Orthodontics for adults

Many adults want beautiful teeth. But misaligned teeth and jaws are not uncommon. This often has not only aesthetic but also medical implications. The orthodontists at DrSmile can help you achieve a confident smile.

Types of jaw and teeth misalignments

There are many types of misalignment of the teeth, which occur in a wide variety of forms. The most common jaw and teeth malocclusions in adults include:

• Crossbite: The posterior teeth do not bite together correctly. Reason: In the lower jaw they are too far outwards (buccal = towards the cheek) and in the upper jaw too far inwards (palatal = towards the palate).

• Crowding: spatial constraints due to too narrow jaw or narrow dental arches. This is reflected in a crowded tooth position and a lack of space for teeth that have not yet emerged.

• Gaps: gaps caused by wide jaws, missing teeth or teeth, that are too small. Especially the gap in the front area between the upper incisors is typical (diastema mediale).

• End-to-end bite: The cusps of the posterior teeth or the cutting edges of the anterior teeth meet. 

• Deep overbite: When biting together, the upper incisors usually cover the lower incisors by two to three millimetres. In the case of a deep overbite, however, they reach too far down and thus completely cover the lower incisors.

• Open bite: Anterior or posterior teeth do not meet correctly and there is a clear space between them. The anterior region in particular, but also the posterior region, is affected.

• Underbite: The lower teeth sit further forward than the upper teeth, causing the lower incisors to protrude. A typical feature is a protruding chin.

• Overbite: Here the upper jaw protrudes because the proportions of the upper and lower jaws do not fit. Either the upper jaw is too big or the lower jaw is too small.

• Dysgnathia: Comprises a number of malformations of the jaw, teeth, and chin. Those affected perceive the misalignment of the jaw as a considerable visual blemish.

Causes of misaligned teeth

The causes of a malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth or jaws vary. Hereditary as well as external factors shape the individual bite form. A malocclusion, such as a sideways open bite, has largely genetic causes. Crowding and gaps are also included here. Underbite and overbite in adults are mostly genetic, but can also be brought about by certain behaviours in childhood. Examples: Tongue pressing, thumb sucking, and prolonged use of the dummy. 

The crossbite and frontal open bite, on the other hand, are caused by functional factors. The reasons for this are external influences and a muscular imbalance in the mouth area. A crossbite also often develops in cleft lip and palate patients. 

Consequences of misaligned teeth

Untreated misalignments can have a negative impact on both health and self-esteem. The misalignment of individual teeth can affect all other teeth and, for example, shift them. Chewing difficulties, pain in the jaw joint, difficulty swallowing, and lisping are further consequences. Improper pressure can cause premature wear of the teeth and jaw joint. It is not uncommon for jaw pain, headaches, and pain in the neck to develop in this way. 

Orthodontic treatment methods

In general, slight misalignments of the teeth can be treated very easily in adults. Jaw surgery is usually only necessary for very complex misalignments such as pronounced dysgnathia. In the case of an overbite, the treatment options depend on its severity. Your orthodontist will decide whether jaw surgery is necessary to correct the overbite. For other corrections, it may be possible to extract teeth or grind down teeth - depending on the individual situation. Other treatment options include fixed retainers and removable dental splints. 

With the clear aligners, DrSmile orthodontists can treat the following malocclusions: Crossbite, crowding, gaps, end-to-end bite, deep overbite, and open bite. Do you have questions or are you not sure whether aligners are the right treatment option for you? Our experts will be happy to advise you at a free and non-binding information session.

Orthodontic tooth correction

Not happy with your smile? No problem! There is no age limit for correcting crooked teeth. Whether you're 25, 40 or 60, DrSmile is a specialist in adult teeth straightening. Orthodontists and dentists mainly use braces and invisible splints to move and straighten teeth. DrSmile only uses clear aligners so that the teeth straightening is as discreet as possible. 

Braces

Fixed braces are a classic orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents. In this process, braces for children have brackets glued to the front of the teeth to hold the wire arch in place. This is often the reason why braces tend to put adults off. "Clear aligners" are the term used to describe transparent brackets, which are often used in adult retainers. Another possibility is the Incognito Lingual Methodology. Here, the retainer is fixed to the inside of the teeth. 

Clear aligner

Innovative orthodontics for adults has now taken a new path: "Clear aligners" are the most modern form of tooth correction. To get straight teeth, the clear aligners are worn 22 hours a day. The transparent dental splint is wafer-thin and offers a high level of wearing comfort. Since it fits closely to the teeth, it is virtually "invisible" to others and ideal for professional life. The aligners can also be removed for 2 hours a day, providing more freedom than fixed retainers. 

Duration of treatment

At DrSmile, aligner therapy usually lasts between 4 and 12 months. If you have a very complex malocclusion, the treatment may take longer. You will find more details in the orthodontic treatment plan, which will be made after the 3D scan at the first appointment. In this free and non-binding plan for your individual tooth straightening you will find out how long the treatment will take. During the entire treatment, medical professionals accompany you via app to closely monitor your treatment progress. Once the treatment is complete, you can still contact us at any time if you have any questions.

Orthodontics for adults: Costs

The average cost of fixedbraces is £ 6,000. At DrSmile, orthodontic treatment with dental aligners starts at instalments of only £ 29 per month and is therefore also suitable for a tight budget. The aligner costs are clearly communicated from the beginning, hidden costs are not an option with us.