The adult orthodontic patient

Adults now make up an increasing portion of the orthodontist's patient load. Though most seek esthetic correction, requests for multidiscipline treatment are expanding. The etiology of adult malocclusion, unlike that of malocclusion in the young, presents us with psychological and physiologic factors that specifically affect treatment and dictate special diagnostic, planning, and mechanical procedures. The adult patient offers the orthodontist a new challenge and the stimulus to develop successful treatment approaches peculiar to the nongrowing patient. Careful diagnosis and treatment planning on a multidiscipline basis will result in satisfactory resolution of most adult malocclusions, and there is no requirement for esoteric appliances or mechanics. An evaluation of treated cases indicates that all corrective dental movements are possible and that the health, function, and esthetics of the dental apparatus can be markedly improved. The cases presented demonstrate that adults are amenable to treatment over the full orthodontic spectrum. Treating the adult patient can be very satisfying. The patient is invariably pleased with his effort (and your help), once the "braces" are off. Since the original need was great in the patient's mind, success in its satisfaction is especially rewarding and it overflows on everyone involved.