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
Contact us today!
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.
Are you considering orthodontics in the Miami area? Get more orthodontics information at https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Dental bridges are a non-invasive restorative option for replacing missing teeth. However, they require proper care and maintenance to maintain the bridge and the surrounding teeth and gums. A general dentist can provide personalized instructions on caring for one’s bridge according to its type, location in the mouth, and other factors. However, patients can get…
You may have heard of CEREC® crowns as an option for repairing your tooth, but you might wonder if more traditional crowns are better for you. The truth is that it is not a simple decision. Different options work better for different people. When you need a crown put on your damaged tooth, you should…
While traditional crowns take multiple appointments to apply, CEREC® options require just one dental visit. These same-day restorations are made in the dentist’s office immediately after the patient has been prepped and images of the mouth have been taken. As a result, patients can forgo making future appointments for the same crown. To better understand…
Many people start their search for a local dentist by typing "find a dentist near me" into the search box of their internet browser. However, finding a local dentist who provides high-quality care, feels comfortable, and meets your or your family's dental needs starts with knowing what to look for. Understanding the key features of…