Adult Treatment

Adult orthodontic treatment makes it possible to straighten your teeth or improve your bite at any age. At Ensley Orthodontics in Beaverton, Oregon, experienced orthodontists Kevin Ensley, DMD, and Sara Edmondson, DMD, offer several types of orthodontic treatment to adults, including traditional metal or clear braces and Invisalign®. Call Ensley Orthodontics today to see if you can benefit from adult treatment, or book your appointment online. 

What is adult orthodontic treatment?

Adult orthodontic treatment is an orthodontic subspecialty that straightens misaligned teeth or a malpositioned jaw.

Many adults think they’re “too old” to benefit from orthodontics, but it’s never too late to improve your smile. The orthodontists at Ensley Orthodontics have more than three decades of experience helping adults achieve balanced and symmetrical smiles.

What types of issues can benefit from adult treatment?

Ensley Orthodontics uses adult treatment to manage various alignment issues, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowding
• Overlapping teeth
• Spaces between the teeth
• Misaligned jaw
• Jaw pain
• Openbite
• Worn down teeth

You might benefit from adult orthodontic treatment if you have a bite abnormality, like crossbite, underbite, or overbite.

How is adult treatment different from childhood orthodontics?

The biggest difference between adult orthodontic treatment and childhood orthodontics is that adults’ jaws are no longer growing. As a result, it often takes longer to achieve the desired results. 

Adults are also more likely to have underlying oral conditions, like gum disease or bone loss. These issues can affect the outcome of treatment, so your orthodontist may need to coordinate care with other specialists. 

What does adult orthodontic treatment involve?

Ensley Orthodontics takes a personalized approach to adult orthodontic treatment. After an oral exam, a discussion of your goals, and a series of digital X-rays, they may recommend:

• Traditional metal braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisalign® oral aligners 
• Carriere® motion appliance
• Retainers
• Mouthguard
• Archwires

If you have an alignment issue that won’t respond to more conservative treatments, your orthodontist might recommend orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?

The amount of time that adult orthodontic treatment takes depends on your goals and the severity of the alignment issues addressed. Most people achieve their desired outcome within 12-18 months, but it may take longer.* 

To ensure positive results, follow your orthodontist’s at-home care instructions, attend each of your checkups, and wear your orthodontic appliances as prescribed.

Does adult treatment hurt?

Adult orthodontic treatment is safe and usually well-tolerated. That said, after getting braces or another orthodontic appliance, it’s normal to experience increased tooth sensitivity, mild pain, and swelling. Take anti-inflammatory medication to relieve your symptoms. If they last for more than a day or two, contact Ensley Orthodontics immediately.

Call Ensley Orthodontics today to request an adult treatment consultation or book online.

*Individual results may vary.