Orthodontic treatment has no age limit, expert says

By Yusuf İnan | Wise News Press
ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE — Orthodontic treatment is not limited to childhood or adolescence; adults can also achieve successful results if the tissues surrounding their teeth are healthy.

Dr. Muhteber Durmuş, an orthodontist at Üsküdar University Dental Hospital, said interest in orthodontic treatment among adults has increased noticeably in recent years. Speaking on the occasion of World Orthodontic Health Day on May 15, Durmuş said a growing awareness that crooked teeth are not only an aesthetic issue but may also contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, jaw joint problems and tooth wear has changed the way adults view treatment.

There is no “too late” age for orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is often associated with childhood and adolescence. This is partly because jaw development continues at younger ages, allowing some treatments to progress more quickly. However, this does not mean that adults cannot benefit from orthodontic care.

Durmuş said the biological mechanism that allows teeth to move continues throughout life. For this reason, orthodontic treatment can be safely applied in adults when gum tissue and bone support are healthy.

“Since jaw development continues at early ages, treatment may progress faster in some cases. However, the biological mechanism that enables tooth movement continues throughout life. Therefore, orthodontic treatment can be safely applied in adult individuals with healthy gum and bone tissue, and successful results can be achieved,” Durmuş said.

According to Durmuş, orthodontic treatment should not be seen as something that must be completed during childhood. With proper diagnosis, planning and regular follow-up, adults can also benefit from treatment both aesthetically and functionally.

Crooked teeth are not only an aesthetic issue

Adult patients often seek orthodontic treatment to achieve a straighter smile and a more aesthetic appearance. However, experts say crooked teeth should not be evaluated only as a cosmetic concern.

Misaligned teeth can be more difficult to clean properly. This may lead to plaque accumulation between the teeth, increased risk of cavities and gum problems. In addition, incorrect bite relationships may place pressure on the jaw joint and contribute to head, jaw and joint pain. Over time, tooth wear and chewing difficulties may also develop.

Durmuş said properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. She also emphasized that achieving a correct bite can help prevent jaw joint problems and excessive tooth wear.

For adults, this means orthodontic treatment can support long-term oral health as well as improve the appearance of the smile. In other words, orthodontics is not only about how teeth look, but also about how they function.

Adult interest in orthodontics is increasing

In recent years, more adults have been turning to orthodontic treatment. Durmuş said one of the main reasons for this increase is the growing importance of appearance in social and professional life.

Aesthetic smile concerns and the impact of a confident smile on self-esteem have encouraged many adults to consider orthodontic care. In the past, the appearance of metal braces was a deterrent for many people. Today, however, options such as clear aligners, aesthetic braces and lingual orthodontics make treatment more comfortable and less noticeable from the outside.

Durmuş said the increase is also linked to wider awareness of oral health.

“The realization that crooked teeth are not only an aesthetic problem but may also lead to important health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and jaw problems has changed adults’ perspective on treatment,” she said.

Personalized treatment planning and more accessible orthodontic options have also supported this growing interest.

Treatment begins with detailed examination

Orthodontic treatment in adults requires careful planning and regular follow-up. The process begins with a detailed oral examination. The alignment of the teeth, bite relationship, jaw structure and gum health are evaluated.

Durmuş said panoramic X-rays, cephalometric analysis and digital measurements may be used during this stage. These evaluations are important for determining whether the patient is suitable for treatment and for creating an individualized plan.

After planning, the most appropriate treatment method is selected. Fixed braces, clear aligners or, in some special cases, lingual orthodontics may be considered depending on the patient’s needs, oral structure and expectations.

Because bone development is complete in adult patients, treatment progresses within a different biological balance compared with children. For this reason, tooth movement should be monitored carefully and in a controlled manner. Regular checkups are generally performed every four to eight weeks.

Clear aligners can make social life easier

Orthodontic treatment usually does not create significant restrictions in daily life. However, patients may experience a short adjustment period at the beginning of treatment.

Mild tooth sensitivity may occur in the first days, so softer foods may be preferred initially. In fixed orthodontic treatment with braces, avoiding hard and sticky foods is important both for comfort and for protecting the appliances.

In clear aligner treatment, the aligners are removed before meals, which generally allows a more flexible eating routine. This can be especially helpful for adults who want to continue social and professional activities with minimal disruption.

Speech may feel slightly different during the first days of treatment, but this usually improves on its own within a short time. Thanks to modern aesthetic orthodontic options, adult patients can continue treatment more comfortably in their social and professional lives.

Retention after treatment is essential

After orthodontic treatment is completed, the most noticeable change for many patients is a more aesthetic and harmonious smile, often accompanied by increased self-confidence. Properly aligned teeth may help a person smile more comfortably and confidently.

Functional improvements may also be significant. A balanced bite can make chewing more comfortable, make oral hygiene easier and support long-term protection of dental and gum health.

After active treatment ends, the retention phase begins. During this period, clear retainers or fixed retainers may be used to help teeth maintain their new positions. Experts say this phase is just as important as the active treatment period because it helps ensure that the result remains stable over time.

Skipping retention may increase the risk of teeth shifting back. For this reason, patients should follow their orthodontist’s instructions after treatment and attend recommended control appointments.

The belief that adult teeth cannot be corrected is wrong

One of the most common misconceptions about orthodontics is that treatment can only be performed during childhood. However, Durmuş said adults can also receive effective orthodontic treatment as long as the tissues surrounding the teeth are healthy.

Another misconception is that orthodontics is only an aesthetic procedure. In fact, tooth alignment problems and bite disorders may negatively affect oral health in the long term.

Durmuş said many people also believe orthodontic treatment seriously restricts daily life or is extremely painful. According to her, modern methods usually allow the process to continue with manageable comfort.

“The belief that teeth can no longer be corrected in adults is also a common misconception. With proper diagnosis and planning, successful results can be achieved in adult patients as well,” Durmuş said.

Experts say adults considering orthodontic treatment should first undergo a detailed examination by a dental professional. Treatment options should then be evaluated according to oral health, expectations, lifestyle and long-term functional needs.

This article is for informational purposes only. For diagnosis and treatment, consult your dentist or orthodontist.

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