When asked if an adult could have orthodontic treatment our sure answer is YES! The complexity of treatment does not depend on the age of the patient but also the state of the oral health.
There are adults with good oral health that have moderate or slight malocclusions and his or her treatment technically would not vary from an adolescent’s although these cases may have requirements of the use of appliances with a discreet appearance.
Skeletal Alterations of the jaw. Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery
If the cause of the malocclusion is due to a severe skeletal problem that had not been redirected during the early stages, adult stage<em> (when growth is finished)</em> is the ideal moment to undergo a combined treatment of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. For girls, orthodontic treatment can begin from 16-17 years old and for boys from 19-20 years of age.
Some patient’s presents skeletal alterations that involve malocclusions that complicate oral function: chewing, swallowing, pronunciation or cause pain in the TMJ, dizziness, ringing in the ears, headaches and frequent back aches.