Adult Orthodontics

Common reasons why many adults are straightening their teeth include:

Two common teeth straightening options for adults include braces and Invisalign®. There are pros and cons to each that we can go over in greater detail during a consultation. Braces Braces are perhaps the oldest teeth straightening options available. Braces consist of small metal brackets and arch wires. To begin the procedure, the orthodontist will start by cleaning and drying the mouth thoroughly. Afterward, they will apply an adhesive on the teeth to attach the brackets. Once in place, the dentist will run the arch wire into the bracket and secure them in place with an elastic. The entire process takes about one or two hours. Although the procedure itself is not painful, patients may feel a little discomfort afterward. Their tongue and cheek may rub on the braces, causing soreness or slight sensitivity. It may take about a week to get used to having braces finally. While a traditional straightening option, braces are effective and do not require regular removal for cleaning. The length of treatment may take between 15 to 18 months, depending on the patient’s condition. Invisalign Many adults are not comfortable with the idea of having brackets and wires on their teeth. For them, Invisalign may be a more suitable alternative. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays that patients must wear on their teeth. Each pair of trays shift the teeth gradually until they get to the desired position. Patients have to switch out the trays every two weeks for a new set of trays. By taking a digital model of the patient’s teeth, it is possible to measure the most effective path to shift the teeth into the correct alignment. With this, we can determine the number of aligner trays the patient will need. Invisalign uses removable aligners and offer an advantage for adults who want to keep the teeth straightening procedure on a need to know basis. They are generally less visible and make oral hygiene easier. Patients can easily remove the trays for cleaning, but for effectiveness, the tray must stay over the teeth for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. So long as they follow the guidelines, the patient can also remove the aligners during sports, presentations, pictures, and more.

A benefit of straight teeth is that they are easier to clean than crooked teeth. Since crooked teeth create crevices between teeth that can trap food, it is not easy to reach these areas with a toothbrush. With straight teeth in the proper alignment, patients can experience a boost in their self-confidence. Once people can achieve the straight smile they desire, they are more likely to want to smile during pictures, at social gatherings, and more. Untreated misalignment in teeth will only continue to worsen over time. We can help to correct misalignment and prevent the possibility of other oral health issues from occurring. Age should never be a restraining factor for those who want to correct problems with their oral cavity. Teeth crookedness can happen at any time in adulthood, especially due to incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen, gum or bone loss, and missing teeth. Adults generally have more options for teeth straightening, including both permanent and removable devices.

To learn more about adult orthodontics and the benefits of undergoing treatment, call us at 602-595-3531 to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist.