Adult Orthodontics

Who benefits from orthodontics?

The branch of dentistry known as orthodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating jaw and teeth irregularities. Children, teens, and adults benefit from orthodontic care to correct large gaps between teeth, bite misalignment, uneven teeth, or teeth and lips that don’t fit together properly. 

A child benefits from having their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7 or 8, even if they don’t have any problems yet. Your child has a mix of adult and baby teeth and can catch any problems that are likely to emerge later on and require extensive treatment.

COMMON REASONS WHY ADULTS CONSIDER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT:

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ADULTS

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADULT ORTHODONTICS AND ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS:

The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens, is that in younger patients the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT OR HOW CAN ORTHODONTICS HELP AN ADULT SMILE?

• Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and may help prevent other health problems.
• A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
• Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics please contact our practice to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.

Why do I need orthodontic treatment again ?

The most common reason for needing Orthodontic treatment as an adult is, if you had treatment when you were younger and did not wear your retainers or discontinued wearing them.

My teeth use to be straight but are shifting now ?

Teeth shift as your bone remodels over years. If a removable retainers that is worn at night is not holding them in place they will continue to move over time.

What to expect with orthodontic treatment?

Depending on problems you may have, this treatment is planned to fix minor or complex teeth alignment issues with or without bite correction in a comprehensive manner. 

Your orthodontist will discuss the details pertaining to your treatment at the consult appointment. In complex treatment scenarios more than 1 appointment may be required to plan out the best treatment options and reach a decision. 

I am ready to start my orthodontic treatment. What is my first step?

• At the consultation appointment you will discuss with your orthodontist some treatment options and what course of treatment might be best for your child/you. The treatment co-ordinator will address financial questions and what to expect through the course of your time at the office during treatment.
• At this time your orthodontist may acquire initial diagnostic records – Photos, Digital scan of your mouth and X-rays as needed. This is required for the completion of a thorough and complete evaluation to assure the best available treatment option is chosen and decided.
• If your child’s/your oral health is up to date most times treatment can be initiated the same day or at the first available appointment.

*All the steps mentioned above may be done at the same visit or at separate visits. It depends on several factors – Good oral health, appointment time availability, patient’s schedule for the day, pre-orthodontic preparation for appliance, specialty consultations, extractions etc. 

Will I need teeth pulled/extracted for my orthodontic treatment?

Extractions of some adult teeth and or wisdom teeth may or may not be required. The requirement depends on – how much crowding do you have, are any teeth impacted, is your bite not aligned etc. 

If required they will be performed by your family dentist or another dental specialist.

Will my orthodontist extract my teeth?

Most orthodontists focus on their specialty and will refer you back to your family dentist or another dental specialist for extractions.

What kind of braces should I get?

You can choose metal braces or clear braces. However, for certain bites clear ceramic braces may not be advised as they can cause aggressive wear on your teeth.

Do you offer clear aligners?

Yes, clear aligners may be a good esthetic option in some treatments. We will make recommendations with aligners based on your treatment needs.

What are differences between braces & clear aligners?

Some of the differences between the braces & clear aligners are-

• Braces are fixed.

Aligners are removable.

• You can eat with braces and don’t have to keep track of hours. Braces are working round the clock.

You must remove aligners to eat or drink. You can only drink water with aligners in your mouth. Aligners must be worn 22 hours a day for them to work. You must keep track of hours aligners are worn each day for successful on time treatment.

• You have some limitations of what you can eat with braces. You can eat anything with aligners after you remove them.

• Metal Braces are most visible.

                   Clear Braces are less visible

                   Aligners and their attachments are least visible 

How many visits before I can get my braces?

Depending on patient’s oral health status, schedule availability and treatment plan the answer to this question can vary. You can get your braces put on anywhere from the first visit to the office to the subsequent.

How much time will my orthodontic treatment last?

In majority of patents depending on the problems your teeth and bite present. Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to 36 months.

Why did my friend have braces for more than 2 years or What are some of the reasons my treatment may go beyond the estimated treatment time?

Every patient is unique and presents with unique challenges. Some of the common reasons you may have braces for longer than the 2-2.5 years can include but not limited to – 

• Complex problems requiring longer treatment times.
• Unexpectedly slowly moving teeth.
• Not seeing the Orthodontist for adjustment visits as advised.
• Repeated/Multiple breakage of orthodontic appliances (brackets, wires, bands, aligners etc.)
• Not complying with elastic/rubberband wear
• Not maintaining good oral hygiene that can delay treatment and cause infection and cavities.
• Patient stops seeing the Orthodontist and halt treatment for unknown reasons.

Will my braces hurt?

Braces today have evolved and are made with advance technology keeping them as small as possible and use light forces on your teeth. You will be aware of their presence when you first get them on your teeth just like you notice a new shoe on your foot. However, in a couple of weeks you will get use to them. There might be some discomfort after your adjustment visits which easily controlled by OTC pain medications.

How often do I visit my Orthodontist after starting treatment?

This varies from patient to patient and what stage of treatment you are at. You will be advised to have an adjustment or checks anywhere from 2-12 weeks. You must follow the Orthodontist’s recommendation on the interval of visits as it is a very critical for a successful treatment outcome.

Do I have to wear rubberbands/elastics?

Some orthodontic treatment require wearing elastics to correct and/ or stabilize your bite. When required, the orthodontist will discuss with you if they need to be worn all day and night or at night only. You will be told how many hours to wear them for, how to put them on, how often to change them etc. If you are compliant with your elastic wear you can assure a successful outcome.