Considering adult orthodontics? Read on to learn more about why orthodontic treatment for adults is growing in popularity. Everyone deserves a smile they enjoy and feel confident showing each day, and adults should not have to feel insecure when showing their pearly whites due to misalignment concerns. The good news is that adult orthodontics offers a way for adults of all ages to address teeth and jaw misalignments that cause cosmetic, oral health, or functional issues.
In previous decades, orthodontics treatment was more common among younger patients. However, adult orthodontics continues to grow in popularity. This revolution is largely due to innovations within orthodontics, and adults now have more options and treatment flexibility available to them than ever before.
Adult orthodontics involves treating teeth and jaw misalignments for adult individuals. The treatment methods for adult orthodontics include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. The ultimate goal of adult orthodontics is to ensure a proper bite position of the teeth and jaw while the mouth is closed. Of course, many patients seek adult orthodontics for cosmetic concerns, and it can improve one’s smile by making teeth more symmetrical and attractive.
Innovations within orthodontics have made it more accessible for patients of all ages. Treatment times are on average shorter than they have been in the past, and there are more treatment options available than ever before. Some of the treatments are more discreet as well. This has led to more adults seeking orthodontic care past the age of 30.
Adult orthodontics offers many of the same treatments that are available to teenage patients. However, one primary difference between treating younger patients and treating adults is that adults are done growing. This means they have more bone density; the bones are not as malleable as a teenage patient. Subsequently, treatment may take longer on average.
While adult orthodontics may take longer on average, many patients still see the results they desire in less than a year, particularly for adults with mild to moderate misalignment. For some patients with more severe misalignments, treatment may take closer to two years to complete.
The consultation visit is a way for the adult orthodontics professional to examine the patient's misalignment and determine what the most appropriate treatment options are. They can then discuss the best path toward achieving a straighter set of teeth. The patient is also encouraged to ask any questions they may have during the consultation.
The following is a more detailed look at the most common adult orthodontics treatment options, which are clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and lingual braces.
Clear aligners are clear trays that patient wears over their teeth for more than 20 hours each day. Over time, the aligners shift teeth into the desired position. The patient typically visits the orthodontist for new aligners a couple of times per month.
Clear aligners are ideal for adults who have a mild to moderate misalignment that they wish to address. For example, an adult who previously had orthodontic treatment but has since seen their teeth shift back to a misaligned position likely makes for an ideal candidate.
Metal braces are the most traditional type of orthodontic treatment option, and they have worked well for adults for decades. These braces involve metal brackets and wires that are worn on the visible surface of teeth. They are tightened over time to pull teeth into an ideal alignment. Metal braces are more visible than clear aligners, but they are also the best at addressing severe misalignments.
Ceramic braces and lingual braces are alternative options for braces treatment. They are preferred by many adults over traditional braces because they are far more transparent. Ceramic braces, also called clear braces, use ceramic brackets rather than metal, making them less visible. Lingual braces, in the simplest terms, are metal braces that attach to the back side of teeth, rather than on the front, visible surface.
Contact our orthodontic team if you have questions about adult orthodontics or are ready to begin the treatment process. We can arrange a convenient time for you to come in for a consultation visit and determine the best path for you to achieve ideal teeth alignment through adult orthodontics.
Request an appointment here: https://paramountdentalspecialty.com or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at 5624501261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
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