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One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. If the orthodontic problem is not due to tooth position alone, occasionally jaw surgery is required for adult patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.