Adult Orthodontic Treatment – Does It Work?
April 25, 2019Adult Orthodontic Treatment – Does It Work?
Human teeth are, ideally, as neatly aligned as piano keys. Sadly, many people have to fight with crooked teeth, biting problems or crowded smiles. These problems raise more concerns than cosmetics. Crowded or overlapping teeth can make oral diseases more common. It may be difficult to clean. Teeth which do not fit properly together when you close your jaws determines a problem called malocclusion or “bad bite.” Poor alignment of the teeth can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and cause facial pain in the chewing muscles. While childhood is the ideal time to change the position of the teeth, more adults opt for adult orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, Damon braces, or lingual braces and get good results. One of every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18 years, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
The Treatment
Orthodontics science relies on pressure to change teeth position. The orthodontist does this by attaching mechanical instruments or equipment to the teeth to move them in the desired direction carefully. The root presses against the underlying alveolar bone when a tooth is subject to pressure on the one side. This strength eventually dissolves a portion of the bone near the root so that the tooth can be pushed in the way it is needed. As the tooth migrates, the space emptying on the other side of the root builds up a new bone. This prevents the tooth from returning to the original position. Before you can begin orthodontic treatment, you might need to remove one or more teeth.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
- Flexible, fixed braces are designed to be connected by a wire, and with strong, durable metal brackets (or ceramic brackets).
- Discreet metal brackets are significantly smaller than those in traditional metal braces, whereas ceramic ones are even subtler.
- Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth to prevent the majority of people from seeing you are being treated.
- Damon braces, like the traditional metal braces, are self-contained devices. However, Damon braces use a slides mechanism that fastens the wires to the brackets to move the teeth as the braces are adjusted.
Depending on your teeth and treatment, treatment times for most adult braces are 1 to 2 years.
Advantages of Braces
We have seven great reasons why adults should have braces. Continue to read and learn whether braces are the right choice for you if you’re an adult. Adults should get braces because:
- Every smile is important, and as people live longer, you’ll have more years with your smile.
- Teeth can move at any age.
- It can avoid severe oral problems.
- It can prevent other health issues.
- Braces today are cheaper, better and less noticeable.
Your Goals
It is essential to understand what your motivation is to obtain orthodontic treatment. You’ll be able to discuss what you want to be changed with your teeth, smile, and in some cases your face profile through a consultation with your orthodontist. Your orthodontist can discuss the options to solve the problems that concern you from here.
The orthodontist offers doctors in the field of orthodontics for adults and treats patients regularly with complex problems. Contact your nearest orthodontist clinic in Midtown for an appointment if you want to discuss your alternatives for any orthodontic treatment. We are Orthodontic Arts where experienced orthodontists in Midtown can help you. Ask as many questions as you want so that you have all the information you need to decide if orthodontics is right for you.
Orthodontic Arts, your number one Orthodontist in OKC. Our Certified Orthodontist provides the latest and greatest Orthodontic practices to our clients in the OKC and Midtown area. Orthodontic Arts is the best place for child and teen orthodontics as well as adult orthodontics. Be sure to ask about Invisalign and invisible braces! Contact us today at (405) 604-3745 or request an appointment.
**Disclaimer: The above post is not intended to be medical advice or create a relationship between doctor and patient.