13

Jun

It is never too late to straighten your teeth as an adult. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. There are several options available for adults who want to straighten their teeth.

Traditional metal braces are still popular with many adults, especially those with more complex orthodontic issues. Ceramic braces are another less noticeable option than traditional metal braces, but they still use brackets and wires.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are an excellent choice for those who want a more discreet option. These removable aligners make them easier to clean and allow you to eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. Another option for adults is lingual braces, which are similar to traditional braces but are placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front, making them virtually invisible.

Your orthodontist can help you choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle. They will consider the complexity of your orthodontic issues, personal preferences, and budget when recommending a treatment plan. However, let us look at key aspects of tooth alignment that will also help shape your engagement with your orthodontist.

Why Straighter Smiles is a Growing Concern

The increasing importance of appearance in social and professional settings has fueled the need for the perfect look. A straighter smile can improve self-confidence, leading to better opportunities and relationships. Additionally, people look at oral health more keenly with the growing pursuit of overall health. A straighter smile is one aspect of oral health.

Below is a look at some reasons that drive most adults to seek tooth alignment.

  1. Enhanced Physical Appearance And Increased Self-Confidence

Improving appearances and boosting self-esteem are two of the most commonly cited reasons why people undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth.

A straighter smile can enhance the overall appearance of a person's face, making them look more attractive, youthful, and healthy. People who are self-conscious about their crooked or misaligned teeth often avoid smiling or covering their mouths while speaking.

This can negatively affect their social interactions and professional opportunities. By straightening their teeth, they can gain the confidence to smile freely and feel more comfortable in social situations.

In addition to improving appearance, orthodontic treatment can also enhance the functionality of the teeth, making it easier to eat, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

  1. Health Benefits

Straightening your teeth also presents several physical health benefits.

Crooked or misaligned teeth can make cleaning your teeth and gums more difficult. It increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Straightening your teeth makes it easier to brush and floss effectively, thus reducing the likelihood of developing these issues.

An improper bite or misaligned teeth can also cause excessive wear and tear on certain teeth, leading to further dental problems. It can also cause jaw pain and headaches and make it difficult to chew properly, thus, affecting overall nutrition.

Additionally, misaligned teeth can also cause strain on the jaw and facial muscles. It can result in discomfort, tension headaches, and even neck pain. Orthodontic treatment can help realign the teeth and jaws, thus alleviating these symptoms and promoting better overall health.

Orthodontic treatment positively impacts your physical health and well-being by improving oral health, reducing strain on the jaw and facial muscles, and promoting better overall nutrition.

  1. Resolution of Jaw Problems

Orthodontic treatment can also help resolve jaw problems, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders are likely when you experience pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This can cause discomfort, headaches, and difficulty eating or speaking.

One of the causes of TMJ disorders is an improper bite or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues and alleviate the strain on the jaw and facial muscles. This approach helps reduce the risk of developing TMJ disorders.

Additionally, orthodontic treatment can help address other jaw problems, like overbites or underbites. This can cause discomfort and affect the appearance of the face. By correcting these issues, orthodontic treatment can improve the function and aesthetics of the jaw and face.

  1. The Gradual Movement of Teeth Over Time

Orthodontic treatment is commonly associated with children and teenagers. However, adults can also benefit from teeth straightening for various reasons. Teeth can shift over time, even after orthodontic treatment. This is because the mouth and jaw constantly change throughout a person's lifetime, and the teeth can shift in response to these changes.

Several factors contribute to teeth shifting, including age, genetics, jaw development, and oral habits. They include grinding or clenching the teeth. Once-straight teeth can become crooked again, and gaps can reappear between teeth.

This shifting can lead to various problems, including overlapping or crowded teeth that can be difficult to clean, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Additionally, adults could have oral health issues like periodontal disease or bone loss that can affect the stability of their teeth and require orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth and improper bites can also cause discomfort, headaches, and jaw pain.

