Have you ever wondered whether it is too late to straighten your teeth because you have stopped growing?
The good news is that adult orthodontic treatment is possible at almost any age. While the jaw bones stop growing once you reach adulthood, your teeth can still be moved safely and effectively with orthodontic treatment.
At Oasis Orthodontics, Dr Hopkins regularly helps adults improve the alignment, function and appearance of their smiles. Whether your teeth have always been crowded, they have shifted over time, or you simply wish you had addressed your smile earlier, orthodontic treatment can still be an option.
What Happens When You Stop Growing?
During childhood and adolescence, the jaws are still developing. Orthodontists can sometimes use this period of growth to help guide jaw development and address certain bite concerns.
Once growth is complete, the situation is a little different.
The bones of the jaw are no longer actively growing, so orthodontic treatment cannot rely on growth modification in the same way it can for a growing child. However, the teeth can still be moved because the bone surrounding your teeth naturally remodels as orthodontic forces are applied.
This is why adults can still benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Can Adults Still Have Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. In fact, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment provided your teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy.
Adults may choose orthodontic treatment for many different reasons, including:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that have shifted over time
- An uneven bite
- Difficulty cleaning between crowded teeth
- Wanting a more balanced or confident smile
- Relapse following orthodontic treatment earlier in life
Some adults may have had braces as teenagers but stopped wearing their retainers, while others may never have had orthodontic treatment at all.
Either way, it is not necessarily too late to do something about your smile.
Why Do Teeth Move If Your Jaw Has Stopped Growing?
This is one of the most common questions adults have about orthodontic treatment.
Although your jaw bones stop growing, the bone around your teeth is constantly changing. When controlled orthodontic pressure is placed on a tooth, the bone can gradually remodel to allow the tooth to move into a new position.
This process happens slowly and is carefully controlled during orthodontic treatment.
It means that orthodontic treatment isn’t dependent on you still being able to grow. Instead, it works with the natural biology of your teeth and the bone surrounding them.
Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment Different?
The basic principles of moving teeth are the same, but treatment planning for adults can involve additional considerations.
Adults may have fillings, crowns, missing teeth, gum concerns or previous dental treatment that need to be considered before orthodontic treatment begins.
Your orthodontist will assess your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health before recommending a treatment approach.
At Oasis Orthodontics, Dr Hopkins will take the time to understand your concerns and explain what can realistically be achieved with orthodontic treatment.
What About Jaw Problems in Adults?
Once growth has finished, orthodontic treatment cannot change the size or position of the adult jaw in the same way that growth can be influenced during childhood.
However, orthodontic treatment can still make significant changes to the position of the teeth and how they come together.
For some adults with more significant jaw discrepancies, orthodontic treatment may form part of a broader treatment plan that can include other dental or surgical options.
The right approach depends on your individual circumstances, which is why an assessment with an orthodontist is important.
How Long Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Take?
There is no single treatment time that applies to every adult.
Treatment length depends on factors such as:
- The amount of tooth movement required
- The complexity of your bite
- Whether you have previously had orthodontic treatment
- Your individual biology
- The type of orthodontic treatment chosen
- How consistently you follow your orthodontist’s instructions
Some relatively simple cases may be completed in a shorter period, while more complex orthodontic treatment can take longer.
Rather than focusing on a standard timeframe, Dr Hopkins can assess your teeth and explain what may be involved in your individual case.
Is It Worth Straightening Your Teeth As An Adult?
For many adults, orthodontic treatment is about much more than having straighter teeth.
A well-aligned smile can make it easier to clean your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. Improving the way your teeth come together may also help address certain functional concerns.
And, of course, many adults simply want to feel more confident about their smile.
You do not have to be a teenager to benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you have spent years thinking about straightening your teeth, adulthood does not automatically mean you have missed your opportunity.
It Is Never Too Late To Ask
Stopping growing does not mean your teeth are stuck exactly where they are.
While adult orthodontic treatment has some important differences from treatment during childhood growth, teeth can still be moved and bites can still be improved well into adulthood.
If you have been wondering whether orthodontic treatment could work for you, an assessment with Dr Hopkins at Oasis Orthodontics is a great place to start.
You may be surprised by what is possible once you understand your options.