Orthodontics for adults in Hanover
Straight teeth – it’s never too late!
Orthodontics refers to the field of dentistry that deals with the detection, treatment and prevention of misaligned jaws and teeth. The orthodontist’s field of work includes jaw and tooth straightening with orthodontic appliances such as braces to correct anomalies of the teeth and jaw. In our orthodontic practice in Hanover, we offer state-of-the-art orthodontic treatments.
When does orthodontic treatment make sense for adults?
Even in adult patients, orthodontic therapy can be used in many cases, whether for functional or esthetic reasons. Various conditions can be successfully treated with the help of orthodontics, including ✓ Correcting misaligned teeth ✓ Closing gaps between teeth ✓ Straightening misaligned teeth ✓ Correcting clenching ✓ Correcting speech impairments ✓ Alleviating jaw joint problems
What factors influence the orthodontic treatment of adults?
Jaw growth in women ends on average between the ages of 14 and 18, while in men it can often continue until the age of 25. The main difference in orthodontic treatment compared to younger patients lies in the stronger hardening of the jawbone and age-related limited tissue reactions. Adult patients also suffer more frequently from oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Another factor that can make treatment more difficult is missing, loose or damaged teeth. The orthodontist must take all of these factors into account when treating adults. It often makes more sense to pay attention to functional and aesthetic aspects than to a textbook bite alignment. Nevertheless, orthodontic measures are possible at almost any age, as these are essentially only malocclusions that we can easily correct without surgery until old age. Even late deterioration of tooth positions can be corrected invisibly in most cases today: our oldest patient in Hanover was 76 years old, i.e. there is no upper age limit.
Pronounced malpositions
In some cases, if there are major deviations in the bone growth that has taken place, e.g. with regard to a prebite, backbite or excessive length growth of the face, oral surgery is very helpful. The aesthetic and functional improvements of such treatments are impressive. Many patients experience a significant increase in their own self-esteem and thus in their social acceptance and career opportunities, especially after such extensive treatments.
Tooth extraction
Our principle of not removing any permanent teeth applies to the treatment of adults as well. This important goal can be achieved in many cases through the use of special treatment measures. In particular, the principles of the Balance treatment concept for the treatment of adults are of decisive importance for the safety of the treatment measures with regard to general health.
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Orthodontic treatments for adults
Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment as an adult? Do you still have questions about fixed braces for adults? Contact us and make an appointment at our specialist practice for comprehensive orthodontics in Hanover.
Treatment time for orthodontic treatment in adults
The treatment period ranges from 6 months to 30 months. In some cases, after orthodontictreatment, it is still necessary for your family dentist to restore the fillings and dental prosthetics or dental implants.
Opportunities and risks
Smoking and other drug use are the main contraindications for the use of fixed appliances. A good diet is particularly important during the treatment period to ensure that all the necessary nutrients are available in sufficient quantities for the remodeling of the jaw and the correction of the tooth position. This is why nutritional advice is an important part of treatment in some cases.
Cost coverage for orthodontic treatments
For adult patients, in contrast to many treatments in children and adolescents, the costs of orthodontic treatment are usually not covered by statutory health insurance, although orthodontic treatment can be tax-deductible as an extraordinary expense. In the case of private health insurance, the findings and tariff determine whether orthodontic measures are covered. The higher the tariff classification, the more extensive the reimbursement of costs – the rates are usually 60 to 85 percent.
