Orthodontic treatment for adults

Are you an adult who has been putting off seeing an orthodontist because you think you’re too old to wear braces on your teeth? Then we’ve got some really good news for you! Adult orthodontic treatment is more common than ever before as an increasing number of adults have discovered that braces aren’t just for kids anymore.

With a wide variety of braces, like clear ceramic braces and Invisalign® aligners, it’s no wonder so many adults are choosing to perfect their smiles!

How adult treatment differs from earlier treatment

While orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients of all ages, there are a few differences between adult and kid’s orthodontic treatment.

Physical differences: There are physical differences between kids and adults that affect how orthodontic treatment works. In an adult, the jaw is no longer developing and growing, making it impossible to change the actual structure of the jaw. But with a child, we can take advantage of the fact that he/she is still growing by influencing the growth and development of the jaw using braces or other appliances. If an adult needs changes made to his/her jaw, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be necessary in conjunction with braces in order to properly align the teeth and jaws.

Gum health differences: Whether you’re an adult, a kid, or a teenager, your gums must be healthy before orthodontic treatment can start. This is because braces and aligners put constant pressure on the teeth to prompt them to move through the gum tissue. While kids generally have healthy gums, many adults have some form of gum disease. If you’re an adult who wants to start treatment and you have any sign of gum disease, you’ll have to improve the health of your gums before you can start wearing braces or Invisalign.

Better compliance among adults: Adults are usually more cooperative than kids when it comes to making all their appointments and following directions about caring for their teeth and braces. This good patient compliance helps make the adult treatment process smoother and faster.

Contact Charlottesville Orthodontics for adult treatment today!

If you’re an adult who’d love to have a healthy and beautiful new smile, we’d love to help you achieve just that! With three convenient office locations in Charlottesville and Zion Crossroads, it couldn’t be any easier to get the smile of your dreams! To get started on your orthodontic journey, please request an appointment today. We can’t wait to meet you soon!