A Guide to Adult Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatment is no longer for children only. Many adults are now turning to this dental treatment for many reasons. For some, adult orthodontic treatment is the ultimate solution to their not-so-good-looking teeth. This is because orthodontics straightens your teeth so you can have the smile you’ve always wanted. Others go for the treatment to correct dental misalignment. For some people, the reason is the cosmetic appeal.

Whatever your reason is, orthodontic care can improve your overall well-being. A healthy mouth and a good smile will uplift your confidence, which is essential for your mental, emotional, social, and physical health. So, what is adult orthodontics all about? And how can you go about it? Here is a valuable guide to help you understand orthodontics:

Does Orthodontic Treatment Work for Adults?

Some decades ago, orthodontics was seen as a treatment option for children and adolescents. But, nowadays, this notion no longer holds water. Orthodontic treatment can be done on anyone, regardless of their age. During treatment, your dentist will consider many factors, and your age is likely to be last on the list.

The genuine answer to the above question is yes. Orthodontics in adults works just like in children. Research shows that the biological process of altering the position of teeth is not affected by age. You can have your teeth corrected even at sixty.

How is Adult Orthodontic Treatment Different?

Braces may work best in children and teens. However, adults also benefit from this treatment, but it takes a little more effort and time to get the results. What makes treatment in youngsters easier is the fact that their jawbone and teeth are still growing. This makes it easy for braces to position the teeth in the right place.

On the other hand, the bones in adults have stopped growing. In many cases, additional treatments have to be done alongside orthodontics to achieve the desired results. They include dental implants, orthognathic surgery, and veneers. Besides that, adult habits such as tongue thrust, grinding teeth, clenching, and smoking can affect treatment outcomes.

When Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

People seek orthodontic treatment for many reasons, including the following:

To correct the bite: Bite problems have become common nowadays. They include overbite, crossbite, open bite, spacing, and crowding. These problems might look insignificant, but they can profoundly affect your smiling, speaking, chewing, and biting. Orthodontics corrects the position of your jaw, gum, and teeth to enhance optimal performance.
To restore confidence and a good smile: The appearance of your teeth affects your confidence. You’ll avoid smiling or talking when your teeth are crooked. One of the reasons why people go for orthodontic treatment is to gain confidence when socializing with others. With well-aligned teeth, you can wear a straight smile without feeling embarrassed.
To reduce the risk of dental and general health issues: In addition to robbing your self-confidence, misaligned teeth can cause dental problems. For instance, an incorrect bite can lead to wearing out of tooth enamel, bone loss, and loose teeth. Since it affects the way you chew food, it can invite gastrointestinal problems. Other health issues that emerge from misaligned teeth include earaches, facial pain, and headaches. Through orthodontics, you can avoid these medical issues.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

These days, adult orthodontics has become so versatile. There are plenty of options available for adults in the market today. Explore these options and choose the best one for your problem and lifestyle. These are the most common adult braces:

Traditional or metal braces: These are possibly the most common types of braces, and they’ve been around for a long time. Metal braces are incredibly effective, making them the best alternative in straightening adult teeth. They are also the least expensive type and come in different colors. On the flip side, metal braces are quite conspicuous, and you’ll need to put a little more effort to clean them.
Ceramic braces: They resemble metal braces only that their brackets are clear. This means they are less noticeable, and they are quick in positioning teeth as compared to aligners. However, they can quickly get stained if you fail to clean them properly. And, they’ll cost you more than the metal braces.
Lingual braces: They have brackets and wires like in the traditional braces. In this case, the structure is attached at the back of the teeth, making them invisible to everyone else except the wearer. However, they can be rather uncomfortable at first, and they are hard to clean.
Invisalign: These are plastic, clear trays that are replaced every two weeks. They offer a greater level of convenience since they are removable. They are also almost invisible, and no one can realize you are wearing them unless you say it. Even so, they are not effective in treating severe dental issues, and the cost of replacing them is high.

What to Expect During Treatment

It’s vital to have an initial consultation with your dentist before the actual treatment begins. During this appointment, you will get acquainted with each other and also discuss your needs and expectations. At this point, you will discuss the appropriate treatment approach as well as payment options.

The dentist will conduct a few examinations in your next appointment, including molds of top and bottom teeth, extraoral and intraoral exam, and X-ray. This helps them to create the correct braces or retainers for you.

During the third appointment, the braces are attached to your mouth. The time it will take to finalize or complete the procedure will depend on your problem. It is non-invasive, and you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort. At the end of the appointment, the dentist will give you the necessary instructions to take care of your retainers or braces.

You’ll also be required to attend follow-up appointments. Depending on your needs, they can be scheduled every four to eight weeks. During these sessions, your braces will be tightened, and you will be given new rubber bands. You’ll also get new trays if you are using invisalign.

If you want to know how orthodontic treatment will work for you, contact Trinity Dental Care today and meet our reputable orthodontic dentist in Scottsdale.