Adult
treatments.
Adult treatments.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a great smile. Over 25% of orthodontic patients are over twenty-one!
There are many reasons adults choose to have braces:
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Malocclusions interfere with the chewing ability to break down foods which affects digestion and overall health.
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Crooked teeth can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue which result in TMJ problems. .
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Poorly arranged teeth can break easily and can trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
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Poorly arranged teeth detract from your smile which is one of the more important features contributing to facial beauty.
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You only have one chance to make that first impression, and a beautiful smile is an asset.
Fortunately adult patients have many options regarding their orthodontic treatment. The smaller, lighter brackets and wires, make braces more comfortable and less conspicuous than ever before.
These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word "braces." However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious "metal-mouth" braces than many adults remember.
Pros: Least expensive type; colored bands give kids a chance to express themselves
Cons: Most noticeable type of braces
Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.
Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces; move teeth much faster than clear plastic aligners (Invisalign)
Cons: More expensive than metal braces; Brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well.
Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth.
Pros: Totally Invisible from outside
Cons: More expensive. Can be more uncomfortable at first and takes up to two weeks to get use to. Regular adjustments take a little longer thus no Saturday appointments.
Invisalign consists of a series of 18 to 30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 3-4 weeks.
Pros: Almost invisible; Patients can eat and drink whatever they want. Easy to brush and floss teeth
Cons: Will not work for serious dental problems; only available for adults and teens, not children; more expensive option; can be easily lost and costly to replace; treatment may potentially take longer.
Adult treatments
FAQ.
What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?
Treatment may last anywhere between 6 months to 30 months, or longer, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation, and the degree of movement required. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment on the part of the patient, most people feel the benefits are well worth the time invested.
What is the difference between extraction & non-extraction therapies?
Extraction removes some teeth to make room for the other teeth. Non-extraction therapy expands a patient’s jaw and/or adjusts the size of some teeth to make them fit within the jaw. While we make every effort to avoid extractions, they often are required for cases where there is severe crowding.
What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment refers to therapies that involve the alignment of your teeth, how your jaw operates and how your bottom and top teeth meet. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is used to correct any of these problems and restore your bite to its optimum position. Treatment can begin at nearly any age and may consist of several different phases, depending on the problem being corrected and the goal of treatment. In conjunction with braces and specially designed appliances depending on each individual case and specific needs other therapies used may include periodontal (gum) care; oral surgery (including jaw surgery or tooth extractions); and restorative treatment (crowns, bridges, fillings, implants, etc.)
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment refers to therapies that involve the alignment of your teeth, how your jaw operates and how your bottom and top teeth fit together. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is used to correct any of these.