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Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Braces are not just for kids anymore. Crooked teeth, improper bite, spaces between the teeth and many other orthodontic problems are now being corrected regardless of age. The forces of braces and of other orthodontic appliances move the teeth in the same way for adults as for children. The only difference is that the jaw bones of adults are no longer growing, and thus, treatment time takes a little longer due to the maturity of the supporting structures. Certain orthodontic treatments in adults may require a combined effort employing the orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist and general dentist.
In our office 40% of our patients are adults, thanks to the new advancements in technology which have made orthodontic treatment for adults more comfortable, less visible, requiring fewer trips to the orthodontic office. We offer small metal braces, clear braces (ceramic brackets), Invisalign (a series of transparent aligners) and removable appliances to correct your teeth and give you the smile you deserve.
Why Do Adults Want Braces? Today, mature patients are more aware of the role orthodontic treatment plays in the health and longevity of their dentition, in addition to the creation of beautiful smiles.
Our adult patients represent a wide range of issues. Some seek treatment that they could not have when they were children. Some have entered professions where the display of crooked teeth limits their advancement.
Some seek orthodontic treatment for bite correction to alleviate Temporo-mandibular joint symptoms (headaches, pain in the neck and shoulder, clicking and pain of TMJ, etc.). In many patients the symptoms are generally improved even before orthodontic treatment is completed.
Some adult patients grind their teeth due to a bite problem or one of two teeth may be out of alignment. Orthodontic treatment can correct tooth grinding so that they no longer require a night guard.
We also see patients who are referred to us by their dentist who need a bridge or an implant to close the space of a missing tooth. In a lot of these cases the adjacent teeth have already tipped into the space and such movement have created an improper bite and limited tooth space. Orthodontic correction of the space before restoring the space is a vital asset for a successful bridge or implant.
Some patients merely want to straighten from teeth for an aesthetic reason. As you can see each case is unique and requires customized, individualized treatment planning.
Over time, adults may experience damage to the gum tissue and bone which supports their teeth. These problems may require coordinated treatment between a family dentist and a periodontist before, during and after you receive orthodontic treatment.
Before
Case 1: Deep Overbite and Crowding
After
Before
Case 2: Minor Tooth Movement (treated in 6 months)
After
Before
Case 3: Spacing
After
