Orthodontics for Adults
- Is it unusual for adults to have orthodontic treatment?
- Is adult orthodontic treatment successful?
- I've always had crooked teeth. Does in really matter?
- What are the most common orthodontic treatments for adults?
- What problems could make orthodontic treatment for adults
more difficult?
- Can an orthodontist help my painful jaw muscles and joints?
1. Is it unusual for adults to have orthodontic treatment?
- More and more adults are
having orthodontic treatment to correct crooked or crowded teeth.
- Orthodontics can make the
teeth more attractive and more functional, by improving jaw alignment,
and correcting "the
bite".
- Improved techniques have
been devised for treating adults.
- Modern orthodontic braces
are less obtrusive and adults are more willing to wear them.
2. Is adult orthodontic treatment successful?
- Adult orthodontics is particularly
successful for correcting crowding
and jaw problems.
- Healthy teeth can be moved
with braces at any age.
- Very similar treatments
and appliances are used for children and adults.
Before |
|
After |
3. I've always had crooked teeth. Does it really matter?
- It does. Crooked teeth can
prevent you from chewing properly, and lead to jaw joint problems.
- Improving "the
bite" can make eating more efficient and comfortable.
- Crooked teeth affect your
appearance and most people want to look their best at any age.
- People with unattractive
teeth are often too embarrassed to smile. Orthodontic treatment enables
you to smile with confidence.
- Looking better can make
you feel better about yourself, and can increase your self-confidence.
4. What are the most common orthodontic treatments for adults?
- Correcting crowding
or crooked teeth.
Crowding |
- Closing newly developed
or old spaces between teeth.
- Correcting the position
and alignment of teeth
Teeth often tilt into gaps left by extractions. These teeth have to
be moved into a more upright position.
This correction makes it possible to use replacement
crowns, implants,
fixed bridges,
or removable partial dentures
to replace the missing teeth.
- The photographs below explain
what can be done for an adult, when the orthodontist,
periodontist
and prosthodontist
all work together.
Before |
|
Upper crowns
Lower brace |
|
Lower teeth
straightened |
Final result |
5. What problems could make orthodontic treatment for adults more difficult?
- Periodontal Disease
- Adults may suffer from
periodontal
disease, which is a deterioration of the gums and underlying
bone.
- Periodontal treatment
will be necessary before the orthodontic treatment can start.
- Tooth decay
- All dental decay
should be treated before orthodontic treatment starts.
- It is less comfortable
to have dental treatment after braces
have been fitted.
- Abnormal jaw relationships
- The growth of the jaws
has been completed in adults, and so this treatment is not always
possible.
- In children, the ongoing
growth of the jaw can be directed to correct the abnormalities that
are present.
Lower jaw
protrusion |
|
Lower jaw
protrusion |
- Worn down or broken teeth
- These must be built
up or restored before orthodontic treatment can start.
- Lack of commitment
- Adult patients may find
it hard to commit to long term treatment, especially to wearing
braces
for long periods.
6. Can an orthodontist help my painful jaw muscles and joints?
- Your orthodontist or dentist
will be able to diagnose
the problem.
- This problem can be caused
by the grinding
and clenching of teeth.
- The action is unconscious
and involuntary.
- The technical name for it
is "bruxism."
- Bruxism usually happens
during sleep.
- It wears down the teeth,
and causes stress and trauma to the jaw muscles and the teeth.
- The orthodontist will probably
suggest a splint,
bite
plate or a nightguard
to protect the teeth during sleep. This will also relax the muscles
of the jaw.
- These devices should relieve
and prevent the results of tooth grinding.
- The cause of the bruxism
may be psychological, and may have to be treated by a suitable therapist.
Nightguard |
|
Nightguard in place |
See Orthodontics
for Children and Adolescents
Click
here to view some of other case studies from
our clinic.
|
Client
Testimonials
This is a "must visit" if you are going to India
for any medical treatment....
Click here to read more 
Our trip to India
from USA was successful. We are very happy with the dental treatment we
got from Dr. Anshu. "The thing that struck me the most about Dr.
Anshu . Click
here to read more
.
|
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
