ADULT ORTHODONTICS

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​CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR TREATMENT
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Orthodontic treatment involves certain imperatives: good alveolar-dental health (meaning the health of the tooth-supporting tissues) and regularly maintained dental hygiene. Aging leads to a reduction in the supporting bone and a predisposition to tartar buildup around the teeth.
 

Indeed, in adults, the bone is less dense, and cells renew less quickly than in younger individuals. Like the rest of the body, the gums and teeth age, and dental movements must occur more gradually and slowly.
 

Adult orthodontic treatment, in particular, depends on the patient's oral-dental context, which is related to existing prostheses, crowns, implants, dental mobility, root treatment, and tooth loss. A comprehensive clinical assessment is conducted during the initial visit to evaluate the periodontal condition (the tooth-supporting tissues) and the dental state.
 

We can no longer rely on the effects of jawbone growth potential and tooth eruption, so 90% of adult orthodontic treatment involves compromise and improvement of dentition, both in terms of function and aesthetics. Some adult treatments may require jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to provide not only dental correction but also skeletal correction.
 

This subject will be covered in the "blog" section.

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GOALS OF ADULT TREATMENT
 

Aesthetic

The goal is to align all the teeth and position them correctly along defined axes. It is also important to ensure good dental relationships and proper alignment of upper and lower jaw teeth. This provides better support to the lips, which can reduce the effects of aging on facial features. This aesthetic improvement also has social and professional impacts and restores self-confidence. It encourages good oral-dental hygiene and contributes to overall well-being. A radiant smile brightens the lower part of the face: the mouth, which is linked to the upper part of the face: the eyes. When inter-arch anomalies are significant, we may need to work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct these discrepancies.

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Functional
 

Misaligned teeth can lead to gum recession and significant tartar buildup, making a proper occlusion necessary where each tooth functions correctly. A functional dentition and occlusion ensure effective chewing and lifelong dental health. Orthodontic treatment improves overall oral and dental health by correcting dental crowding or closing late-appearing interdental spaces to facilitate brushing, prevent dental and periodontal diseases (reduce the risk of cavities, tartar buildup, gum protection, prevent gum recession, stabilize loose teeth due to lack of supporting tissue). A functional dentition must be harmonized with closed lips at rest, a harmonious chin, and nose. Masticatory functions provided by a functional dentition can prevent patients from experiencing digestive disorders. Narrow, asymmetrical arches that leave no room for the tongue can lead to breathing problems, sleep disturbances (sleep apnea, snoring), bruxism, and, in general, occlusion-related problems affecting the temporomandibular joints (jaw joints) and postural balance of the body. As part of the compromise, we may need to coordinate with the general practitioner to complement treatment with prostheses, implants, or specific dental care.​​