Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Many adults have experienced some changes in their jaw joints (TMJ’s) or breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and thus may require additional treatment by other dentists or dental specialists before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is possible.

Due to pre-existing conditions, adult orthodontic treatment is often more complex and treatment duration can be expected to be longer than adolescent treatment in most cases.