Most of us want straight teeth, a healthy mouth and a great smile. There is no age limit at which we can start orthodontic treatment. Many of us did not have the opportunity to have braces as a teen. Some of us did not want braces as a teen! Others of us did not focus on wearing retainers after treatment.
All of us get forward shifting of our teeth as part of the aging process. If our teeth are crowded initially, it will get worse as we age.
Research has shown that crowded teeth are more difficult to keep clean and may lead to periodontal bone loss problems. Periodontal problems can also lead to medical conditions which may weaken the heart and lungs and lead to severe systemic problems. So straightening teeth is not just cosmetic!
Teeth can be straightened at any age as long as the bone and gum tissue are healthy. The adult orthodontic treatment population has increased significantly. In the U.S. adults over the age of 18 now make up approximately 30% of all orthodontic patients. There have been many improvements in orthodontic treatment to accommodate adult patients. There are many more esthetic treatment options for adults such as Invisalign clear aligners, behind the teeth (lingual) fixed braces and clear ceramic fixed braces, all of which we offer in our practice.
Adult treatment is different and definitely more complicated than adolescent treatment. I have a sub-specialty in adult orthodontics and I treat many adults in my practice. The teeth and the bite have to be coordinated more accurately with adults than with adolescents. As we age our jaw bone becomes more dense and harder so there is less tolerance of our teeth to an improper bite. The teeth may become loose if biting too hard on individual teeth.
That is why I use “articulated” study models in my practice. We place the models of an adult’s mouth on a special machine called a “Panadent Articulator” which shows the bite very accurately. We do this by having you bite into special waxes and place your dental models in these wax bites to correspond to the position of your upper and lower jaws. See my website for more information on the “Panadent Articulator.”
Also, an adult may be missing teeth. That means we have to open space for an implant or bridge replacement. Further, adults have completed all of their growth. It makes it more difficult to correct problems due to protruding or underdeveloped jaws because we cannot redirect an adult’s growth pattern. These issues can be addressed by an orthodontist with experience in adult orthodontic issues. I treat and have treated many adults in my practice and because of my extensive experience I am very comfortable treating adult orthodontic conditions.
As a result of my experience, I am less likely to extract teeth in adults that have moderately crowded teeth. I use some smoothing strips to go between the back teeth and reduce the contacts to allow me to align the front teeth. I then prescribe PreviDent 5000 toothpaste to remineralize the tooth contacts that have been reduced.
We also now have brand new technology in our office that eliminates the need for plaster impressions. There is no longer any need for goopy impression material in your mouth. We have an Itero digital scanner, which is wand like device, which takes a digital impression of your teeth. It then places a simulation of your teeth and bite on the computer. From that simulation I can properly coordinate the teeth and the bite. See my website for more information on the Itero.
It is also important for your general dentist to be in close communication with me when I am planning your treatment. In my office we act as the coordinating dentist for any other necessary specialists such as periodontists, root canal specialists or oral surgeons. I work with excellent doctors in the general and dental specialties and will give referrals to the appropriate dentists as required.
To Your Spectacular Smile
Anne C. Kossowan, D.D.S.