orthodontic treatment is begun and gum disease is present. 

Reason for crookedness

Each person has crooked teeth for different reasons. Some are due to genetics while others are because of the way that the jaw is positioned. Over time, an adult's jaw changes and becomes set in place, while a child's jaw is still able to malleable. Because of this, an adult's jawbone is not able to be treated with orthodontics, if the jaw is the reason behind the crookedness.

Susceptible

Adult's mouths are much more likely to develop conditions during or after orthodontic treatment such as TMD or root resorption.

• •TMD is likely because the bone structure has already been in place for an adult lifetime, whereas a child's bone structure is still growing and changing
• •Root resorption is likely because an adult's tooth roots are established and have been in place for quite some time. Changing the shape and structure of an adult's tooth may put the roots at risk

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All in all, orthodontic treatment for adults versus children is not as risky, but that does not mean that it is more difficult. However, straightening adult teeth may be more difficult if a person's jaw has caused the crookedness or if there are any oral health problems present. It is important to note that straightening adult teeth can pose a risk of TMD or root resorption. Again, that does not make it impossible or too difficult to do. 

Give us a call or stop by our office so that we can help you further. We are here to help you determine whether or not orthodontic treatment is for you.

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