To prevent significant shifting after orthodontic treatment, it is important to wear retainers as directed by your orthodontist. Retainers are custom-made devices worn after orthodontic treatment to help maintain the position of the teeth and prevent them from shifting.

In addition to wearing retainers, practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding habits including grinding, and scheduling regular dental check-ups can all help prevent excessive tooth shifting.

Tooth Straightening Options Adults Can Seek

Several tooth straightening options are available for adults, ranging from traditional metal braces to clear aligners. Your best choice will depend on your needs, goals, and budget. Here are some common options:

  1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are a popular option for tooth straightening and effectively correct many orthodontic issues. They consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth and connected by wires and rubber bands.

The brackets are made of high-quality stainless steel and are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The wires apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position over time. The elastic bands hold the cables in place and can come in various colors to suit the individual's preference.

While metal braces are effective, they can be visible and require regular adjustments by an orthodontist. Patients must visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks to have the wires adjusted and tightened as necessary. While metal braces could negatively affect some people due to their visible appearance, they have evolved over the years.

They are still a practical option for many people, especially those with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than older versions, thanks to advancements in technology and materials.

Proper oral hygiene with metal braces can also be challenging, as food can become trapped in the brackets and wires. You must brush and floss regularly and use special tools, for example, interdental brushes, to clean around the braces.

  1. Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are traditional metal braces that use a different type of bracket than conventional metal braces. Rather than using elastic or metal ties to hold the wires in place, self-ligating braces use a built-in clip or door mechanism to secure the wire. This can make the braces more comfortable and reduce the number of appointments needed for adjustments.

There are two types of self-ligating braces:

  • Passive self-ligating braces use a smaller clip to hold the wire in place. They require less force to move the teeth.
  • Active self-ligating braces have a more oversized clip. These braces apply more pressure to the teeth, allowing for more precise control of tooth movement.

Self-ligating braces can be a good option for those who want the benefits of traditional metal braces but with a more comfortable and streamlined design. They can also result in faster treatment times than conventional braces. The wire can move more freely without the friction caused by elastic or metal ties.

  1. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are an orthodontic treatment that utilizes brackets and wires to move teeth into the correct position. The difference between lingual braces and traditional metal braces is that they are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.

Lingual braces are custom-made to fit the shape of each patient's teeth and are typically made from metal or ceramic materials. They work like traditional metal braces, applying constant pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position.

Lingual braces can be a good option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the visible appearance of metal braces. They are also a good option for people who play wind instruments, play sports, or engage in other activities that traditional braces could impact.

  1. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for adults who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment option. Two popular brands of clear aligners are Invisalign and SureSmile.

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit each patient's teeth. Patients wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. The aligners gradually shift the teeth into the desired position over time. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, making them a convenient option for many patients.

SureSmile is a similar clear aligner system that uses custom-made, removable aligners to shift teeth into the desired position. However, SureSmile uses advanced technology to create a more precise and efficient treatment plan, resulting in shorter treatment times for many patients.

Clear aligners are typically more comfortable than traditional braces, as they do not have brackets or wires that can irritate the mouth. They also do not require adjustments from an orthodontist, as patients simply switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks.

The Upsides and Downsides of Tooth Straightening Aligners

Tooth-straightening aligners have become increasingly popular among adults seeking a discreet and convenient orthodontic treatment option. While there are many benefits to aligners, there are also some potential drawbacks.

Benefits

  • Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option for those who do not want the visible appearance of traditional braces.
  • Aligners are removable, allowing for easy eating and oral hygiene.
  • Aligners are typically more comfortable than traditional braces, as they do not have brackets or wires that can irritate the mouth.
  • Aligners require fewer visits to the orthodontist for adjustments, as patients simply switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks.
  • Treatment time with aligners is often shorter than with traditional braces.

