The point is, parents no longer take the back seat while their kids reap the benefits of orthodontic treatment. With one-in-three orthodontic patients over the age of 18, the number of adults seeing an orthodontist is at an all-time high.

Experts believe this upward trend is likely here to stay – why?  What’s changed in the past few years to create such a high demand for adult orthodontics? In this article, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) uncovers the reason behind the surge in adult braces and what it means for you.

Reason #1: Adult Orthodontics Works

The simplest reason for the increase in adults getting braces is that it just works. Orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as it is for children. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age because it’s the same physiological process.

Depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s goals, a short-term touch-up can take as little as several months, while comprehensive treatment can take much longer. Orthodontic specialists will customize your smile according to your preferences, and they don’t require a referral from a dentist.

Over the years, orthodontic technology has only gotten better, and for adults who want straight teeth, whether for cosmetic reasons or their oral health, quality orthodontic care is widely available.

Reason #2: Invisible Braces

Orthodontic appliances have come a long way since the classic aesthetic commonly seen in TV shows and movies. Advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever. Adults have a lot more options now than they did as kids, and many of today’s treatment options are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance to fit any lifestyle better.

Simply put, you can get orthodontic treatment as an adult, and no one would ever know. Many appliances are either completely invisible or very hard to see, like clear aligners, ceramic or clear braces, and lingual braces (braces on the backside of your teeth). The explosion of orthodontic care options that don’t force you to alter your appearance for the duration of your treatment has led those shy or self-conscious about getting braces to take the plunge and try adult orthodontic treatments for themselves.

That being said, please be aware that not every appliance is suitable for every kind of orthodontic problem. While clear aligners may be the perfect fit for one person, braces may be the best option for someone else. Only an orthodontic specialist will be able to determine which type of treatment is right for you.

Reason #3: We Notice Dental Imperfections More

A research study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal demonstrated a surprising correlation between the rise in remote work and orthodontics. During the pandemic, there was a significant increase in the usage of video calling technology referred to by some as the “Zoom Boom.” As a result, we ended up spending a lot more time looking at ourselves than we ever had before. When you spend a sizable chunk of each day looking at your appearance in the little preview window on most video call platforms, you begin to notice things about the way you look. As a result, many adults began to focus on aesthetic imperfections, such as crooked teeth, and sought out cosmetic treatments to correct them. 

While not the main culprit, the “Zoom Boom” certainly helped to serve as a catalyst to jump-start the growth of adults seeking orthodontic treatment.

Reason #4: More People Understand the Health Benefits

Aesthetics remain the top reason adults choose to get braces, but an increasing number of people cite the accompanying health benefits of straight teeth as their primary reason for undergoing treatment.

Leaving misaligned teeth untreated may lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wearing of tooth enamel and difficulty chewing. We are living longer than ever before, making healthy teeth more important than ever. More and more adults are becoming aware of the ways orthodontic treatment can benefit oral health. As this information continues to spread, adults are increasingly choosing orthodontics to provide more than just a beautiful smile.

What is Different in Adult Orthodontics vs. Children’s Orthodontics?

Orthodontic principles stay the same at any age, but adults bring a very different biologic and lifestyle context to the chair than children or teens. Here are the key distinctions:

Bone Maturity and Biology: Children benefit from growing jaws and more malleable bone, which lets orthodontists guide facial growth and correct skeletal discrepancies. Adult bone has finished growing, so movement is slower, and some skeletal problems may require combined surgical or restorative solutions rather than braces alone.

Existing Oral Health History: Adults often present with restorations, missing teeth, or periodontal concerns that must be stabilized before tooth movement begins. Coordinating care with a general dentist or periodontist is common; in children, the dentition is usually unrestored, and the gums are generally healthy.

Treatment Goals and Aesthetics: Adults tend to prioritize more discreet treatment options such as clear aligners, ceramic or clear brackets, or lingual braces, and may also be motivated by immediate aesthetic improvements like closing gaps for a more confident smile.

Duration and Compliance: Because adult turnover of bone is slower, treatment can take slightly longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

What appliances are available for adults?

You can choose from clear aligners, ceramic (tooth-colored) brackets, traditional metal braces, or even braces placed on the tongue side of the teeth (lingual). Your orthodontist will recommend the option that best balances aesthetics, comfort, and your specific bite needs.

How much will adult orthodontic treatment cost?

Fees depend on case complexity, appliance type, and regional factors. Many practices offer monthly payment plans, and some dental insurance plans include adult orthodontic benefits or flexible spending account coverage.

Will treatment interfere with my daily routine?

Most adults adapt quickly. Clear aligners are removable for meals and meetings, while braces that cause minor soreness after adjustments can be managed with non-prescription pain relievers and soft foods.

Do I need other dental work before starting orthodontic treatment?

Any active decay, gum disease, or unstable restorations should be addressed first. Your orthodontist may coordinate with your general dentist, periodontist, or prosthodontist to ensure a healthy foundation before teeth start moving.

