[Health Column] Adult Orthodontics: Hesitating Because of Your Age? 4 Things You Must Know Before Starting

 

 

Hello! I am Jung Jun, the Chief Director of The New Dental Clinic, bringing you something new.

 

 

I'm an adult. Is it okay to start orthodontic treatment now?

 

"Isn't it too late?"

 

 

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, you have probably worried about this at least once. Since braces are commonly thought to be a treatment only for students, you may feel you have missed the timing, or you may feel anxious that you started unnecessarily and it might not be effective. However, in reality, there is a criterion that is more important than age!

 

📌 Today, I will summarize the criteria for adult orthodontics—whether it is truly too late and the extent of treatment—in a way that is easy to read on mobile. 👇

 

1️⃣ Is it really too late for adult orthodontics?

 

What matters more than age is the condition of your current teeth and gums! It is perfectly possible right now.

 

Orthodontic treatment is perfectly possible even after becoming an adult. 😉 Recently, there has been a steady increase in the number of people choosing adult orthodontics not only for aesthetic reasons but also to improve tooth function, manage oral hygiene, and regain confidence.

 

💡 The reason even busy office workers can lighten the burden!

 

Recently, as clear aligners and aesthetic orthodontic devices have become very diverse, the aesthetic and time burdens for adult patients have been significantly reduced compared to the past.

 

Even in adults, tooth movement itself is fully possible, and with the continuous advancement of orthodontic technology and devices, it is possible to improve both the aesthetics and function of the teeth simultaneously.

 

So, what concerns do adults mainly seek orthodontic treatment for? Check the table below to see if you fall into any of the categories!

 

 

Types of concerns	Symptoms that appear
🔸 Snaggletooth	Difficulty brushing increases risk of cavities and gum disease
🔸 Gap teeth	Food particles easily get stuck and pronunciation problems occur
🔸 Protruding mouth	Concern about the impression of having a protruding mouth
🔸 Occlusal imbalance	Impaired chewing function and jaw joint strain
🔸 Re-correction	The teeth are deformed again due to non-wearing of the retainer, etc.

 

 

 

📌 Typical situations where adult orthodontics is considered

 

When you are worried about your appearance due to crooked teeth or a protruding mouth every time you look in the mirror

 

When food frequently gets stuck between extra teeth due to poor brushing

 

When teeth have shifted again because you previously had braces but did not wear a retainer

 

 

2️⃣ How far can treatment be achieved with orthodontics?

 

Most dental problems can be improved with orthodontics.

 

Most dental alignment problems, such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth, can be beautifully improved with orthodontic treatment alone.

 

⚠️ However, additional diagnosis and consideration are required in the following cases!

 

Severe protruding mouth: Extraction orthodontics may be possible.

 

Facial Asymmetry: The extent of improvement may vary depending on the difference in jawbone position or the degree of asymmetry. However, rather than automatically considering surgery, we formulate a treatment plan that prioritizes the potential for improvement centered on non-surgical correction.

 

Accompanied by gum disease: If there is gum inflammation, gum treatment is required first.

 

Severe tooth wear: An accurate occlusal analysis must be performed first.

 

 

3️⃣ If I start orthodontic treatment, how long will it take?

 

On average, it often takes about 1 to 2 years.

 

Some people worry, asking, "Since cellular reactions are slower in adults, won't it take a lifetime?" However, the speed of tooth movement in adults can be somewhat slower than in growing children.

 

However, with the recent development of various orthodontic devices and efficient treatment plans, it has become possible for adults to receive sufficiently fast and effective treatment. That said, the actual treatment duration may vary depending on the individual's dental alignment, whether extractions are necessary, and the chosen orthodontic method.

 

 

 

4️⃣ What are the essential conditions to check for adult orthodontics?

 

You need to check the overall condition of the gums as well, not just the teeth.

 

Unlike during their student years, adults often already have cavities, gum disease (periodontitis), and tooth wear in their mouths. Therefore, you should not blindly start orthodontic treatment based solely on the outward appearance of crooked teeth.

 

⚠️ Please be careful!

 

If teeth are forcibly moved when the gum bone is weakened or gum inflammation is severe, serious side effects such as loose teeth or gum recession may occur.

 

Therefore, in adult orthodontics, a comprehensive assessment of the current oral condition is essential, and a precise diagnostic process that considers not only tooth alignment but also the occlusion and functional aspects of the upper and lower teeth is of paramount importance.

 

 

💬 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

Q1. Is the correction sufficient for adults as well?

A1. Yes, it is possible! Tooth movement occurs quite effectively even after adulthood. It is important to establish a precise treatment plan tailored to the current condition of your teeth and gums, and in fact, the proportion of adult orthodontic patients has been steadily increasing recently.

 

Q2. Does adult correction take longer?

A2. Although it varies depending on the individual's dental alignment and whether extractions are required, it generally takes about 1 to 2 years. While the speed of tooth movement may be slightly slower than during the growth period, the burden of the treatment duration can be significantly reduced thanks to the efficient orthodontic devices and methods recently introduced.

 

Q3. Can facial asymmetry also be improved with correction alone?

A3. It varies depending on the cause and severity of the asymmetry. However, if the skeletal issue is not too severe, sufficient improvement can be expected with non-surgical corrective treatment alone. Therefore, we recommend that you first determine the scope of treatment possible through accurate diagnosis.

 

 

 

🎯 Conclusion

 

🔹 Age is just a number: Age itself does not determine whether adult orthodontics is possible.

 

🔹 Key Management Point: A precise diagnosis to comprehensively check for cavities or gum disease is essential before treatment.

 

🔹 Necessity of Consulting a Specialist: Rather than making a hasty decision about treatment, consult thoroughly with experienced medical professionals to carefully determine the appropriate scope of correction and treatment direction for you!

 

If you are considering adult orthodontics, please do not hesitate to visit our dental clinic to find a solution optimized for your current oral condition. 🦷✨

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New Dental Clinic

Chief Director Jeong Jun

 

ABO Certified American dentistry Orthodontic specialist

(Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics)

Orthodontics specialist

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

UCLA Dental school orthodontics specialist residency training

UCLA Dental and Craniofacial Research Institute Senior Researcher

Invisalign Educational doctor

Obtaining a U.S. Dental License (California/Texas main )

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Regular member

American Association of Orthodontists (ABO) Regular member

Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO) Regular member

hyeon ) Chief Director of The New Dental Clinic