The number of adults undertaking fixed orthodontic treatment has grown significantly in recent years. Improved appliance aesthetics, treatment mechanics and social acceptability are some of the contributing factors involved in this increase. This article intends to discuss adult orthodontic treatment and the difficulties involved. It will then present the innovations in treatment modality that have made orthodontics more acceptable to adults and discuss appliance advances that have adjusted the treatment possibilities for adults.
Clinical relevance: The general dental practitioner should be aware of the differences in adult and adolescent orthodontic treatment with the help of knowledge of innovations in aesthetics orthodontic appliances and treatment mechanics that have recently become available in orthodontics.