As more American adults begin to prioritize dental health and aesthetics, the overall demand for orthodontic treatment is surging, especially as new advancements make braces and aligners more accessible, affordable, and discreet.
The demand for adult orthodontic treatment has increased dramatically in recent years, with adults currently accounting for only about 33% of all orthodontic patients. From 2016 to 2024, the number of adults seeking treatment will increase by more than 40% in the United States and Canada alone, to an estimated 1.6 million adult patients annually.
This growth is driven by the growing appeal of advanced, discreet treatment options such as clear aligners and ceramic braces, which can provide more effective treatment without requiring orthodontic patients of any age to sacrifice their appearance, Especially in a professional setting.
Learn about common orthodontic problems in adults
While it is commonly believed that most orthodontic problems should or need to be addressed at a young age, the reality is that adults can experience a variety of orthodontic problems that affect their appearance and health.
From misaligned bites and crowded teeth to jaw alignment issues, these problems can worsen dramatically as we age if left untreated. Recognizing these common problems is the first step to solving and dealing with them effectively.
Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
Misaligned bites or malocclusions include overbites, underbites, and underbites.
The main cause of these problems can often be traced to genetics or jawbone growth patterns. If left untreated, these problems can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw injuries, and even digestive issues.
In adults, malocclusion can and is likely to worsen over time, especially as we age and the natural shifting of teeth is common. Research actually shows that approximately 50% of the population has crooked teeth and requires some form of orthodontic care, a large portion of which are adults.
Teeth spacing problem
Spacing problems, such as crowding or gaps (diastematomyesis), are often caused by the size of the patient’s jaw or missing teeth.
Crowded teeth can make proper oral hygiene more challenging, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum problems/disease. Gaps, on the other hand, may not cause any immediate health problems, but they can certainly affect speech or make certain foods harder to chew. Many times, the problem patients have with their gaps is appearance.
Both crowding and gaps can be easily resolved with targeted orthodontic treatment, it is just a matter of adults taking the time and care to seek help from their orthodontist.
Jaw position and alignment
Jaw alignment problems can range from midline misalignment (where the upper and lower teeth are not aligned centrally) to open bite (where the upper and lower teeth are not aligned when the mouth is closed).
Issues like these can affect chewing, speech, jaw function, and more, all of which can lead to long-term problems if not corrected.
Therapeutic Solutions and Innovations in 2024
By 2024, adult orthodontic treatment will offer both more traditional treatment pathways and state-of-the-art options, making it extremely easy for seniors to address a variety of dental issues that they might otherwise ignore.
From time-tested braces to modern braces and jaw expanders, orthodontists in 2024 will have a variety of tools to meet the varying needs and preferences of nearly any patient.
Traditional and modern braces
“Old fashioned” braces are still a reliable and tested solution for misalignment, crowding, and underbite problems.
The difference today is that patients can choose between metal, ceramic, and lingual braces (placed behind the teeth). Lingual braces are a very popular option due to their low-profile appearance, although they may require longer treatment times than front-facing options.
Lingual braces usually take longer, 6-12 months, but each patient’s situation is different.
Clear aligners (Invisalign and alternatives)
The clear aligners made famous by Invisalign provide a nearly invisible treatment for mild to moderate misalignment in adults. While they are helpful for these problems, they have a fairly clear upper limit on how much they can correct.
The procedure involves custom-made trays that guide the teeth into alignment, and is a good option for adults who prefer a more subtle, less invasive option. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are 100% removable, allowing patients to maintain typical oral hygiene habits and eat whatever they want without restrictions. While they are favored by many people and are generally more comfortable, they do sometimes require more frequent replacement, especially in complex cases.
Extenders and add-ons
For more severe cases, such as palate stenosis or the most severe cases of crowding, the orthodontist may choose to use an expander to gradually widen the jaw.
Functional braces, including headgear or masks, can guide jaw growth and are often used in conjunction with braces for more effective results and the immediate elimination of any correction. These devices play a vital role in resolving issues such as skeletal differences and are expected to reduce the need for surgery in some cases.
Surgical intervention in severe cases
When the jawbone is misaligned or the bite problem is severe enough to cause adult discomfort or other problems, surgical options may be the best option.
For example, orthognathic surgery can reposition the jawbone to improve alignment, which is an important solution for those with a significant underbite or underbite. Although these types of surgical interventions require more recovery time, they can provide significant and long-lasting improvement in cases where non-surgical treatments are inadequate.
Preventing orthodontic problems in adulthood
Preventive care is critical to minimizing orthodontic problems later in life. Simple habits, regular checkups, and careful hygiene can go a long way in maintaining alignment and oral health, reducing the likelihood of needing orthodontic treatment in adulthood.
Maintain oral hygiene and have regular check-ups
What’s the point of corrective treatments and tests if you’re not doing everything you can to avoid further problems?
Regular visits to the dentist are essential to monitor the alignment of teeth and detect emerging problems early. Studies show that approximately 65% of adults visit the dentist every year. It seems that adults are quickly accepting this reality.
In addition to checkups, good hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and teeth grinding with protective mouthguards are good ways to prevent changes in tooth alignment that may require future orthodontic treatment or corrections.
Habit correction
While this is not always the case, some dental problems can be affected or even caused by bad habits, such as teeth grinding, poor diet, etc.
Even otherwise harmless habits, such as thumb sucking or tongue sticking, can cause misalignment over time. Behavior modification and myofunctional therapy (exercises to retrain muscle function) are good ways to address these habits and prevent further correction complications in adults.
Choosing the Right Orthodontic Solution in 2024
As with any medical treatment, making sure you get the best possible treatment is crucial.
While choosing the right orthodontic solution may seem overwhelming, given the variety of options available today, you just have to sit down and do your research. By considering factors such as age, severity of the problem, and lifestyle needs, adults can find an orthodontist and treatment plan that fits their unique requirements and schedule.
What should adults consider?
Here are a few points to emphasize:
- age
- Type and severity of problem
- lifestyle and habits
These are all critical in developing treatments that best suit the patient’s needs. Clear aligners may be ideal for adults looking for a low-profile solution, while traditional braces can address more complex issues.
The cost and duration of different treatment types also vary greatly, so it is wise to weigh these factors with the guidance of your orthodontist.
Advances in Orthodontics
Modern orthodontics has made significant technological advances in the past few years, from digital impressions and 3D printing to artificial intelligence-guided treatment planning to accelerated orthodontics.
These innovations help enable shorter, more accurate, more effective treatments and improve patient satisfaction. The future of adult braces may even include artificial intelligence-driven brace adjustments and more convenient treatment options tailored to individual cases.
final thoughts
In an increasingly health-conscious world, adults and young people alike are increasingly thinking about their personal well-being, as well as their dental health.
Whether through traditional braces, clear aligners, or surgical intervention, the solutions available in 2024 meet the diverse needs and preferences of adults across the dental spectrum.
That being said, adults considering orthodontic treatment should always consult with an orthodontic professional to explore the most effective options for achieving their unique dental goals.