Drawbacks

  • Aligners could be unsuitable for all orthodontic issues, and some cases require traditional braces.
  • Aligners require high patient compliance, as they must be worn for at least 22 hours daily to be effective.
  • Aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces, depending on the length and complexity of treatment.
  • Aligners can cause some speech difficulties for some patients, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
  • Aligners could not be as effective as traditional braces in some instances, for example, severe bite problems.

Consult an orthodontist to determine if tooth-straightening aligners are the right choice for an individual's unique needs.

Questions to Direct to Your Orthodontist Concerning Tooth Aligners

If you are considering tooth straightening aligners as a treatment option, here are some questions you want to ask your orthodontist:

Are Aligners the Perfect Solution for My Needs? If Not Do I Have Options?

Not all orthodontic issues can be effectively treated with aligners. So you must clearly understand whether aligners are the right choice for your case. Your orthodontist can evaluate your teeth and bite to determine if aligners will be effective or if other treatment options, like traditional braces, are necessary to achieve the desired results.

Let your orthodontist know your expectations and concerns to ensure you choose the right treatment option for your needs.

How Long Will My Treatment Take With Aligners?

The length of your treatment with aligners depends on the complexity of your orthodontic issues and how well you comply with wearing the aligners as instructed by your orthodontist. On average, aligner treatment can take 6 months to 2 years. However, some cases require shorter or longer treatment times.

During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will provide a more accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take based on the specific issues you want resolved. Additionally, your orthodontist will provide you with a detailed treatment plan outlining the expected timeline for your treatment, including how long you should wear each set of aligners and how often you will need to come in for check-ups and adjustments. You should follow your orthodontist's instructions closely to ensure your treatment progresses as planned and you achieve the desired results in the expected timeframe.

What are the Potential Risks or Complications Associated With Treatment With Aligners?

While tooth straightening aligners are generally safe and effective, you will be exposed to potential risks and complications. Some of the most common risks associated with treatment with aligners include:

  • Discomfort — You could experience some discomfort during the initial stages of your treatment or when you switch to a new set of aligners. This is normal and usually subsides after a few days.
  • Speech difficulties — Some people experience a slight lisp or difficulty speaking while wearing aligners. This is usually temporary and improves as you adjust to wearing the aligners.
  • Oral hygiene — You must maintain good oral hygiene while wearing aligners. The aligners can trap food and bacteria, leading to cavities or gum disease.
  • Allergic reactions — Some people are allergic to the materials used in aligners. You should immediately contact your orthodontist if you experience any itching, rash, or swelling.
  • Treatment effectiveness — Aligners are not always effective in treating all orthodontic issues. Some people require additional treatments or procedures to achieve their desired results.

Discuss any potential risks or complications with your orthodontist before beginning treatment with aligners. Your orthodontist can help you determine if aligners are the best treatment option for your case. They can provide you with guidance on how to minimize any potential risks or complications.

Process For Getting Started With Treatment With Aligners

The process for getting started with treatment with aligners can vary depending on the orthodontic practice you visit, but in general, it involves several steps:

  1. Consultation

Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to discuss your treatment goals and determine if you are a good candidate for aligners.

  1. Examination and X-rays

Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to assess your dental health and develop a treatment plan.

  1. Digital Impressions

Your orthodontist will take digital impressions of your teeth using a 3D scanner. This will be used to create a treatment plan and design your custom aligners.

  1. Aligner Fitting

Your orthodontist will fit you with your first set of aligners, which you will wear for a specified amount of time before switching to the next set.

  1. Check-ups and Adjustments

You must visit your orthodontist periodically throughout your treatment to ensure that your aligners fit properly and to make any necessary adjustments.

Find an Whittier Orthodontist Near Me

If you are considering tooth alignment, now is the time to take action and schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Many options are available, and a skilled orthodontist can help you determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Do not let crooked teeth or misalignment hold you back from feeling confident in your smile and improving your oral health. Contact The Whittier Dentist at 562-632-1223 to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile!