A Review of the Options for Orthodontics for Adults

We offer orthodontics for adults looking to straighten their teeth, align their jaw, and transform their smile. It is important to know that dental technology has advanced, and there are more options available now than ever before. If you have explored the option of straightening your teeth but did not like the proposed treatment plan, you should revisit the concept. Just as wall phones turned into cordless phones, cell phones, and smartphones, orthodontic technology has changed as well. The ways to straighten your teeth are smaller and more discreet than ever while also being more effective and faster working.

Most orthodontic solutions operate under the same general principle: pressure is applied to set teeth so they can move in small increments until they are in the right position. Not all your teeth move at the same time, but certain teeth will move until the next phase of the treatment, which will focus on the others. This is to ensure your teeth and roots do not become damaged during the process. Consistent and steady movements are much better than ones completed too quickly.

Given that there are several options for orthodontics for adults, we offer a few of them in our dental office, while others require the assistance of a specialist. We will discuss your options with you, so you can decide what type of treatment you want to try. In the meantime, here are some options for your consideration.

Clear aligners. If you want to straighten your teeth discreetly and have control over the process, clear aligners are probably your best bet. Aligners are meant to be worn for 22 hours a day and taken out while you eat and brush your teeth. The benefit of this cannot be overstated enough. Because you can take them out, you have the option of removing them if you have a presentation to make, a special event to attend, a holiday photo to smile in, etc. You are in control because you can remove your aligners as needed. You just need to be sure to replace them as soon as possible, so your treatment can remain on track. When it comes to eating, you never need to worry about food getting stuck in between your teeth and the embarrassment it could cause. Since the aligners look like a clear retainer, most people will not even notice you are wearing them. This option is designed with adults in mind.

Clear braces. For those looking for a hybrid solution, there are clear braces. The process is the same as traditional braces, but the brackets are made of ceramic so they blend in with the teeth. Since they are ceramic, the one drawback is that they can stain easily, so you have to be beyond diligent with your oral hygiene routine.