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
If I could give more stars I would! Robinson Orthodontics is hands down the best! Every single person that works there is SUPER nice, welcoming and so helpful!They go above and beyond to make sure you’re taken care of!I wouldn’t recommend any other place!They are the BEST!
Dr. Robinson and his team are the best!
I absolutely love Robinson Orthodontics and highly recommend them!! I am 38 years old and have finally decided to get braces on. I was super nervous, but Dr. Robinson and his team made sure to answer all of my questions and explain the process to me. So far, I have been to a couple of appointments and Dr. Robinson and his entire team are always kind, professional, and so welcoming. I can’t wait to see the final results!!! 😬
Loved the vibe of this place. For my first visit, they wrote my name on a board welcoming all new patients. The Doctor was very prompt and friendly. Katie walked me through everything I needed to know about invisalign and she was very personable. Everyone asked me about myself and my hobbies, which was a refreshing change compared to my experiences with other doctors’ offices. 5/5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We absolutely love Robinson Orthodontics! Dr. Robinson is fantastic, and the entire staff is wonderful. It's a fun and welcoming place for kids. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. I couldn’t recommend them more! If you’re looking for an orthodontist, you won’t be disappointed!
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