7 differences between children and adults orthodontics

Before starting orthodontics, it is necessary to know how age affects the treatment process. Jaw conditions, gum health, teeth movement speed and even the choice of orthodontic device type have significant differences between children and adults.

The same factors can change the treatment result, duration and final cost in each group. In the following, we will examine the difference between orthodontics for children and adults in detail so that you have a clearer picture of the orthodontic process at different ages.

age of the patient; The most important difference between children and adults orthodontics

The most important factor determining the orthodontic path and the most fundamental difference between children and adults orthodontics is related to the age of the patient. At the ages of 8 to 14, when the jaw is still growing due to the flexibility of the jaw bone and the lack of development of the abnormality, orthodontist children, can make faster and more accurate changes.

But after 18 years of age and in adults when the bite structure is stabilized and the jaw bone is more rigid, orthodontic treatment is more limited and major jaw changes may not be possible without auxiliary methods such as jaw surgery. Therefore, starting treatment at a young age usually brings more reliable results.

tooth extraction for orthodontics

In children, due to the presence of sufficient space and the possibility of guiding the growth of the jaw, the need for tooth extraction for orthodontics is usually seen less, and many crowding can be corrected by expanding the jaw arch with simple devices and preventive orthodontics methods. are.

Of course, in some situations, the pediatric orthodontist may find tooth extraction necessary for milk teeth orthodontics and the correct growth of permanent teeth.

In adults, the jaw space is fixed and the possibility of creating new space is limited. Therefore, if the teeth are too crowded, it is necessary to pull one or more teeth to achieve proper alignment.

Sometimes it becomes troublesome for the orthodontist due to the empty space of the lost tooth in youth. Because the location of the extracted tooth may not be a suitable space for moving the teeth.

Adult bone does not respond to orthodontic pressure as much as growing bone, so closing the gap between teeth with adult orthodontics will be difficult.

gum problems; A decisive difference in orthodontics for children and adults

Gum health plays a decisive role in the success and safety of treatment. Children usually have healthier gums and are less likely to suffer from complications such as gingivitis or advanced gum disease. This makes the children's orthodontics treatment less risky.

On the other hand, adults may have a history of gingivitis, gum tissue loss or even chronic gum diseases. This condition makes the movement of the teeth more sensitive, and gum problems must be completely treated before starting orthodontics.

Duration of treatment; A fundamental difference between child and adult orthodontics

Generally, the treatment of children goes faster and takes about 12 to 18 months. Because bone tissue is more flexible and the child's body responds better to orthodontic forces. As the jaw grows, many corrections are made more naturally and the need for additional treatments is less.

While the adult teeth of adults move more slowly under the pressure of orthodontic braces, and sometimes side treatments are necessary to achieve the desired result. For this reason, the duration of treatment in adults is often longer than that of children and is about 18 to 24 months.

Is orthodontic pain more painful for children or adults?

Another difference between children and adults orthodontics is the amount and intensity of pain and discomfort experienced by the patient. It is normal to feel pain or slight pressure after adjusting the brackets, but its intensity is different in children and adults.

Children usually get over this discomfort faster because the jaw and supporting tissues are more flexible. In adults, the jawbone is stiffer and it takes a little longer to adjust to orthodontic pressures. For this reason, the feeling of orthodontic pain is often greater in adults.

However, this pain is temporary and can be alleviated quickly with simple care.

Probability of damage to tooth roots in child and adult orthodontics

Root analysis is one of the possible complications of orthodontics, but its prevalence is less in children. The reason for this is the better reaction of bone tissue and the easier movement of teeth at a young age.

In adults, bone density is higher and also some teeth may have a history of restoration, trauma or previous treatments that increase root sensitivity.

However, the orthodontist can minimize this risk with regular controls and applying standard pressures. With 25 years of experience and relying on his skills and expertise, Dr. Khedevi has successfully solved this challenge for both adult and child patients.

Difference in treatment cost in adult and children orthodontics

The cost of orthodontics depends on the severity of the abnormality, the type of device and the duration of the treatment. The higher the complexity and the longer the treatment period, the higher the costs. This factor has caused the difference between children and adults orthodontics. For an up-to-date view of the price of orthodontics, please refer to cost of orthodontics page.

At a young age, when the treatment process is simpler and shorter, the treatment costs will be lower. But in adults, there may be a need for additional treatments such as treatment of gum problems and jaw bone density, jaw surgery, tooth extraction or even pre-orthodontic restorations, which will increase the final cost.

The good news is that you can start your treatment process without increasing the final cost of treatment by using installment payment services at Dr. Khedevi's clinics. By paying only 25-30% of the amount at the beginning, the rest of the expenses will be paid in installments in 10-12 months.

Is orthodontic more likely to succeed in children or adults?

The success of orthodontic treatment means the amount of changes in the condition of the jaw and teeth as well as the durability of the results over time. In other words, the treatment is successful when the teeth are moved to the right position and the results remain stable in the following years.

In childhood, when the jaw continues to grow, conditions allow the structural problems to be corrected earlier and the teeth to move to the correct position without much resistance. This issue makes the results of the treatment more stable and the need for subsequent corrections is less.

In adults, because the growth of the jaw is complete and the bone tissues are hard, the movement of the teeth is slower, and some anomalies may be corrected only by complementary methods or surgery. However, careful treatment planning and following care tips can ensure the success of treatment in adults as well.

Orthodontic consultation for children and adults at Dr. Khdywy Clinic

In this article, we tried to introduce you to the main difference between children and adults orthodontics. Also explain how the age of starting orthodontics affects the process and results of treatment and why children's orthodontics is simpler and less expensive. However, it is necessary to have the experience of a successful treatment with the least complications at any age to refer to an experienced orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Khadavi, with 25 years of experience and as the oldest and best orthodontic specialist in Tehran, by operating in three clinics in Mirdamad, Tehranpars and Nawab, has provided you with the possibility of easy access and benefit from professional and successful treatment.