Adult Orthodontics

Dental care for adults should provide a permanent dentition with a healthy periodontium, optimal chewing function, and pleasant aesthetics. Many patients present a dental status where orthodontics becomes an integral part of the treatment plan in order to achieve this goal. Because many adult patients present complex oral problems that require treatment in several dental specialities, the family dentist is generally the first to diagnose and triage or treat the problem. A number of textbooks and general dental journals discuss orthodontic problem that can be handled in general dental practice. Although this is occasionally true, a significant part of the orthodontic problems presented by the adult patients is too complex for the average general practitioner. Thus, an increasing number of patients have been referred to the specialist. The orthodontic profession, facing this new challenge, has reacted positively; Orthodontic academicians have stressed the need for more basic knowledge and documentation before recommending orthodontics for adult patients.