Orthodontic treatment is not limited to childhood. During adolescence, most permanent teeth have erupted while growth and development are still continuing, making this an important period for the assessment of certain orthodontic problems. In adults, the position of the teeth and bite relationships can also be corrected orthodontically under appropriate conditions.
In adolescent and adult orthodontics, treatment planning takes into account dental crowding, spacing, bite problems, jaw relationships, oral and dental health, and the individual needs of the patient.
For adolescents and adults considering orthodontic treatment in Bursa, Dr. Dt. Ebru Çetinkaya Tokmak performs a comprehensive orthodontic assessment to evaluate treatment options appropriate to the existing orthodontic problem and individual needs.
What Is Adolescent Orthodontics?
Adolescent orthodontics involves the assessment of dental alignment, bite relationships and continuing jaw development during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
During this period, most permanent teeth are present, while growth and development may still continue depending on the individual. For this reason, both the required tooth movements and the patient’s current stage of development are taken into consideration when planning treatment for certain orthodontic problems.
Conditions that may require orthodontic assessment during adolescence include:
- Dental crowding
- Spaces between the teeth
- Upper or lower teeth that are noticeably prominent
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Impacted teeth or teeth with eruption problems
- Bite discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws
- The need for a second phase of treatment following previous early orthodontic treatment
Not every orthodontic problem is treated at the same age or using the same method. The timing and method of treatment are determined according to the individual’s stage of development and existing orthodontic condition.
What Is Adult Orthodontics?
Adult orthodontics refers to the assessment of tooth positions and bite relationships and the planning of orthodontic treatment in individuals who have largely completed their growth and development.
Orthodontic tooth movement is not limited to adolescence. Orthodontic treatment can also be carried out in adults when the teeth, gums and supporting bone structures are sufficiently healthy.
Orthodontic treatment in adults may be planned for various reasons, including:
- Correcting dental crowding
- Managing spaces between the teeth
- Correcting certain bite problems
- Assessing tooth movement that has occurred following previous orthodontic treatment
- Repositioning teeth before treatment for missing teeth or prosthetic dental procedures
The need for treatment and the methods that may be used are determined according to the individual’s current oral and dental health.
Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no specific upper age limit for orthodontic treatment based on age alone.
When planning orthodontic treatment for adults, the condition of the tissues supporting the teeth, gum health, bone condition and the overall health of the existing teeth are generally more important than chronological age. Both the British Orthodontic Society and the American Association of Orthodontists recognise that orthodontic treatment can also be performed in adults.
However, existing gum problems, missing teeth, restorations or other dental treatments should be considered as part of orthodontic planning in adult patients.
What Orthodontic Problems Can Be Treated in Adolescents and Adults?
The scope of orthodontic treatment may vary from person to person.
Some of the main conditions that may require orthodontic assessment in adolescents and adults include:
- Dental crowding
- Spaces between the teeth
- Prominent upper teeth
- Lower teeth biting in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Deep bite
- Tooth eruption problems
- Tooth movement or relapse following previous orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is not intended solely to make the teeth appear straighter. Assessment of the relationship between the teeth and jaws is also a fundamental part of orthodontic treatment planning.
How Is Adolescent and Adult Orthodontic Treatment Planned?
Treatment planning begins with a detailed orthodontic assessment.
Orthodontic Examination
The current alignment of the teeth, bite relationships and characteristics of the orthodontic problem are evaluated.
For adolescent patients, growth and development are also considered as part of treatment planning. For adult patients, existing dental and periodontal health is additionally assessed.
Obtaining Diagnostic Records
Where necessary, the following may be used during treatment planning:
- Clinical photographs
- Digital intraoral scans
- Radiographic images
- Records showing dental and jaw relationships
Determining the Treatment Option
Based on the clinical findings, treatment methods appropriate to the individual’s orthodontic problem are evaluated.
When selecting a treatment method, the decision is based not only on visibility or aesthetic expectations, but also on the tooth movements required and the existing bite problem.
Regular Orthodontic Reviews
Throughout orthodontic treatment, tooth movement and treatment progress need to be evaluated regularly.
The interval between appointments may vary depending on the treatment method used and the individual treatment plan.
