Give Your Smile a Boost With Adult Orthodontics

Adulthood is an ideal time to correct your teeth, whether you have never undergone orthodontic treatment or have had a relapse after neglecting retainer use for a while. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adult orthodontics accounts for more than 25% of all teeth-straightening patients in the United States and Canada. The dentist will develop a treatment plan at the dental office that fits your lifestyle and requirements.

Adult orthodontics for a better smile

Adult orthodontics offers patients a transformed smile, which can raise their confidence. This self-assurance pervades all aspects of one's life, including job and relationships. Many adult orthodontic patients believe that straightening their teeth gave them the courage to undertake something they would not have done otherwise. Everyone needs to feel good about themselves and be able to pursue their aspirations and objectives confidently.

Besides a person's sentiments about their teeth, one's appearance contributes to first impressions, for better or worse, and the smile is the first thing people see. Compared to those with crooked teeth, people with straight smiles have a better chance of obtaining work, according to research published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. Straight teeth can improve one's social life and career prospects.

However, adult orthodontics offers more than simply aesthetic benefits. For example, teeth straightening and bite correction can enhance a patient's dental health and, as a result, improve overall health. Here are a few of the advantages:

• Straight teeth are easy to clean, and the gums will hug each tooth tightly, preventing dental decay and gum disease, which are linked to various health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
• An aligned bite can help the teeth and jaw operate better, ensure that the patient can breathe, speak, and chew properly, and relieve jaw pain and strain.
• Teeth have less uneven wear when they are in their correct position
• There is less risk of a dental injury

Adults make ideal candidates for esthetic, less conspicuous procedures

Traditional metal braces are not the only options available for adult orthodontics. Modern metal braces remain an ideal alternative for adults; they are smaller, more appealing, and more comfortable than they used to be.

However, some adults may prefer something more understated. The good news is that clear aligners, self-ligating, traditional ceramic braces, and lingual braces work effectively for adults. Since they are attached to the backs of the teeth and concealed from view when smiling, lingual braces are the least noticeable of all the options. Patients can also get removable clear aligners, which are hardly noticeable on the teeth.

Pros and cons of metal braces

When exploring treatment options, patients should consider adult braces. Today, traditional metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and look nicer than in years past. Unfortunately, while they are a more cost-effective option, they are the most noticeable of all types of braces.

Ceramic braces are also popular. They are made of a translucent material, which is considerably less noticeable. Some even come with tooth-colored wires. This type is less visible than metal braces and moves teeth faster than clear aligners. However, they are less durable than their metal counterparts.

Lingual braces look like traditional metal braces, but the wires and brackets are applied to the back of the teeth. This positioning makes them invisible from the front. However, they are difficult to maintain, are not a good choice for serious cases, and are difficult to adjust to over time.

Adult braces do require some dedication to oral hygiene. Patients with adult braces must follow flossing and brushing instructions to prevent food and plaque from getting stuck between their gums and teeth. They will also need to adjust their diet and limit the amount of hard, sticky, and sugary foods they eat.

Pros and cons of clear aligners

Clear aligners for adults are another popular option for orthodontic treatment. However, they are not ideal for severe cases such as a misaligned jaw. This treatment option creates a series of clear plastic trays and switches out every 1-2 weeks to gently move the teeth into position.

They are comfortable to wear, virtually invisible, and easy to remove, eat, drink, and on special occasions. Since patients can take clear aligners out, there are no dietary restrictions. Typically there are fewer office visits as well.

However, clear aligners have some downsides. To be effective, patients must wear their aligners at least 22 hours a day. Since they are removable, it is tempting to leave them out for a few hours here and there. However, in the end, the patient will only extend the overall treatment time. Once they are out, clear aligners are also easier to lose and damage.

In addition, oral hygiene routines will become more frequent. For example, patients with clear aligners must brush their teeth after eating and drinking before putting the aligners back in. Failing to do this can trap food and plaque in the grooves of the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

In conclusion

Adult orthodontics does not have to be inhibitive. If you have misaligned teeth and want straighter teeth, you should consider scheduling an appointment with the dentist. You can discuss highly effective options that offer discreet straightening. Contact our office today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://gkdentaloffice.com or call GK Dental PC at (617) 826-6075 for an appointment in our Everett office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Everett, MA.