What are the possible side-effects of getting treatment for adult orthodontic?

Great smile: Possible side-effects are: great smile, more normal bite, better oral health, higher self confidence. There are little draw backs as long as you do your part which is to follow instructions. All other possible outcomes should be discussed with you before treatment.

Many or none: As a practicing orthodontist i can tell you without reservation that adult teeth move by the very same biologic mechanisms that adolescent teeth move. There are some very minor differences in the biological timing in the beginning of treatment, otherwise the effects are the very same: teeth must be relatively healthy to undergo treatment, and with proper oral hygiene side effects are the very same.

Big Smiles!: Improved self esteem, a better bite, longevity of your teeth, a better smile. It is never too late to have the smile you have always dreamed about. My oldest patients have been in their 60's to 80's!

Various: Possible side effects include: jaw joint issues, periodontal disease, root blunting, decalcifications or decay on teeth. Most of these complications are the result of either poor patient compliance or incompetent treatment. See your general dentist for a clean bill of dental health and research your orthodontist well before choosing a practitioner to treat you.

A beautiful smile!: Seriously-- there are issues if you have short roots and it is a little more difficult to keep your teeth clean, but an orthodontist will not treat someone with very short roots and overall the "risks" as you phrase it are so limited that its safer to just say "close to zero". If you want a beautiful smile you should go for it!

None if Quality: My colleagues gave you some excellent answers. I just want to add some perspective from a general dentist's point of view after over 35 years of practice. There are only positive results as long as: you have a quality general dentist and a quality orthodontist who work together as a team. If you don't have both and look for bargains you may be disappointed in results and have other problems.

Few: In the hands of a great General Dentist and a qualified Orthodontic Specialist, problems are few and far between. 1/3 of the patients my Orthodontic practice are adults. We sometimes, when indicated, also team with other Dental Specialists. Beware of bargain Rx, or complex specialty care offered by non-specialists. Seek quality care providers.