Braces For Adults
Are you an adult who’s unhappy with your crooked teeth? Do you wish you’d had orthodontic treatment when you were a teen? Well, it’s not too late! According to the American Orthodontic Association, 20 percent of today’s orthodontic patients are 21 or older. All over the country, people just like you are discovering the benefits of orthodontics for adults.
Why Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?
There are many reasons why adults choose orthodontic treatment, starting with one that’s also at the top of the list for teens: straight teeth look good! People who have benefited from orthodontics smile with more confidence and feel better about themselves. But the advantages don’t stop with appearance.
Straighter teeth are easier to brush, floss and keep healthy. An improved bite makes eating easier and more pleasurable. Straighter teeth are healthier teeth. There’s a reduced risk of bone loss and gum disease. If you need a new bridge, a crown, or an implant, it’s easier for a dentist to perform those on straightened teeth. Even if you had orthodontics as a child, teeth can shift, and sometimes additional straightening is helpful.
Before and after pictures show one of the biggest incentives for adult orthodontic treatment. Both teens and adults are delighted with new and improved smiles.
Are Orthodontics Different for Adults?
When it comes to orthodontics, the biggest difference between teens and adults is that young jawbones are still growing but mature jawbones have stopped. With grown-ups, orthognathic surgery is sometimes recommended to align the jawbone.
Also, adults are more likely to have the dental problems that come with age. These can include worn teeth that have moved into an unnatural position or missing teeth that have allowed adjacent teeth to shift. Adults are more likely to suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease, which can lead to recessed gums and bone loss.
At Symphony Orthodontics, we’re experienced in working with both teen and adult teeth. Also, if you received orthodontic treatment as a youth but for some reason never completed it, we can finish the job and give you the smile you had hoped for.
What Orthodontic Options Do Adults Have?
If you’ve been reluctant to spend time in braces, you should know that there are multiple treatment options to make the process easier. Traditional metal braces for adults are one of the choices, but there are also lingual braces that are hidden and invisible behind the teeth. Retainers help keep your teeth straight even after the treatment but are often worn only at night.
If your misalignment isn’t severe, full orthodontic treatment may not be necessary Discreet clear aligners for adults might be adequate to ease your teeth back into place.
Dr. Heidari is ready at the Symphony Orthodontics office to help you improve your smile and your dental health. Schedule your appointment online today. If you prefer, you may send photos of your teeth for a virtual consultation.