Advancements in orthodontics have made the treatment more convenient, affordable, and less noticeable than ever before. Orthodontic treatment options available these days are designed to minimize the visibility of the appliance, making them an excellent fit for a modern-day lifestyle.
More adults these days seek orthodontic treatment to improve their smile, boost confidence and improve oral health. Adults of any age can choose to have orthodontic treatment to get aligners or braces and seek teeth alignment treatment. However, adult orthodontic treatment may take slightly longer than that for children with a similar issue. It is mainly because of the density and maturity of the adult jawbone.Â
Adults with the following misalignment issues may seek orthodontic treatment:
Orthodontists use various appliances to move teeth and align jaws in adults. The suitable treatment option for you depends on how your teeth need to be moved to enhance your smile. Some examples of the orthodontic appliances used for the treatment include:
Braces
Braces are the most widely used appliances for orthodontic treatment in adults. They apply gentle pressure to move teeth into place over time. Orthodontists bond brackets to the front surface of the teeth and then connect them with a wire. The wire is tightened every 4 to 6 weeks so that the teeth are gradually moved into place. If you don’t prefer traditional metal braces, ceramic braces are an excellent option as they are hardly noticeable.
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Clear Aligners or Invisalign®
Often referred to as invisible braces, these are see-through plastic trays that fit over your teeth. They are customized to fit the patient’s teeth at different stages of the treatment. Each set of aligners are worn for approximately two weeks and at least 22 hours a day. Patients need to remove them while eating, brushing, and flossing.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are genuinely invisible orthodontic appliances bonded to the back of your teeth, and no one will be able to see them. However, they function just like traditional braces. These braces offer a discreet treatment option to achieve a perfect smile.
Orthodontic treatment is the most viable option these days for adults to enhance their smile, offering a broader range of discreet options. A gentle, controlled force is applied to the teeth to move them to the intended position during treatment. The orthodontist uses various dental appliances such as braces or clear aligners to guide them as necessary. At the end of the treatment, patients are advised to wear retainers to let the teeth and bone adjust and hold up the new positions of the teeth.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Carlsbad, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Adams. Please call us at (760) 804-0080 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
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