What Orthodontic Treatments Can Be Used for Adolescents and Adults?
The treatment option is determined according to the individual’s existing orthodontic condition.
Where appropriate, options may include:
- Clear aligner treatment
- Orthodontic treatment with metal brackets
- Aesthetic bracket systems
- Different fixed or removable orthodontic appliances
Fixed braces and clear aligners are treatment options with different characteristics. It would not be accurate to state that one method is more suitable for everyone. Treatment selection should be based on a comprehensive orthodontic assessment.
Can Adolescents Use Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner treatment may be considered for adolescent patients with suitable orthodontic conditions.
Following the recommended wearing schedule is important during clear aligner treatment. Therefore, when selecting the treatment method, both the orthodontic problem and the individual’s ability to comply with the treatment protocol should be taken into consideration.
Clear Aligners or Braces for Adults?
Both methods may be considered for adult orthodontic treatment in appropriate cases.
The most suitable method is determined according to:
- The extent of the orthodontic problem
- The tooth movements required
- Bite relationships
- Existing dental and periodontal health
- The individual’s ability to comply with treatment
Why Is Gum Health Important in Adult Orthodontics?
During orthodontic treatment, teeth move with the support of the surrounding tissues. For this reason, particularly in adult patients, existing gum and periodontal health should be evaluated before treatment begins.
When active gum disease or problems affecting the supporting tissues are present, assessment by other dental disciplines may be required before or during orthodontic treatment.
Adult orthodontics may therefore form part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan for some patients.
Can Adults with Missing Teeth Have Orthodontic Treatment?
Having missing teeth does not necessarily mean that orthodontic treatment cannot be performed.
In certain situations, orthodontic treatment may be considered as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan in order to:
- Manage the space created by a missing tooth
- Move teeth into appropriate positions
- Create suitable space before implant or prosthetic treatment
The appropriate approach is determined according to the existing dental structure and any other treatments being planned.
Can Teeth Move Again After Orthodontic Treatment?
After orthodontic treatment has been completed, retention treatment may be used to help maintain the new positions of the teeth.
The retention method used may vary from person to person.
For individuals who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment but have experienced tooth movement after the retention period, the current condition can be reassessed and appropriate treatment options considered.
Adolescent and Adult Orthodontics in Bursa
For adolescents and adults in Bursa considering treatment for dental crowding, spacing, bite problems or another orthodontic concern, the first step is a detailed assessment of the existing condition.
During an orthodontic assessment performed by Dr. Dt. Ebru Çetinkaya Tokmak, dental alignment, bite relationships and the individual’s current oral and dental health are evaluated together.
For adolescent patients, growth and development are incorporated into treatment planning. For adult patients, existing periodontal health, previous dental treatments and, where necessary, the relationship between orthodontic treatment and other dental procedures are also evaluated.
The treatment method and process are planned individually according to the patient’s current orthodontic condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults have orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment can be performed in adults when the teeth and surrounding tissues are sufficiently healthy. Age alone does not prevent orthodontic treatment.
Is adolescence a suitable time for orthodontic treatment?
Many orthodontic problems can be assessed and treated during adolescence. However, the most appropriate timing for treatment varies according to the individual’s dental development, growth stage and existing orthodontic problem.
Does orthodontic treatment take longer in adults?
Treatment duration is not determined by age alone. The extent of the orthodontic problem, the tooth movements required, the treatment method used and the individual’s compliance with treatment may all affect the overall treatment time.
Can adults use clear aligners?
Clear aligners are one of the treatment options that may be considered for adults with suitable orthodontic problems. A comprehensive orthodontic assessment is required before treatment.
Are braces or clear aligners more suitable for adolescents?
There is no single method that is more suitable for every adolescent. The treatment method is determined by evaluating the characteristics of the orthodontic problem and the individual’s ability to comply with treatment.
Can someone who has previously worn braces have orthodontic treatment again?
Yes. If the teeth have moved again, the current condition can be assessed and further orthodontic treatment may be planned. The scope of treatment is determined according to the current positions of the teeth.
Content Last Updated: 18 July 2026
This content has been prepared for general informational purposes. Individual diagnosis and treatment planning are determined following an orthodontic assessment.