Adult Orthodontics: Conditions for Treatment at Any Age, Pre-treatment Care, Partial Orthodontics and Jaw Surgery

Adults can also have orthodontics regardless of age if their teeth and gums are healthy. The Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO, 대한치과교정학회) explains that middle-aged and older people can be treated as long as there is no progressive inflammation in the jawbone, but that teeth move somewhat more slowly than in adolescents and gum care matters more. Adults whose growth has ended can hardly change an imbalance of the jawbone itself by orthodontics alone, so jaw correction surgery is sometimes done together.

Published 2026-11-08 · Updated 2026-11-08 · DentalStatics editorial team

Key facts

Age limit	Possible at any age with healthy teeth and gums (source: Korean Association of Orthodontists)
Speed of tooth movement	Generally somewhat slower than in adolescents (source: Korean Association of Orthodontists)
What to treat first	Periodontal disease and severe cavities are treated before orthodontics (source: Korean Association of Orthodontists)
Implant planning	Orthodontics before implant placement is recommended where possible (source: Korean Association of Orthodontists)
With jaw correction surgery	Pre-surgical orthodontics usually 6 months to 1 year or more, then 6 months to 1 year from 4-6 weeks after surgery (source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) National Health Information Portal)

Is orthodontic treatment possible for adults?

It is. The Korean Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontic treatment is possible at any age if the teeth and gums are healthy. Beyond adults who want to fix snaggle teeth and a protruding mouth, there is a growing number of cases in which teeth must be moved so an implant or prosthesis can be placed in the right position.

The increase in less noticeable appliances is also a reason adult orthodontics has grown. You choose among tooth-colored brackets, lingual appliances attached to the inside of the teeth and removable clear aligners to suit your lifestyle and malocclusion.

Middle-aged and older people consult about orthodontics when the front teeth are gradually spreading or becoming crooked, when tilted teeth keep the molars from meeting, and when the position of the teeth makes cleaning difficult and cavities and gum inflammation recur.

How does adult orthodontics differ from orthodontics for adolescents?

The biggest difference is growth. A growing child can improve skeletal problems by guiding jaw growth, but an adult whose growth has ended can only have the positions of the teeth moved. The KDCA explains that surgery is needed to improve skeletal discrepancies in adults.

Teeth also generally move somewhat more slowly than in adolescents, and where the jawbone has decreased, teeth must be moved slowly with light force. So even for the same malocclusion, the duration and plan may differ.

Existing prostheses and implants are also taken into account. Implants do not move with orthodontics, so the plan is made using them as reference points or working around them.

What is treated first before adult orthodontics?

The Korean Association of Orthodontists explains that if there is periodontal disease that worsens the gums and jawbone, appropriate treatment should be given before orthodontics so that it proceeds with healthy gums. Severe cavities are also treated first.

Orthodontics on a healthy jawbone and teeth does not weaken the gums and teeth, but forcing it through in the presence of severe gum disease or deep cavities can weaken the jawbone and teeth. Controlling inflammation is the starting point of orthodontics.

General diseases are also checked. Osteoporosis, diabetes and arthritis can affect tooth movement and jawbone metabolism, and osteoporosis medication can affect tooth movement depending on the type, so tell the dentist about all the medicines you take.

What order applies if I have implant or prosthesis plans?

The Korean Association of Orthodontists recommends getting orthodontics before implant placement where possible, because placing an implant can limit orthodontic movement of the surrounding teeth. If tilted teeth are first uprighted and the space corrected, the implant and prosthesis can be placed in a better position.

Even where an implant already exists, the teeth around it can be treated. For middle-aged and older people with many crowns or implants, partial orthodontics, which leaves the molars as they are and aligns only the visible front teeth, is often recommended.

If you are 65 or older, it is also good to decide at which site to use the 2 insured implants together with the orthodontic plan.

What if the jawbone problem is large?

When there is an abnormality in the size or position of the upper and lower jawbones, such as a protruding lower jaw, a receding chin or facial asymmetry, orthodontics alone has limits, so jaw correction surgery is planned together. The KDCA explains that jaw correction surgery is performed jointly by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Before surgery, teeth are usually aligned with orthodontics for 6 months to 1 year or more, and orthodontics resumes from 4-6 weeks after surgery for another 6 months to 1 year or so. In some cases, pre-surgical orthodontics ends in 2-4 months. Jaw-and-face correction surgery for cosmetic purposes is set as non-covered in Korea, so how the cost is handled may differ depending on the purpose.

Right after surgery there may be a period in which the upper and lower jaws are fixed and a liquid diet is needed, so decide the timing of surgery together with work or school schedules.

Common myths and facts

Myth: If an adult has orthodontics, the gums and teeth get weaker.

The Korean Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontics on healthy jawbone and teeth does not weaken them. The problem is forcing it through while inflammation is present.

Myth: An adult cannot have only the front teeth partially corrected.

After a bite diagnosis, partial orthodontics that aligns only the front teeth is often possible. It is sometimes recommended for middle-aged and older people.

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to start orthodontics in my 40s or 50s?

It is possible if there is no progressive inflammation in the jawbone. However, teeth may move more slowly than in adolescents, and the plan is made after first checking the gum condition and general diseases, so the diagnosis stage may take longer.

My gums are bad and my teeth are loose. Can I have orthodontics?

If inflammation is first controlled with periodontal treatment, orthodontics can sometimes proceed. The Korean Association of Orthodontists explains that the plan is adjusted by considering the condition of the jawbone, such as moving teeth slowly with light force.

What should I watch out for during orthodontics if I have diabetes?

Uncontrolled diabetes can rapidly advance periodontitis, in which the jawbone sinks. The Korean Association of Orthodontists explains that in this case minimal orthodontics such as partial orthodontics may be recommended.

Can I have orthodontics without it being noticeable while working?

There are less visible appliances such as tooth-colored brackets, lingual appliances and clear aligners. Clear appliances require keeping to the wearing time and do not suit every malocclusion, so choose after diagnosis. If you travel often, also discuss in advance the interval between adjustment visits and what to do if the appliance comes off.

I had orthodontics before and my teeth are crooked again. Can I do it again?

Yes. If the dental arch has shifted because of jaw growth, trauma, gum disease or not wearing a retainer, re-treatment is considered, and where the range is narrow it is sometimes done with a less noticeable appliance. After re-treatment, it is important to follow the retainer instructions more carefully.

References

Korean version →