Adult Orthodontic Treatment

You're never too old for orthodontic treatment. Modern orthodontic technology, including new treatment techniques, such as Invisalign®, and the use of high-tech materials, means that adults of ANY age can take steps to achieve beautiful smiles—without attracting a lot of attention.

Plus, orthodontia can help fix what you don't see. By age 35, about 75 percent of adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Crowded teeth are hard to maintain, and overcrowding may lead to gum disease and even tooth loss due to difficulty in cleaning. Working with an orthodontist can help prevent tooth decay, tooth pain, gum disease, and tooth loss, as well as address bite-related issues. Bad bites can result in abnormal tooth wear, difficulty in chewing, and damage to the supporting bone and gum tissue. Crooked teeth and bad bites may contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, pain, headaches, clicking and/or locking joints, and other problems.

But the most significant reasons that adults seek orthodontic treatment are the same as teenagers' reasons: to look better, feel better, and smile more confidently. No matter what your age (we’ve worked with patients as young as 80 years old!) you too can have a great looking smile?

How is adult orthodontic treatment different than treatment for children?
During the diagnosis process, Dr. Ensley considers the same basic factors to arrive at a proper treatment plan. However, some of these factors, such as gum and supporting bone status or the presence of other dental work, often can have more of an impact on planning for adults than for children.

Because your teeth have had more time to get comfortable in their current location, complications during treatment may not resolve themselves as readily for you as for a child. Remember, though, that significant orthodontic complications are extremely rare for both adults and children.