While many people hear “braces” and think “children”, adult orthodontics is just as effective!
Many adults feel stuck once they realize that they may require orthodontic treatment. You may have forgone treatment as a child because it was not affordable or the cosmetics were not a big deal to you. However, as a person ages, problems with tooth alignment can cause more than purely cosmetic issues. Biting and chewing can become difficult and headaches may become more common. Improperly aligned teeth are also more prone to infection as they are difficult to properly clean. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it may be time to take action. Read below and contact Coral Springs Dental Center to address all of your questions and concerns regarding adult orthodontics.
The kind of orthodontic method your dentist will recommend to you is entirely based on your specific case. After a careful examination, most likely consisting of x-rays, your orthodontist will suggest a course of action. Many adults will require orthodontic care due to a malocclusion (dental malformation). Types of malocclusions include overcrowded teeth, underbites, and overbites. The two most common orthodontic treatment methods used to correct these issues in adults are braces and Invisalign. There are many great attributes of each method and a few cons to consider when deciding between the two.
Braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance. Traditional braces have metal brackets that are glued to the front of the teeth. These brackets are connected
with a long, thin piece of wire. Every month or so, your dentist will tighten the wire, thus pulling the teeth into place. Many adults do not like the appearance of metal braces, and due to their careers or social life, will not consider them. However, this does not mean that braces are not an option for you adult orthodontics. Lingual braces are secured to the back of the teeth so that they are not visible, although this treatment is more costly and slightly more difficult to clean. Also, patients with overbites are not usually strong candidates for lingual braces. There are also ceramic braces to consider. Ceramic braces are secured to the front of the teeth just like traditional metal braces. However, the brackets of these braces are made of an enamel-colored ceramic and even the wire can be made to blend with the natural teeth. While these can be a great option for professionals who do not want their braces to distract, they must be carefully maintained as the ceramic can crack or discolor if not properly cleaned. Our orthodontic team here at Coral Springs Dental Center, led by Dr. Joaquin Zagarra, will be able to determine which type of braces would best suit your dental needs and lifestyle.
Perhaps you have decided that braces are not the direction you would like to go. Now it is time to look at invisible aligners, or Invisalign. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, custom made aligners that gently shift teeth into place. Adults love Invisalign because they are virtually undetectable and do not hinder you from eating any of your favorite foods. They are also the most customizable out of all the orthodontic appliances available. However, Invisaligns do have a few important drawbacks to be considered. They are generally the most expensive option for adult orthodontics. And while you can eat whatever you like, you must remove the aligners before each meal. This can be unsightly and makes the aligners easy to lose. Replacement aligners are not cheap, so Invisalign wearers are ideally quite responsible for their belongings. You and your Coral Springs Dental Center dentist can discuss if Invisalign aligners would be a good option for your adult orthodontic treatment.
Coral Springs Dental Center urges you not to give up on your dream of a beautiful and functional smile because of your age. We will work with you to create an adult orthodontics plan that works for your lifestyle. Visit us or call 954.344.8800 in order to schedule a consultation!
