Is there any compromise in having orthodontic treatment as an adult as compared to a child?

There are more limitations for adults having comprehensive orthodontic treatment as compared to a child. The facial and skeletal pattern of an adult is largely unchanged and because of slower growth, having orthodontic treatment alone cannot alter them. Correction of large jaw discrepancy in adults may only be done through combined orthodontic and surgical procedures. Procedures (such as functional appliances) used in modifying jaw relationship in a child cannot be used successfully in an adult.