Dr. King Answers: Does It Take Longer to Straighten Teeth in an Adult?

Q: Does it take longer to straighten teeth in an adult than in a child/teen who is still growing?

Exceptional orthodontic results are possible for adults, too.

A: Great question! All things considered, the answer is yes: An adult patient would take longer. But orthodontic care with exceptional results is still a sure-fire possibility in adults.

It is important to remember that younger patients have softer jaws that are more agreeable to tooth movement. Also, growing bone cells help the process be more efficient and comfortable. Adult jaws are firmer and have a tendency to resist tooth movement.

Although orthodontics is possible at ANY age, I see greater corrective changes and long- term stability in growing teenage patients.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation -- young or old!
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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]