Back then, braces and aligners were common in teenage girls and boys during their school-age years to treat dental misalignments and enhance facial features. Nowadays, it has also become very common among adults. Many adults decide to have adult orthodontics later in their lives. Adult orthodontics is more than just a straight smile. It comes under the cosmetic dentistry, which is a branch of general dentistry. This adult orthodontics treats chewing and speaking issues, along with treating dental issues. This blog highlights some orthodontic treatment options for adults thinking of having orthodontic care to change or enhance their smile.
Understanding Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the alignment of teeth and jaws. Many people undergo orthodontic treatment during childhood or adolescence. Adult orthodontics is a branch of orthodontics that deals with the same issues, but in a later stage of a person’s life. Orthodontic treatments help treat crossbites, overbites, and crowded teeth. It helps treat teeth shifting that may occur as a result of aging.
Adults usually undergo orthodontic treatment for reasons that are different from those of children and adolescents. Some adults may have never had the opportunity to undergo orthodontic treatment as children, while others may have experienced changes in their jaws and teeth alignment over the years. Modern dentistry has made it possible for adults to undergo adult orthodontics without affecting their work and social life.
What Makes Adult Orthodontic Treatment Popular
Adult orthodontics has increased in popularity as a result of greater awareness of the importance of oral health, the aesthetic appeal of orthodontic appliances, and comfort levels. Today, many adults recognize orthodontic treatment as an investment in health and confidence rather than a luxury.
Current treatment options make it possible for adults to maintain a professional appearance while undergoing treatment. This makes it easier for adults to commit to adult orthodontics without feeling self-conscious.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults
There are many orthodontic treatment options available for adults. You can choose for them by consulting your orthodontist. He/she will assess your teeth and then recommend the suitable treatment. Some of these orthodontic treatment options are given as:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are always a viable and effective choice for dealing with a variety of adult orthodontic problems. These braces work by using metal brackets and wires that help to move teeth into their desired positions over time.
Metal braces are always a very effective choice for dealing with complex orthodontic problems. They are also very cost-effective compared to other choices. Modern metal braces are much smaller and more comfortable compared to older models.
Considerations: The biggest drawback of metal braces is that they are very visible compared to other choices. So, before choosing them as your treatment option, you should have a note of this concern.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces just differ in the context of the material used, otherwise, they are just similar to the metal ones. Such braces are made of ceramic material that is similar to the colour of the tooth, or may be transparent braces. This is one of the most preferred adult orthodontics option. Ceramic braces are less prominent than the metal ones. Ceramic braces are a good option for adults who want a good combination of looks and functionality.
Points to Consider: Ceramic brackets are slightly more delicate and may need to be handled with care to prevent staining. They may also be slightly more costly than metal braces.
Invisible Aligners
Invisaligners are another adult orthodontics care option available. These are transparent aligners, nearly invisible. These can easily be removed and worn again. They are used to move teeth into their correct positions. The aligners are custom-made, vary from one person to another, specifically designed for each of the individual according to their dental structure.
Perks of Using Clear Aligners: These are transparent aligner nearly invisible. So, preferred more by adult individuals. These can be removed for eating, brushing, and other special events. This makes it easy to maintain oral hygiene and also gives a person more flexibility.
Disadvantages: Clear aligners have to be worn for a period of twenty to twenty-two hours a day. They are not ideal for complex adult orthodontics cases.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fixed at the back of the teeth, making them not very visible when seen from the outside. These align the tooth while maintaining the dental appearance.
Benefits: These are completely invisible options for you if you want the least noticeable ones. They work completely like traditional ones, but are totally invisible.
Drawbacks: It may take longer to get used to lingual braces. They may also cause speech difficulties temporarily. They are also more costly.
Short-Term Orthodontics for Minor Corrections
Some adults require only minor corrections to enhance the look of their smile. Short-term adult orthodontics are cosmetic alignment procedures that do not aim to correct the bite.
Perks of short-term corrections: Such corrections are for immediate and short-term treatment options. They are ideal for adults who want minor corrections.
Considerations: Short-term orthodontics may not correct the bite and may not be ideal for all patients. So, if your concerns are related to bite issues, then I could not be a considerable choice of treatment for you. You should have your orthodontist consult.
The Orthodontic Procedure for Adults
When you are planning to have an adult orthodontics care option, you should know that you are going to undergo the following steps of an orthodontic treatment. These steps are given as:
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The process starts with a thorough evaluation of your dental and oral hygiene. It involves dental imaging, impression taking, and a thorough consultation for your dental concern. Your orthodontist will assess the alignment of your teeth and the jaw to determine the best adult orthodontics for you.
Personalised Treatment Options
It is important to know that every dental treatment is designed specifically for each patient. Every adult patient has a customised treatment plan according to their dental requirements, personal preferences, and budget. The orthodontist discusses the treatment outcomes, duration, and maintenance.
Active Treatment Phase
During this phase of treatment, the individual has frequent dental visits. It helps track the treatment progression along with treating any hurdle if it occurs. It is time taking procedure that requires patience and consistency. Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene helps improve dental health and plays a role to achieve best outcomes possible.
Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Oral hygiene is a critical aspect of adult orthodontics. Cleaning your oral cavity helps maintain a healthy oral environment, which reduces the risk of bacterial infections, plaque accumulation, and gum infections. It promotes dental health in a longer run.
Many orthodontists advise cleaning your aligners, along with keeping your teeth clean. Additionally, they recommend avoiding packaged food that might be sticky and stick to your teeth.
Is Adult Orthodontics a good treatment option for you?
It depends on your dental health and condition. Good dental and oral health can bear various adult orthodontic issues as long as the teeth remain healthy. Whether you want to enhance your comfort, oral health, or confidence with your smile, adult orthodontics can be your treatment option. It provides long-term benefits. You can choose a desirable treatment option after consulting your orthodontist.
Conclusion
If you have ever thought about straightening your teeth or correcting bite problems, adult orthodontics is your option of choice. This treatment has become quite popular among adults nowadays as it promotes a happier, healthier smile. You can visit Dental Advice Today for a detailed review of your dental health. Our orthodontists are there to help you figure out the best dental treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Orthodontics Treatments
Is orthodontic treatment effective at any age in adulthood?
There are no such age treatment restrictions for orthodontic care options. Just ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. They are safe to have.
How long is the duration of a general adult orthodontic treatment?
The duration of longevity of an adult orthodontic treatment completely depends on the nature of the dental problem for which orthodontic treatment is being done. It also depends on the complexity of the treatment procedure. Usually, it may last from one year to two years, depending on your dental condition and requirements. It may exceed or recced.
How often will I need to visit the orthodontist?
Your orthodontist schedules your next visits according to your treatment requirements. Typically, it could be once a month or every two months. Even in some treatment options, like clear aligners, you may need to visit your orthodontist less often.
Can orthodontic treatment be done with existing crowns or fillings?
For sure, they can. If you are having dental crowns, bridges, Denver dental implants, or fillings, you can also have braces or aligners. You can consult your orthodontist regarding this. He/she will guide you better, according to your dental condition, on which orthodontic option to go for.
Is it worth investing in an adult orthodontic care option?
Yes, it is. An orthodontic treatment plays an important role in enhancing self-confidence and overall dental health. It improves oral hygiene and dental hygiene. Adult orthodontic treatments enhance self-confidence and provide comfort when chewing.
