Some believe that orthodontic treatment is just for children and teens. It’s true that the common age for braces is 9 – 14 years, but the American Association of Orthodontists states that 1 out of 4 of orthodontic patients are adults. Why would an adult need orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is Important
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the bite and alignment of teeth. Besides the aesthetic appeal of straight teeth, why is this important? When teeth are not aligned properly, it often leads to problems such as tooth and jaw pain (like TMJ), headaches, speech problems, and chewing and digestion issues. Misaligned teeth also impact the longevity of your natural teeth. How? Over time, misaligned teeth wear faster than properly aligned teeth. In addition, misaligned teeth are at greater risk of chipping or cracking. Finally, cleaning crooked teeth is often challenging because of hard-to-reach areas. This creates an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. So orthodontic treatment can be important to your overall dental health.
Types of Orthodontia
Traditional orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces. Braces are dental tools that help correct crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth. They are the most versatile method of treatment, able to correct nearly any form of misalignment. It is also the technique most reliant on experience and specialization in the treatment provider. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to the surface of each tooth with an archwire that connects them and elastics that hold the wire in place. Rubber bands may be used in conjunction with the braces to help correct a bite or align specific teeth. Some patients say that traditional braces are bothersome because they come with food restrictions, are rough on the mouth’s soft tissues, can look unsightly, and require additional time brushing and flossing.
Modern technology has greatly improved braces, offering orthodontia that are removable and nearly invisible, shorter treatment times, and better comfort. At the Placerville Dental Group, we offer ClearCorrect aligners for orthodontic treatment. Both are custom made aligners made of polyurethane resin or thermoplastic that are worn and replaced on average every two weeks. These aligners help move teeth into their proper position, thus resolving misaligned teeth and bite issues. The choice between ClearCorrect and Invisalign is dependent on the specific needs and choices of each patient.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Different for Adults?
Orthodontic treatment can be as successful for adults as it can be for children and teens. Because bone tissue is denser in adults, aligning the teeth may take a little longer than for younger ones. Dental specialists may also have additional factors to consider with adult orthodontic care such as existing fillings, missing teeth, gum disease, or habits such as smoking or grinding teeth. All of this will be considered when evaluating what type of orthodontic treatment will work best for each patient.
The Placerville Dental Group is to Here to Help
If you are interested in finding out if you are a suitable candidate for orthodontic treatment with ClearCorrect aligners, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you improve your smile and your dental health!
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