The Benefit of Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult
Your smile is one of the first things people perceive about you — from a first date to a job interview. Having an imperfect smile or one that you are self-conscious about can cause you to feel self-conscious and can also lead to dental issues down the line.
Often, many adult patients wish they had undergone orthodontic treatment at a younger age, and they may still long for a straighter smile. Our team of orthodontists at ProHEALTH Dental are here to help you achieve a healthy, straight, and functional smile at any age!
Why You Should Consider Adult Orthodontic Treatment
While pediatric patients may have more options for aligning their smile and making room for teeth such as palate expanders and other methods, braces are the best choice for adults. When your teeth are misaligned, it can be hard to clean them thoroughly when brushing, impacting your oral health. Having more aligned teeth can improve both your oral and systemic health in various ways. After your teeth are straightened, you’ll have an easier time taking care of your teeth and protecting your overall health, reducing your risks of tooth decay, gum disease, and associated chronic conditions.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
There is no ideal candidate for adult orthodontic treatment — anyone that wishes to improve the alignment of their teeth can benefit from adult braces. This includes patients that may have taken their braces off prematurely as a teenager. However, patients that have malocclusion, or a misalignment of the jaw, can also greatly benefit from having adult orthodontic treatment.
Malocclusion may include an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, but luckily the alignment of the jaw can be fixed with adult braces. Beyond correcting imperfections in your smile, it’s important to remember that undergoing orthodontic treatments protect your oral health.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Just like pediatric patients, adults have the option of choosing clear aligners or traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth. Whichever option you choose, your adult braces offer the luxury of gaining straight teeth that you didn’t get as a child or teenager — in a relatively short amount of time!
Clear Aligners
There are a few differences between choosing clear aligners or traditional braces. Clear aligners offer a patient more freedom with the ability to remove the aligners when eating. They are also practically invisible (hence the name), which helps adults feel more confident as they straighten their smiles. Another convenience is the treatment time — most patients wear their clear aligners for 12 to 18 months, but some cases could take as little as 6 months.
At ProHEALTH Dental, we offer clear aligner brands such as Invisalign and 3M.
Traditional Metal Braces
However, some patients may still choose traditional braces, and they may be recommended to fix more complex teeth alignment issues. The treatment time for metal braces is typically longer — ranging from 18 to 24 months. Patients should consult with one of our orthodontists to help decide which is the best choice for them.
Start Your Adult Orthodontic Treatment Today
Ready for a straighter, healthier smile? At ProHEALTH Dental our orthodontists specialize in innovative treatments to align teeth in both children and adults. Call us to learn about orthodontic treatments today! (855) 750-5011