We’re seeing more and more adult orthodontic patients these days, and it’s not hard to figure out why. Appliances that are barely noticeable have been developed to give adults more discreet choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. And many adults realize that investing in a smile makeover can have significant benefits, socially and professionally. Straightening teeth can be an important part of that confidence-boosting makeover process.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there’s no such thing as being too old for braces. However, orthodontic treatment for adults is different in two important respects: For one thing, the growth and development of the jaws is complete in adults, so changes in actual jaw structure can’t be accomplished with orthodontic appliances in the way they can with a growing child.
Secondly, periodontal (gum) disease is more prevalent in adults than in children. While you are wearing the orthodontic appliances, gentle forces will be applied to your teeth so they can move through their surrounding bone. Periodontal health plays a key role in all of this; if the gum tissues are not healthy during orthodontics, bone loss can result and weaken the long-term prognosis of your teeth. So any gum disease must be brought under control before orthodontic treatment begins. And to maintain your periodontal health, you will need to make sure to have regular professional cleanings during the orthodontics while maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
All orthodontic appliances work essentially the same way: by employing light, constant force to move teeth into proper alignment. But how we apply these forces can vary, as numerous innovations have become available in recent years. Some of the newer, less visible orthodontic appliances have been designed to blend more easily into an adult’s personal and professional lifestyle. Types of orthodontic appliances include:
- Traditional Metal Braces — This is probably what you think of when you picture someone wearing braces: small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth. A thin wire runs through the brackets and is attached on either end to metal bands that go around a back molar.
- Clear Braces — Instead of highly noticeable metal brackets, you can have clear ones made of ceramic, plastic or a combination of both. They are hardly visible, except for the thin wire running through, but they are more susceptible to breakage than metal braces.
- Clear Aligners — As an alternative to the fixed type of orthodontic appliances mentioned above, clear aligners are removable. They are actually a series of clear plastic “trays” that fit over your teeth exactly. Each tray is part of a series of trays that move your teeth a little bit at a time until they are in the proper position. Your trays are designed with the help of specialized computer software that generates a virtual model of your bite.
- Lingual Braces — These metal braces are bonded to the back of your teeth (tongue side) so that no one can see them. That is the plus side. On the minus side, they can be more difficult to get used to wearing, and are more expensive than traditional braces.
After Treatment
Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is crucial, no matter which type of appliance you choose and what age you happen to be. Teeth that are not held in place by a retainer long enough for new supporting bone to develop around them can drift back to their original positions, and that’s certainly not something we — or you — want to see happen. We will make sure to instruct you on how to retain your new, more beautiful smile so that it continues to make you look and feel great for years to come.
Robinson Orthodontics Reviews
This is our 3rd time using Robinson Orthodontics,every aspect of our experiences have been great! The entire staff is very friendly and professional, especially McKenzie! She goes above and beyond to make sure our experiences are great!
I got my braces on at the Mint Hill office. Everyone on the staff was incredibly professional, welcoming and efficient. Dr. Robinson sets everyone at ease and his office manger Heather keeps operations running smoothly. I’d highly recommend him and his staff for your orthodontic needs. He the best!
We Absolutely love it here! Our experiences here have always been welcoming and inviting from the first day. I feel our family are treated like family and not just a patient. Seen, heard, and valued! Thanks Robinson for such a wonderful experience and specially to McKenzie for your top notch expertise.
I've been coming to Robinson Orthodontics for years. I've had both traditional braces and invisalign, and several family members have also been patients here. The staff and Dr. Robinson are incredibly knowledgeable and so genuinely kind.
We had a wonderful experience with Dr. Nischal Natha! She was always kind, patient, and took the time to explain everything throughout my daughter’s treatment. We always felt like she genuinely cared, and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. Most importantly, my daughter’s smile turned out beautifully. We couldn’t be happier and would definitely recommend her!
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