Dental Brace
Braces for Adult
Fortunately, adults are not on a ticking clock for orthodontics, as it’s never too late to wear orthodontic braces. We think that qualifies as great news for all our adult patients.
Some good words from our patients
How is Adult Orthodontics Different From Child or Teen Orthodontics?
The biggest difference in orthodontics for adults vs. children/teens is that adults are no longer growing. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than treatment for children/teens with a similar problem due to the maturity and density of the bone adults have. Some medications and habits, like smoking, clenching or grinding teeth, or tongue thrusting, can affect the outcome of treatment. It’s common for orthodontists to work with a patient’s family dentist to coordinate care. In order to reach optimal dental health, the dentist and adult orthodontist may need to call in other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons, gum specialists, and restorative specialists.
Common Problem With Adults
Overcrowding
Overcrowding is when the size and number of teeth are larger than the underlying supporting bone resulting in overlapping
Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the bottom front teeth when the back teeth are closed. This is also called a closed bite or deep bite.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth or jaw sit ahead of the upper front teeth or jaw. This is also known as a Class III malocclusion.
Protruding Teeth
If you have protruding teeth, it means your teeth stick out further than is aesthetically pleasing. This can occur in both arches or just the top.
Open Bite
An open bite is a malocclusion in which teeth do not make contact with each other. With an anterior open bite, the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed together.
Jaw Pain
There are several causes of jaw pain, and a bad bite is one of them. Other common causes include habits (clenching or grinding), stress, trauma, and neuralgia.
Tooth Wearing or Decay
Although all teeth wear, malaligned teeth wear unevenly and more quickly than those that are straight.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums that stems from a build-up of plaque. There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
When to Seek Treatment?
Consulting an orthodontist is the best way to know if you need treatment. Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws for patients of all ages. They have the unique expertise adults need to create a beautiful and healthy smile. If your teeth have always bothered you in some way, talk over your concerns with an orthodontist.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
Braces (Metal/Ceramic/Damon)
With the recent advancements in dental technology, braces are now more comfortable, sleeker, and less conspicuous than they once were.
Clear Aligner - Invisalign
Clear aligners are nearly invisible plastic replicas of your teeth. As you wear them, they put gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually reposition them.
Orthognathic Surgery
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect the ability to bite, chew and speak.
Questions?
You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist considers many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, but age is rarely a deciding factor.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Currently one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. As people live longer and healthier lives, patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s are experiencing the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Depending on what is missing, your orthodontist may choose to move neighboring teeth together to close the space where the tooth is missing or hold open a space for a bridge or implant. Your orthodontist will work with your family dentist and/or other dental specialists.
If you are a young or middle-aged adult, this is not a good idea. Today’s 25-year-old has the potential of another 75 years of keeping and using their teeth. Orthodontic treatment is often part of a comprehensive dental healthcare plan. With good care, including orthodontic treatment when necessary, teeth can last a lifetime.