Adult Orthodontics vs. Child Orthodontics

As orthodontics and dental treatments become more available to people of all ages around the world, more and more adults are choosing to get braces to help get their teeth on track. However, there are significant differences between adult orthodontics and child orthodontics. Keep yourself informed by learning about the major differences below.

Age-Related Factors

Most children have not had the time to develop conditions that are more common in adult patients. According to experts, the adult jaw is harder than it is in children since their bones are still growing, which makes adjusting adult teeth more difficult. Unhealthy gums from mild gingivitis and loss of adequate blood supply from loss of tissue at the roots of teeth can make pain more intense and healing slower for adults as well.

Adults are at a higher risk for a condition called root resorption and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Resorption occurs when your gums and bone reabsorb the roots of your teeth. If left untreated the tooth may become so insecure that it might fall out, so it is important that you and your orthodontist keep an eye out for any symptoms of resorption. TMD and its symptoms of joint pain in the jaw can result from treatment. Have your orthodontist assess your susceptibility to TMD.

Resorption, TMD and other conditions are potential problems that can make the adult experience more lengthy and complex than a child’s.

Fixing the Bite

One of the biggest reasons adults seek out corrective work for their teeth is to fix an improper bite, or malocclusion. By adulthood, teeth are ground down from eating and talking, which can worsen an overbite or underbite. The usual treatment also can become complicated by there being less space to move the teeth back to correct the bite, resulting in the need to take some teeth out. In children, fixing an improper bite is simpler due to the softness of the jawbone.

Expectations

Your treatment experience as an adult is vastly different than when you were a child. No matter the kind of treatment, most adults are highly concerned about appearance, discomfort and fulfilling expectations. As a result, adult patients perform the proper oral and braces care with more attention than children. Adult patients are motivated to get the best results as quickly as possible. This willingness to cooperate with orthodontic instructions leads to a less troublesome and satisfying treatment experience.

Looking to begin your journey towards orthodontic health and a brighter smile? Contact us at Sequence Orthodontics to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best orthodontic treatment plan for you. Our offices are conveniently located at Wadolrf and Leonardtown, MA.