It’s never too late to improve your confidence and self-esteem by correcting crooked, crowded, or spaced-apart teeth! And oftentimes for adults, problems that extend far beyond cosmetic concerns lead them toward orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re considering changing your smile for aesthetic purposes or fix longstanding issues with your bite and jaw alignment, specialized orthodontic treatment can give you a smile that looks and feels great!
What are my choices for treatment?
It’s never been easier to look good on your way to looking great. With recent orthodontic advancements, there are now more adult treatment options than ever before. Many of these provide effective, less noticeable treatment and greater comfort. Your Central Lakes orthodontist will consult with you about the options that fit best for your goals, needs and lifestyle, but here are some of the most common options.
Conventional metal braces
Though the thought of metal braces as an adult may not appeal to all, conventional braces for adults provide exceptional treatment outcomes and can be the most effective choice for certain types of orthodontic concerns. Braces today are smaller and more comfortable than ever before, and more adults are choosing traditional metal braces based on the speed of treatment.
Ceramic or Clarity™ Clear braces
Ceramic braces are also a popular option for adults who seek the benefits of traditional braces but want a less noticeable treatment. Ceramic braces replace metal braces with tooth-colored composite brackets, mimicking your natural teeth color to become less noticeable. Cleaning will be especially important with ceramic braces, since just like your natural teeth, certain foods can more easily stain the ceramic brackets.
How does orthodontic treatment differ for adults?
With orthodontic treatment for adults, teeth and jaws are moved into the desired position much the same way as with kids and teens—in response to the gentle pressure placed on them over time by their orthodontic devices. Since the teeth and jaw bones in adults are no longer developing, however, treatment may take a bit longer than it does for younger patients with less dense bones.
Habits such as smoking, tongue thrust (pushing your tongue between your teeth when you swallow), and clenching or grinding teeth may also impact the length and outcome of adult orthodontic treatment. In severe cases, your orthodontist may need to work with your dentist or enlist a specialist to achieve your desired results.
Are adult orthodontics worth it?
What’s the value of a confident, healthy smile in your daily life, on special events like weddings, and in your professional career?
An improved smile achieved through specialized orthodontic treatment with braces will provide psychological and physical health benefits and improved quality of life. Studies show that healthy, straight smiles evoke confidence and self-esteem in relationships, social situations, in business, and in your career, and that individuals who are embarrassed by crowded or crooked teeth don’t smile as often as those with perfect teeth.
A bad bite, known as a malocclusion, can also create abnormal jaw pain and pressure. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, difficulty chewing, and abnormal wearing of tooth enamel. You may also experience headaches, migraines, and TMJ pain. Expert orthodontic treatment alleviates these problems by eliminating the pressure that causes the pain.
Research also suggests that orthodontic treatment may also help sleep apnea and improve your ability to chew and speak. This makes straighter teeth and proper jaw alignment a vital component of your overall health and wellbeing.
An investment in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your long-term health, plus it will dramatically decrease the amount you’ll spend on dental and health care across your lifetime. You’ll achieve a healthier, more comfortable bite, avoid life-long pain, and enjoy a lifetime of happier, more confident smiles.
Will braces change my face?
Typically, braces for adults will impact facial structure less than for teens who are still growing, although you may notice a more balanced and harmonious appearance after correction. The more severe the initial imbalance, the greater the change. But rest assured, you will still look like yourself!
This is why it’s so important to work with a highly qualified orthodontist when planning your treatment. The specialized expertise and precision of your Central Lakes orthodontist will ensure you get both the aesthetic and functional benefits you deserve.
Where can I find adult braces near me?
If you’d like to learn more about orthodontic treatment for adults, consult your Central Lakes orthodontist for specialized advice. No dentist referral is necessary for quality orthodontic care. In fact, Central Lakes Orthodontics makes it easy to explore your options with a no-cost evaluation, including digital X-rays, an iTero® scan with a 3D model of your teeth and gums, and a one-on-one consultation with a doctor on treatment options.
Simply [free_orthodontic_consultation_link text=”schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today.” title=”schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today.”] We’ll take the time to learn all about your lifestyle and what you hope to achieve from treatment, then customize a treatment plan for braces to deliver the results you want, while easily fitting into the way you live.
We do this all in a single visit to our office, because we believe in convenience, simplicity, and the value of your time.
