Adult orthodontics: perils and pitfalls

Adult orthodontics is increasing in popularity as it is becoming more feasible to move and improve the alignment of a patient's teeth, irrespective of the technique. There is no doubt that the further development of tooth coloured appliances, invisible braces (Invisible braces are reflected by a plethora of appliance systems composed of a transparent vacuum formed material used in the same way a 'positioner' was used. This is described throughout the literature including 1950) or lingual orthodontic appliance systems increase the acceptability of orthodontic care for those who have concerns over the aesthetic appearance of appliances. The number of patients that are being seen is increasing and the proportion of child to adult is clearly changing. However, no matter what the mechanism of delivering the orthodontic force, the same biological principles apply as do the same risks. Periodontal issues in particular, due to the basic remodelling treatment of orthodontic, are of major concern in adult patients due to the increased susceptibility of the alveolar bone to pathological bone loss (it is also essential to identify the increased susceptibility due to ethnic variations). As a consequence the patient will require more explanation and a realistic description of the prognosis of the treatment.