Adult orthodontic treatment has become increasingly common. In the United States and Canada, an estimated one million adults over the age of 18 are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Why do adults need orthodontic treatment? In reality, many adults did not receive orthodontic treatment during their growth spurt for a variety of reasons. They not only have problems with misalignment, which affects their social life and work, but also have a higher incidence of caries, gum and periodontal diseases; in severe cases, they also have TMJ problems, complicating other symptoms such as headaches, disturbing their physical health and decreasing their quality of life. How does orthodontic treatment for adults differ from orthodontic treatment for children? The principles of orthodontic treatment for adults are no different from those of orthodontic treatment for children. However, due to the difference in age, adults have basically finished their peak development period and missed the best treatment period, so the treatment will take longer and the time to wear retainers after the treatment is finished is also longer. In addition, the psychological state of adults is different from that of children, and more patients require more concealed orthodontic appliances, special consultation times, and a higher demand for personal privacy. Therefore, doctors must take these factors into account when treating adult patients. How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment? The easiest and most effective way is to have an examination and evaluation by a specialized orthodontist. Individuals are all different, and the treatment approach and time needed to treat them will be different. Orthodontists are specially trained to conduct a thorough and necessary examination of the patient’s condition and will let the patient know the development of the jaws and teeth, whether or not orthodontic treatment is needed, the treatment options available, the time needed for treatment, the scheduling of the treatment process, what to expect during treatment, the cost of treatment, etc. What appliances are available for orthodontic treatment? Brackets are the most commonly used and essential appliance in orthodontic treatment. There are metal brackets and ceramic (clear) brackets, brackets placed on the outside of the teeth and brackets placed on the inside of the teeth, and rubber bands that are frequently replaced, either monochromatic or colored. Patients can discuss with their doctors about the appliances to be used. After all, orthodontics is a time-consuming and costly treatment, so you should use reliable quality and not pay too much attention to price at the expense of quality. Good quality appliances can greatly reduce the chances of bracket loss and can shorten the treatment time. In recent years, a new type of orthodontic appliances are welcomed by patients, it is based on the shape of the patient’s teeth, using electronic computer analysis of the entire treatment process, made of a series of transparent “dental trays”, under the guidance of the doctor to gradually replace, without the use of brackets. However, this appliance is not yet widely used in clinical practice because of its high production requirements and high cost. What should I pay attention to after wearing brackets? When you first start wearing brackets, you may feel uncomfortable, and you may feel “weird” when you speak or eat. This feeling will gradually disappear, and the duration of this feeling will vary from person to person. The biggest problem with brackets is to keep your mouth and teeth clean and hygienic. Since there are brackets, wires and rubber bands in your mouth, you should brush your teeth with special care, preferably with a special orthodontic toothbrush. In order to prevent caries and gum disease, you should reduce sugar and carbohydrate-based foods, rinse your mouth frequently, and have regular oral examinations and scaling. In order to protect appliances such as brackets, hard and sticky foods should also be avoided as much as possible.