ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS

“Braces no longer need to be seen! Orthodontics can dramatically enhance your facial features!”

It is becoming more and more common for adults to improve their smile with braces. Many adults did not have access to orthodontic services when they were in their teens. Many parents were unaware of what orthodontics could achieve and for many teens orthodontics and wearing braces was socially unacceptable a few years ago. Fortunately, things are different now with celebrities like Tom Cruise happily smiling for photos with braces on.

With advancements in dental materials and technology, unattractive metal braces are in the past. There are so many aesthetic types of appliances available today. Invisalign or Clearstep aligners are removable appliances made from highly aesthetic transparent materials. There are also completely hidden lingual appliances, which cannot be seen as they are placed on the inner aspect of the dental arch. 

It is never too late! Orthodontic treatment, when indicated, is a positive step—especially for adults who have endured a long-standing problem. Orthodontic treatment can restore good function and teeth that work better usually look better too. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, at any age.

Orthodontic treatment may then be only a part of the patient's overall treatment plan. Close coordination with your general dentist may be required to assure that the treatment plan is managed well. You may need to be referred back to your dentist for other work prior to starting treatment to ensure you are dentally fit first. You may also be advised to visit your dentist after completion of orthodontic work for further cosmetic work if required. In some cases much closer involvement and planning is required, for example if implants are being planned. In other cases, the teeth can be moved into optimal position so that your dentist can then provide great implant or restorative work otherwise not possible.

Your dentist may also recommend orthodontics so that they might treat you in the best manner possible to bring you to optimal dental health. Many complicated tooth restorations, such as crowns, bridges and implants, can be best accomplished when the remaining teeth are properly aligned and the bite is correct. For some individuals complicated and expensive procedures such as Implants, bridges, veneers or crowns may be completely avoided by moving your own natural teeth into correct position and closing spaces using orthodontics.

When permanent teeth are lost, it is possible for the adjacent teeth to drift, tip or shift. This movement can create a poor bite and uneven spacing that cannot be restored properly unless the missing teeth are replaced. Tipped teeth usually need to be straightened so they can withstand normal biting pressures in the future.