Adult Orthodontics

Over the last two decades the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has significantly increased and continues to increase. This is due to the fact that new methods and materials that are being used in orthodontics, have contributed to a faster, more efficient and highly esthetic orthodontic treatment.

In addition, another main reason that adults are seeking orthodontic treatment nowadays is the people’s desire to have a beautiful smile! Why? Because the eyes and the smile are the mirror of the soul.

How can adult orthodontic treatment help?

Contrary to peoples’ belief, the orthodontic treatment in adults can offer much more than just straightening teeth, such as:

• Expanding the upper jaw, providing a wider and fuller smile. As a result, when someone smiles, there are no visible gaps in the sides of the oral cavity.

• If someone has a gummy smile, thus showing many gums when smiling, this may be either fully corrected or improved.

• If the patient has a deep bite, i.e. the upper front teeth fully cover the lower front teeth, the orthodontic treatment can open the bite, the teeth are aligned and the smile is more beautiful and bright!

• If the front teeth are spaced out in a vertical or horizontal plane and thus causing lip incompetence, which means that the lips can touch each other in a relaxed position, this can be corrected and has great results.

• If the patient has severely crowded teeth, the best way to be corrected is through orthodontic treatment and not stripping down the teeth and placing crowns.
• If the patient intends on having implants but the quality of bone in the jaws is not adequate, Orthodontic movement can improve both quantity of the bone in the implant region and dramatically increases the success of the implant.
• If the patient intends on having prosthodontic work, and the supporting teeth of the restoration have an unfavorable inclination towards the missing tooth space, Orthodontic treatment can upright these teeth making the condition and prognosis of the prosthodontic restoration excellent.

For the last two scenarios where other specialties are involved, our clinic collaborates with other excellent Dental specialist. This way, we provide our patients a superior end result. Multispecialized patient care is necessary nowadays and our clinic fully embraces this philosophy.

Our clinic offers to the adult patient all the available treatment modalities that modern Orthodontics offers for their treatment. The adult patient can choose with the guidance and consent of the Orthodontist of course, one of the following types of orthodontic devices for their orthodontic treatment.

Types of orthodontic brackets

Metallic brackets: They are the most widespread, easy and practical to use for the Orthodontist. Their only disadvantage is the esthetic appearance.

Clear brackets: They are made of transparent (see-through) material, are very esthetic and have rounded ends, making them more acceptable to the patient. The clear brackets may be accompanied with white esthetic wires that have the same color of the tooth. In our clinic we use the Damon brackets which are almost completely invisible and are very tolerable by the patient.

Lingual brackets: They are placed in the inside surfaces of the tooth and completely invisible. This is their great advantage! The process of application is more complex since an impression of the teeth, or scanning of the teeth is required and are then sent abroad to special workshops in order to custom fabricate the brackets and the wires for the individual patients teeth.

Transparent aligner splints (Invisalign): They are one of the latest developments in Orthodontics. Treatment is done with a series of transparent splints that must be worn on both jaws throughout the whole duration of 24 hours, except during meal times. The splints are made of thermoplastic material. Scanning of the patient’s teeth is required and then sent abroad for study and fabrication of a series of clear splints. These splints are delivered to the patient who wears them sequentially according to the instructions given by the Orthodontist.

The advantage of this technique is that it is esthetically pleasing since no metallic brackets or other adjuncts are bonded to the teeth and the splints are removable making the oral hygiene of the patient easier and more effective. The disadvantage however is that the splints should be removed at each meal or snack and must be tolerated by the patient, especially during the night time.  This technique is not recommended for all types of orthodontic problems, especially if they are complicated cases with functional problems. Also this technique is not suitable for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does orthodontic treatment in adults take more time than in children?

No! It takes about the same time. This is because the biological process of tooth movements is, on average, the same in children and adults.

Will I have any difficulties during my treatment?

At first there will be some discomfort especially during the first week. Then the oral mucosa keratinizes (hardens) and the feeling of discomfort is significantly reduced. Also, possible pain and sensitivity in the teeth caused from the initial application of orthodontic forces to the teeth, gradually fades away and disappears a few days later on.

Are there any requirements in putting braces?

Yes! Visits to your Dentist are required for a clinical and radiographic examination. If any Dental or soft tissue problems are present, they should be taken care of before initiating your Orthodontic treatment.

Severe Gingivitis, Periodontitis and caries are a contraindication to any form of Orthodontic treatment. Also during the orthodontic treatment, you should visit the Dentist three times a year for a cleaning and examination. Please be aware that in no case the Orthodontist does not replace the Dentist!