As more adults in America begin to prioritize dental health and aesthetics, the overall demand for orthodontic treatments has surged, particularly with new advancements making braces and aligners more accessible, affordable, and discreet.
The demand for adult orthodontic treatment has increased drastically in recent years, with adults now comprising just around 33% of all orthodontic patients. From 2016 to 2024, the number of adults seeking treatment has risen by over 40% in the U.S. and Canada alone, reaching an estimated 1.6 million adult patients annually.
This rise has been driven by the increasing appeal of advanced, discreet treatment options like clear aligners and ceramic braces, which allow for more effective treatment without orthodontic patients of any age having to compromise their appearance, especially in professional settings.
Understanding Common Orthodontic Issues In Adults
While there is a general belief that most orthodontic issues should be or need be to be resolved at a young age, the truth of the matter is that adults can encounter various orthodontic issues that impact both their appearance and their health.
From misaligned bites and crowded teeth to jaw alignment problems, issues like these can drastically worsen with age if left untreated. Recognizing these common concerns is the very first step to addressing them and treating them effectively.
Malocclusions (Misaligned Bites)
Misaligned bites, or malocclusions, include overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
The primary causes of these issues are often traced back to genetics or jaw growth patterns. If left untreated, these issues can contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, and even digestion problems.
In adults, malocclusions can, and likely will, worsen over time, especially as the natural shifting of teeth is common with age. Studies actually show that around 50% of the population has misaligned teeth requiring some form of orthodontic care, with a good amount being adults.
Teeth Spacing Concerns
Spacing issues, such as crowding or gaps (diastemas), are typically a result of a patient’s jaw size or if they are missing teeth.
The crowding of teeth can make proper oral hygiene more challenging, in turn increasing risks of cavities and gum issues/diseases. Gaps, on the other hand, may not pose any immediate health concerns, but can certainly affect speech or make certain foods harder to chew. A lot of times the issue patients have with gaps is the the appearance.
Both crowding and gaps can easily be addressed through targeted orthodontic treatments, it’s only a matter of adults taking the time and care to seek out the help of an orthodontist.
Jaw Position and Alignment
Jaw alignment problems range from midline misalignment, where upper and lower teeth don’t align at the center, to open bites, where upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed.
Issues like these can impact things like chewing, speech, and jaw function, all leading to longer-term problems if left uncorrected.
Treatment Solutions And Innovations In 2024
In 2024, treatments in adult orthodontics offer both more traditional routes and cutting-edge options that make it extremely easy for older individuals to address various dental concerns that they might have otherwise left unchecked.
From tried-and-true braces to modern aligners and jaw expanders, orthodontists in 2024 have a wide range of tools to meet the diverse needs and preferences of just about any patient who walks through their doors.
Traditional and Modern Braces
“Old-School” braces remain a reliable and tested solution for addressing misalignments, crowding, and underbites.
The difference today is that patients can choose from metal, ceramic, and lingual braces (which are placed behind the teeth). Lingual braces are an extremely popular option for their discreet appearance, though they may require longer treatment times compared to front-facing options.
Lingual braces will typically take 6-12 months longer, but every patient is case-by-case.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign and Alternatives)
Clear aligners, made famous by Invisalign, offer a nearly invisible treatment for mild to moderate misalignments in adults. While great for those issues, they have a pretty definitive ceiling when it comes to how much they can correct.
The process involves custom-fitted trays that guide teeth into alignment, making them a great option for adults who prefer a more subtle, less invasive option. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are 100% removable, allowing patients to maintain their typical oral hygiene routines and eat whatever they want without restrictions. While they are preferred by many and are generally more comfortable, they do sometimes require more frequent replacements, especially in complex cases.
Expanders and Additional Appliances
For more severe cases, such as narrow upper jaws or the most severe cases of crowding, orthodontists may elect to go with expanders to gradually widen the jaw.
Functional appliances, including headgear or facemasks, guide jaw growth and are typically paired with braces for more effective results and to knock out all of the corrections at once. These devices play a crucial role in addressing issues such as skeletal discrepancies, with the hope of reducing the need for surgery in some cases.
Surgical Interventions for Severe Cases
When jaw misalignment or bite issues are severe enough to cause discomfort or other concerns in adults, surgical options may be the best route to take.
Orthognathic surgery, for example, repositions the jaws to improve alignment, making it a critical solution for those with pronounced underbites or crossbites. While surgical interventions like these require more recovery time, they offer significant, lasting improvements for cases where non-surgical treatments just won’t fit the bill.
Preventing Orthodontic Issues In Adulthood
Preventive care is essential for minimizing orthodontic problems later in life. Simple habits, regular check-ups, and mindful hygiene practices can go a long way in maintaining alignment and oral health, reducing the likelihood of needing corrective treatment as an adult.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene and Regular Check-Ups
What is the point of corrective treatments and check-ups if you aren’t doing everything you can to avoid further issues?
Regular dental visits are essential to monitoring alignment and catching emerging issues early on, and with studies showing that about 65% of adults visit the dentist annually, it seems as if the adult population is quickly coming to terms with that reality.
On top of checkups, good hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and using protective mouthguards for grinding, are all great ways to prevent alignment changes that might necessitate future orthodontic treatment or corrections.
Habit Corrections
While not always the case, some dental issues can be affected or even caused by poor habits, such as teeth grinding, poor diet, etc.
Even otherwise harmless habits, like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, can contribute to misalignment over time. Behavioral modification and myofunctional therapy (exercises to retrain muscle function) are great ways to address these habits, preventing further orthodontic complications in adults down the road.
Choosing The Right Orthodontic Solution In 2024
Just as with any medical treatment, making sure you are in the best possible hands is essential.
While selecting the appropriate orthodontic solution can seem overwhelming, given the variety of options available today, you just need to sit down and do your research. By considering factors like age, the severity of the issue, and lifestyle needs, adults can find an orthodontist and a treatment plan that fits their unique requirements and schedules.
What Should Adults Consider?
There are a couple of points to highlight here:
- Age
- Type & Severity of the Issue
- Lifestyle & Habits
These are all essential in working out a treatment that best fits the patient’s needs. Clear aligners may be ideal for adults seeking a low-profile solution, while traditional braces can address more complex issues.
Costs and duration also vary widely across treatment types, so it’s wise to weigh these factors with an orthodontist’s guidance.
Advances in Orthodontics
Modern orthodontics has seen significant technological advancements over the past couple of years, from digital impressions and 3D printing to AI-guided treatment planning to accelerated orthodontics.
These innovations contribute to shorter, more accurate, and effective treatments, as well as enhanced patient satisfaction. The future of adult orthodontics may even include AI-driven aligner adjustments and more accessible treatment options tailored to individual cases.
Final Thoughts
In an increasingly health-conscious world, adults and young adults alike are taking their personal well-being into account more and more, and with that their dental health.
Whether through traditional braces, clear aligners, or surgical interventions, the solutions available in 2024 cater to the various needs and preferences of adults all across the dental spectrum.
With that being said, adults considering orthodontic treatment should always consult with an orthodontic professional to explore the most effective options for their unique dental goals.