Adult Orthodontics
 There have been numerous developments made in the field of orthodontics over the years. With all of these developments, more and more adults are starting to seek out orthodontic treatment. About 30% of orthodontic patients are adults. If you are an adult unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, Senestraro Family Orthodontics can provide you with the orthodontic treatment you need to achieve a more beautiful, confident smile.
Why Do Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment?
There are a few reasons why adults want to undergo orthodontic treatment. Some seek treatment because they didn't undergo orthodontic treatment when they were younger. As a result, they have been living with alignment issues, such as crooked teeth, an overbite, or an underbite, for many years. These alignment issues may have started to take their toll, causing cavities, gum disease, headaches, and other problems. Other adults may seek orthodontic treatment even though they had braces when they were younger. If you neglect to wear your retainer, your teeth may begin to shift back out of alignment, which can lead to new alignment issues as an adult.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Different for Adults?
Treatment for adults is a bit different for adults. Younger patients have a softer jaw because the bone is still growing. This makes moving teeth a bit easier. As an adult, your bone is much more rigid. Your teeth are harder to move as a result. Because of this, orthodontic treatment can take longer than treatment would for younger patients. Additionally, if you have had one or more teeth extracted in the past, these sites may not be ideal for teeth to move into.
Orthodontic Appliances for Adults
Adults can undergo treatment with just about any type of orthodontic appliance. Metal braces are the traditional treatment. They are reliable, durable, and can fix a variety of different orthodontic issues. However, many adults do not want to wear metal braces because they are so visible. The metal can dominate your smile, which can affect your confidence. They can also affect your professional life, affecting how clients, co-workers, and superiors see you.
There are several more discreet options available today. These options include ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign®. Ceramic braces use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. This makes them less noticeable. However, the ceramic can break more easily than metal. Lingual braces are fixed on the backsides of your teeth. This decreases their visibility significantly. They cannot be used in all situations, though.
Invisalign is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional braces for adults. Instead of a fixed appliance, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. These aligners are also removable, allowing you to brush your teeth normally and enjoy your normal diet. The aligners are very difficult to see when they are put over your teeth, meaning that no one will be able to notice them. All that they'll see is your growing confidence as your smile improves.
If you are looking to improve the alignment of your teeth, and the look of your smile, orthodontics can help. For more information about adult orthodontics, and to find out if treatment is right for you, call Senestraro Family Orthodontics at (503) 925-8899 today. |
