You can enjoy a flawless smile at any age, including as an adult. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), approximately one in five patients is over 21. With modern orthodontic treatments, adults can achieve the gorgeous smiles they desire without the unpleasantness associated with traditional orthodontia.
At one time, metal braces were the only choice if you wanted to straighten your teeth. Now, adult patients can select from other options such as:
Ceramic brackets
Made from tooth-colored materials, ceramic braces are designed to blend with your natural teeth and offer inconspicuous orthodontic treatment. Usually, the bands used to hold the arch wires on are often clear or white. Ceramic braces, however, tend to cost more than traditional orthodontia does.
Lingual braces
With this type of treatment, the brackets are placed on the back sides of your teeth, which means they aren’t visible to others. Lingual braces will correct the alignment of your teeth, just as metal brackets would do. Treatment typically takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces. Initially, patients may have an adjustment period as they get used to having the brackets on the back of their teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners
One of the most popular choices for adults, Invisalign clear braces are custom, acrylic aligners that gently shift teeth into the desired position. The plastic trays fit over teeth and do not require any adjustments. Most of the time, no one besides your orthodontist will even know that you are undergoing treatment. Because the aligners are removable, you can keep teeth and gums in top condition.
For a long time the only option to straighten teeth were metal braces and wires. Although this orthodontia serves a purpose, it creates a less-than-appealing image, especially for adults seeking treatment. Now, older teen and adult patients can enjoy gorgeous smiles without the hassle and embarrassment of traditional orthodontia.
Systems like Invisalign and ClearCorrect utilize custom, acrylic aligners to gently shift teeth into the desired position. Adult patients often choose this type of orthodontia because it offers advantages to metal braces, including:
Convenience
With the clear aligner systems, your orthodontist will take images and gather data so that a dental lab can fabricate your complete set of aligners. You wear each set for about two weeks and then move on to the next ones. Usually, the orthodontist will check your progress every six weeks.
Appearance
Constructed from clear plastic, Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners are barely discernible to friends and family, allowing you to look great while you straighten your teeth. Only you and your orthodontist will know that you are undergoing treatment.
Flexibility
Because you can remove the aligners, patients are able to take them out for special events or important meetings. For optimal results, you need to wear the aligners about 22 hours a day.
Health
Often, traditional braces make brushing and flossing more difficult, which can contribute to dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay. With the Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners, you remove the trays to brush and floss as you would normally.
Removable Orthodontic Aligners at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Although many adults may feel embarrassed by their crooked teeth, the idea of metal braces may seem even worse. Advances in technology have made it possible for orthodontists to offer treatments that will produce gorgeous results without drawing attention to your orthodontic therapy.
Orthodontics is often seen as treatment for kids and teenagers, but it can actually correct bite issues, address crowding, and straighten teeth for patients of any age. You are never too old to reap the benefits of a fabulous smile. Not only will a straight smile look better, but it can also improve your dental health. Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can make routine care more difficult, which can increase the chances of developing issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Before recommending treatment, your orthodontist will likely take X-rays and perform a complete examination. Once the doctor has gathered all the information, he or she will explain your options for treatment. Many adults prefer the following orthodontic therapies:
Ceramic brackets
Similar to traditional wire-and-bracket braces, ceramic brackets are constructed from tooth-colored materials. With ceramic brackets, only the connecting wires are visible, which makes these braces much less noticeable than with metal orthodontia.
Lingual braces
Applied to the back side of teeth, lingual braces aren’t apparent when you smile. These braces take some getting used to and they may cost more than other options, but they provide adults with inconspicuous orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners
With options such as ClearCorrect or Invisalign, patients can achieve flawless smiles without the hassle and discomfort of traditional metal braces. These systems use clear, custom aligners to gently move teeth into the desired position. Because the aligners are removable, patients can take them out to eat, brush, or for special occasions.
Adult Braces at Mehdi Fotovat Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
When you have braces, oral care can be tricky. Brackets, wires, rubber bands, and other orthodontic appliances can catch food. Breakage can occur if you don’t watch what you eat. Understanding how to protect your orthodontia and your teeth will help ensure a successful outcome.
Flossing with Braces
Although flossing is more difficult, it’s especially important when you have braces. To make it easier you may need to buy flossers, which will help you thread the floss between the wires. As you floss, don’t pull to hard on the arch wire.
Brushing Tips
With braces, you need to brush after every meal to remove any trapped food particles. Carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to make it easier during your busy day.
Avoid Problem Foods
Certain choices like sticky treats and hard substances aren’t a good idea while you have braces. Pretzels, popcorn, suckers, and taffy can pull off brackets or damage wires, so save these goodies for after you finish treatment.
Safeguard Your Smile
If you play sports or participate in activities that could involve contact, like basketball, soccer, and even skateboarding, ask your orthodontist about a mouth guard. These plastic devices cover teeth and gums to prevent mouth injuries.
Keep your orthodontist informed
If you break a bracket or have a wire come loose, call your orthodontist’s office and find out the next steps. You can cover the area with dental wax to prevent irritation. Don’t try to repair the problem yourself because you could cause further damage.
Sherman Oaks, CA orthodontic office – Mehdi Fotovat, DDS.
Anyone can enjoy a straight, attractive smile. Many people assume that orthodontic treatment is just for kids and teens, but that isn’t the case. Approximately one million adults wear braces, suggesting that age shouldn’t influence orthodontic treatment decisions. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage, and Gwen Stefani are a few famous examples of adults who chose to straighten their teeth.
The following points might help you make your decision if you are thinking about adult orthodontics:
Crooked teeth can create health issues.
When your teeth aren’t straight brushing and flossing are more difficult, which may increase your risk of cavities. Chewing issues and alignment problems, like TMJ dysfunction, can also arise if your teeth aren’t in the proper position.
Misaligned teeth may contribute to gum disease.
If you have crooked teeth, it is harder to remove plaque, the sticky layer that forms on teeth and gums. Plaque build up often leads to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Adults have options for orthodontic treatment.
At one time, metal braces were the only choice for people who wanted a straighter smile. Modern advances mean that adults can attain the beautiful smiles they desire with less conspicuous orthodontic treatments such as ceramic brackets, lingual braces, or Invisalign clear braces.
A flawless smile has benefits.
Not only will your oral health improve, but you will look and feel better than ever with a stunning smile. Improved confidence and a warm presence can help you achieve personal and professional success.
Consider our Orthodontic team in Sherman Oaks California – Dr. Fotovat – Burbank Orthodontist – WebBraces.com