Want Orthodontic Treatment? Find an AAO Orthodontist Near You

It doesn’t matter how old you are; you’re never too old for orthodontic treatment. AAO has helped thousands of patients just like you achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, and when you choose an AAO orthodontist for treatment, you’re putting your oral health in good hands. We accept nothing less than the best of the best. All our orthodontists have gone beyond dental school to study their orthodontic specialty for at least two years in an accredited orthodontic residency program. They possess the skills, knowledge, and experience to align teeth and jaws properly.

Are you ready for a dazzling grin? Find an AAO orthodontist near you and schedule your appointment today!

The post Orthodontic Treatment for Adults: The Rise of Adult Braces appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

While we’re all familiar with the transformative power of braces in straightening teeth, how does this process work? Behind each wire and bracket lies a fascinating world of science and precise engineering designed to align teeth and jaws. 

Braces apply gentle yet persistent pressure to teeth to guide them into their ideal positions over time. This process achieves an aesthetically pleasing smile and enhances the overall function and health of the mouth. By correcting overcrowding, misalignment, and bite problems, braces help improve chewing functionality and oral hygiene while reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

From the initial placement of brackets to the final reveal of a beautifully aligned smile, your orthodontist meticulously plans and executes each step. In this article, we’ll explore the anatomy of braces, the biological principles behind tooth movement, and the stages of braces treatment, providing insights into one of the most effective tools in orthodontics. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, the AAO is here to equip you with the knowledge to approach orthodontics confidently.

The Anatomy of Braces

Braces are more than just a collection of tiny metal parts; they’re a sophisticated system designed to correct misaligned teeth and jaws through precise manipulation. The primary components of braces are the brackets, which are small metal or ceramic pieces bonded directly to the front of each tooth. They act as the main anchor point for the braces system, holding the archwire in place.

The archwire is a thin metal wire that runs through all the brackets in orthodontic treatment, serving as a crucial component in guiding teeth into alignment by applying consistent pressure. Throughout the treatment process, orthodontists adjust the archwire’s shape during appointments to control the movement of the teeth and facilitate progress through various treatment stages. Modern archwires often incorporate shape memory technology, allowing them to return to their original form after being bent. This feature ensures they maintain the desired pressure on the teeth effectively, contributing to the success of orthodontic treatment.

The archwire is held to the brackets by ties, small wires, rubber rings, or little doors on self-ligating brackets. Archwires can be changed at each orthodontic visit to adjust the pressure level on the teeth and can be replaced if they wear out or break. They also allow for a bit of personalization in treatment, coming in various colors to fit your unique style.

Elastics are another common component of braces. These rubber bands apply additional pressure in a specific direction, which is essential for correcting bite issues. They hook onto the brackets and can be arranged in various configurations to adjust teeth and jaw alignment.

How Do Braces Move Teeth?

Braces leverage the principles of human biology and physics to move teeth into their desired positions, but what exactly happens underneath the gums to make this possible? At the heart of all orthodontic treatment is bone remodeling, a biological response to pressure that involves the breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue around the teeth. When braces apply pressure to a tooth, it creates an area of compression on one side of the root and an area of tension on the other. The body responds to this pressure by removing bone in the compression area and forming new bone in the tension area, allowing the tooth to move gradually into its new position. 

Consistent pressure is the key to successful tooth movement. Braces are designed to maintain constant pressure on the teeth, even as they move, to stimulate bone remodeling and ensure continuous progress toward ideal teeth positioning. As the teeth move and the resistance changes, orthodontic adjustments are required to maintain the correct pressure. Your orthodontist will tighten or replace the archwire, adjust the placement of bands or elastics, and make other modifications to ensure the treatment progresses as planned.

The Braces Treatment Process

Orthodontic treatment, particularly with braces, is a comprehensive approach to improving oral health and aesthetics. Your journey begins with an in-person consultation, where the orthodontist will examine the teeth, jaws, and bite, taking X-rays or digital scans to understand your overall dental health. Based on the findings of your first visit, the orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the type of braces recommended, the estimated treatment duration, and any specific objectives or considerations.

Experience the Transformative Power of Braces with an AAO Orthodontist

As we’ve explored, braces are more than just wires and brackets; they are precisely engineered systems designed to enhance confidence, comfort, and oral health. For those considering braces, understanding how they work and the treatment process ahead can ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey.

AAO orthodontists have the expertise and experience to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile at any age. With the help of an expert, braces can unlock the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re ready to explore how braces can improve your smile and oral health, find an AAO orthodontist near you and schedule your consultation today. 

The post How Do Braces Work? Navigating Orthodontic Treatment with Braces appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

In conjunction with this observance, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and individual AAO members will provide updates and reminders for adults considering treatment.

Following graduation from dental school, orthodontics residents spend two to three years in residency training to become specialists in orthodontics. Their training makes them experts in straightening teeth, aligning bites and creating beautiful, healthy smiles.

Questions that adults considering treatment often ask include:

Wouldn’t it be simple to straighten a few of my front teeth?

Teeth are moved when any orthodontic appliance (like a clear aligner, or braces) puts pressure on the teeth. The pressure causes necrosis (death) of the supporting structure around the tooth, allowing the tooth to move within its alveolus (bone socket); and bone then reforms around the tooth. Moving “just the front teeth” can significantly affect oral function and health.

