It’s never too late to have a smile you love

Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Chapel Hill, NC

Adults are undergoing braces or Invisalign treatment more than ever before!

Gone are the days that orthodontic treatment was reserved for only children and teenagers. Today, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 4 patients going through orthodontic treatment are over the age of 18!

Some adults are seeking treatment for the first time with a desire to improve their smile and bite. Others have had braces previously and have noticed relapse of their teeth or continued, undesirable growth and would like to get their smile back to what it once was. There are benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults including:

• Decreasing risk of future dental problems such as cavities or periodontal disease due to crowded/malaligned teeth

• Decreased chance of abnormal wear on teeth due to an incorrect bite

• Improved function and esthetics

Orthodontic treatment at any age has become more acceptable and normal to see. There are a variety of esthetic options for orthodontic treatment which usually appeals to adults who want their treatment to be more discrete. This includes clear braces or clear aligners, such as Invisalign. Advances in technology allow us to move teeth more quickly and predictably than we could in the past so adult treatment can be completed in less time.

Special considerations for adult orthodontic treatment

It may seem like treating an adult orthodontic patient would be the same as a teen with all their permanent teeth but there are many differences that must be taken into consideration. A specialist in orthodontics, such as Dr. Morgenstern, will customize your treatment for you. Special considerations include:

• Missing teeth

• Previous history of bone loss and periodontal disease

• Existing dental work such as crowns, vaneers, and implants

• Non-growing, since adults are not growing it’s often more difficult to correct bite problems compared to teens

Adult Treatment FAQs

Q: Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?

A: Teeth move at any age so there is no age limit for who can get orthodontic treatment. In other words, you’re never too old! There are many factors that will determine what the best treatment plan is for you, your teeth, and your bite but age is rarely a factor.

Q: My top teeth are straight, can I only get braces or Invisalign on the bottom teeth?

A: Many adults experience crowding of their lower front teeth as they get older. Sometimes we are able to only treat the lower teeth but other times the bite will not allow for a good final result unless both arches arches are treated together.

Q: I have crowns and missing teeth, can I still get orthodontic treatment?

A: Most adults have undergone previous dental work and this doesn’t exclude you from being a candidate for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Morgenstern will be able to discuss any special considerations that may need to be taken for your individual case during your consultation.

Q: I need vaneers or implants, should I get orthodontic treatment before or after them?

A: In a majority of cases, you will have better results with your vaneers or implants if your teeth are in their final positions first. It’s important to know that once an implant is placed, it will not move like the rest of your teeth. So typically orthodontic treatment is carried out before vaneers or implants are completed by your general dentist.

Q: Will my teeth stay in place after having braces or Invisalign as an adult?

A: No matter the age, teeth always want to move back to their original positions and it’s important to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment. Retainers will always be provided as part of your treatment and Dr. Morgenstern may recommend a permanent/bonded wire retainer and/or a removable clear retainer.

Q: Which option is more hidden or less noticeable, clear braces or Invisalign?

A: Most adults want their orthodontic treatment to be discrete. The least noticeable option is typically Invisalign since there aren’t any wires and not every tooth will have a clear attachment on it. At your consultation, Dr. Morgenstern will let you know if you’re a candidate for Invisalign,