Adult Orthodontics in Cambridge
How is Adult Orthodontics different from Child Orthodontics?
The biggest difference in orthodontic treatment in adults vs. adolescent is that adults are no longer growing. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than treatment for adolescents with a similar problem due to the maturity and density of the adult bones. It's common for orthodontists to work with a patient's dentist to coordinate care. Sometimes in order to reach optimal dental health, our dentist and orthodontist may need to work with other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and endodontists.
Why is Orthodontics important?
Orthodontic problems such as misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or shifting jaws, should be taken seriously. If left untreated, problems will occur down the line like tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormal wearing of tooth enamel.
Benefits to orthodontic treatment include:
• Ensure proper function of teeth
• Create a healthy, attractive smile and facial structure
• Maintain a good bite, making it easier to chew and speak
• Avoid tooth decay/loss by making them easier to clean
Common Dental Problems in Adults
• Overcrowding
• Jaw Pain
There are many causes to jaw pain and a bad bite may be one of them. Other common causes include clenching/grinding, stress, trauma, and neuralgia.
• Tooth Wear/Decay
Although all teeth wear, maligned teeth wear unevenly and more quickly than those that are straight.
• Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums that stems from a build-up of plaque. Crooked teeth can contribute to more accumulation of plaque, making it hard to brush and floss and keep clean. Prolonged build-up of plaque can lead to gum disease down the line.
Treatments
• Metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Retainers
• Archwires
• Elastics
• Mouthguards
• Palatal expanders
• Space maintainers
• Functional appliances
• Orthognatic surgery
*All information has been adapted from the American Association of Orthodontics, please visit aaoinfo.org for more information.