Do I have to do in-office visits to have successful orthodontic treatment?

In-person examinations and monitoring are crucial to ensure safe and effective orthodontic treatment. Some of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment for ensuring the treatment is safe and effective can only be done in person. For example, X-rays are the only way to see underneath the gums (digital scans and photographs can’t see under the surface of the gums). Without taking an X-ray, it is impossible to see anything the naked eye cannot see, such as the health of the tooth roots (moving teeth with unhealthy roots can cause loosening or loss of teeth) or an unerupted (impacted) tooth.

In addition, the only way to effectively evaluate gum health is in-person, such as through periodontal probing (checking the depth of the root pocket with a dental probe). Straightening teeth when the patient has poor periodontal (gum) health can lead to recession (exposure of the tooth roots), root shortening, or tooth loss.

Will an orthodontist offer treatment with my preferred method, such as clear aligners?

Many orthodontists provide clear aligner treatment after determining that treatment with aligners is suitable for the patient—which is often the case. Forming an accurate diagnosis is the starting point, and orthodontists are especially well-trained at this. After the orthodontist pinpoints the problem, he or she crafts a customized treatment plan for the patient.

If there is any reason why clear aligners are not the optimal choice or a viable choice to correct orthodontic problems for a patient who prefers aligners, the orthodontist may present treatment plans involving braces. Options that many adult patients like and that are available from many orthodontists include clear braces and lingual braces (braces that are fixed behind the teeth).

Learn more at the AAO blog, “Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners.”

About the American Association of Orthodontists:

The American Association of Orthodontists represents more than 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide, improving the overall oral healthcare of the public, advocating for the health and safety of the public, educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information and to find an AAO member orthodontist, visit aaoinfo.org.

The post Adult Orthodontics: Your Questions, Expertly Answered appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.

Regardless of your age, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Age is rarely a deciding factor for orthodontic treatment. While your orthodontist will consider many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, it can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents. In fact, one in three orthodontic patients is an adult, proving that you don’t have to let your age keep you from the smile you’ve always wanted.

Age and Tooth Movement: Is There an Impact?

Whether you’re 8 or 80, the physiological process that moves teeth through bone remains the same. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time, regardless of how old you are. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children and teens. While you may not be an adolescent anymore, your teeth can still be moved and adjusted to create a beautiful smile and a healthy bite.

How is Adult Treatment Different from Child Orthodontics?

The biggest difference in orthodontics for adults vs. children/teens is that adults are no longer growing. While this won’t impact the success of orthodontics, adult treatment may take slightly longer than that of a child with a similar problem, due to the maturity and density of adult bone tissue.

Additional factors your orthodontist will consider when determining the optimal treatment include the presence of fillings, missing teeth, misshapen or worn teeth, or dental diseases. Some medications and habits, like smoking, clenching or grinding teeth, or tongue thrusting, can affect the outcome of treatment. It’s common for orthodontists to work with a child’s family dentist to coordinate care, and the same applies to adult orthodontics. For some adults to reach optimal dental health, the dentist and orthodontist may need to call in other dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and endodontists.

How Does the Adult Treatment Process Work?

To move your teeth to their ideal positions, your orthodontist will use an “appliance” to deliver controlled forces that gently and predictably reposition teeth. The most common appliances used in adult orthodontics are braces and clear aligners.

For those worried about aesthetics, advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever. Many of today’s treatment options are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance to fit any lifestyle better. This includes clear aligners or different braces treatment options like ceramic braces, which blend into the color of your teeth; self-ligating braces, which can also be ceramic, making them more discreet; or lingual braces, which are mounted on the back sides of the teeth, making them virtually invisible but just as effective.

However, it is important to note that not every type of appliance is suitable for every kind of orthodontic problem, making it essential to be treated by a licensed orthodontist. By working with an orthodontic specialist, you ensure that the right appliance is selected to correct your unique orthodontic issue. Orthodontists have access to the full range of appliance options, and more than anyone else in the dental profession, orthodontists know which appliance is right for an individual patient’s care.

How Long Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Adult orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity and complexity of issues, and each patient will have a unique plan customized for their needs. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate timeline for your specific treatment during your initial consultation.

However, it is safe to assume that patients with mildly misaligned teeth will take around eight to twelve months, while more complex cases may take a few years to complete treatment. During that time, orthodontist visits are scheduled every six to eight weeks to monitor your progress. It’s a comparatively small investment of time that pays big dividends in improved dental health, jaw function, biting, chewing, dental hygiene, and overall self-confidence.

Just because you’re no longer a child doesn’t mean the opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile has passed you by. You don’t have to spend the rest of your life hiding your smile. When considering orthodontic treatment, your age doesn’t matter. You can have the smile you’ve always wanted, and it starts with consulting an AAO orthodontist.

Achieve Your Best Smile with an AAO Orthodontist

You can work with an AAO orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to achieve your best smile. Find an orthodontist near you and transform your smile.

The post How Old Is Too Old For Braces? Rediscover Your Smile At Any Age appeared first on American Association of Orthodontists.