What Are Your Orthodontic Treatment Options as an Adult?

 

 

What Are Your Orthodontic Treatment Options as an Adult?

Nowadays, having orthodontic treatment in adult years is getting more and more common.  Even though it might seem as a huge inconvenience to wear adult braces, if you weren’t able to get the care you needed in your teens, you should consider correcting your bite now. It is never too late.

 

And the best news is that, with today’s technological advances, there are many comfortable and esthetically pleasing solutions to your orthodontal issues. Many ortho appliances introduced over the past several years are completely invisible, allowing you to get the smile of your dreams without anyone knowing you are wearing braces.

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work in Adult Years?

Since, as an adult, you have a fully developed jaw, it will be more difficult to correct your bite or straighten your teeth than in your teen years – but not impossible. The treatment may require a little more time overall, since your fully developed teeth will move slower than a child’s.

Generally, adult ortho treatment requires a single phase, and it can take anywhere between 6 months (for minor issues) to30 months.

So, What Are Your Treatment Options?

You are not a child anymore, and, no matter how much we try to deny it, you know appearance can greatly influence the way you are perceived, especially in the business world. You might be afraid that wearing braces as an adult will damage your image as a professional. Worry not! Here are a few subtle treatment options you might want to look into:

 

·         Invisalign

Invisalign is a highly popular treatment option that entails wearing removable, clear aligners. It is a comfortable and effective solution that will gradually correct your teeth without requiring brackets or wires. The devices are almost invisible, so nobody will know you are wearing them.

What’s more, since they are removable, you will not have to avoid specific foods during the treatment. You can simply take the aligners off before eating. Oral hygiene will also be easier with Invisalign, thus minimizing the side effects that usually occur when wearing traditional braces.

Although Invisalign is a great option for minor ortho problems, it is not appropriate for patients who have more complex issues and need more structural change to their bite. In addition, due to expensive lab cost, this treatment usually cost more.

·         Clear Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a great solution for patients with more severe ortho issues, which are not good candidates for the Invisalign program. They are made of porcelain, which makes them very durable, and they do not stain. Most importantly, these adult braces are almost unnoticeable, blending in with the teeth very well.

The ligatures that fix the arch wire onto the brackets are usually also clear or white. Though the braces themselves do not stain, the ligatures might, if you drink a lot of tea or coffee. However, they will be changed monthly, when you have your regular brace adjustment. This treatment is very cost effective and works very well.

·         Lingual Braces

If you want ortho appliances that are completely indistinguishable, you will find that lingual braces are the best option possible.

These adult braces are usually made out of metal, but they will be installed on the lingual side (on the interior) of the teeth. Thus, you can smile with confidence since nobody will be able to spot them.

Treatment with lingual braces is usually a bit more expensive and takes longer than with traditional braces or Invisalign, but it is the ideal choice if you’re looking for an “invisible” solution and Invisalign is not an option.

·         Damon Braces

Damon braces are a self-ligating, passive system that eliminates the need for metal or elastic “ties”, thus producing less discomfort than traditional options. Also, these braces require fewer adjustments and result in faster tooth movement.

Adults who are worried about their professional image and want unnoticeable solutions can opt for the Damon Clear system, which comprises clear brackets placed on the most visible teeth. Though they are very effective and discrete, these braces are usually one of the most expensive alternatives.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are quite a few great options for you if you need to wear braces in your adult years. The price of treatment also varies, but you will be glad to know that a large part of the cost can be covered by dental insurance.

If you want to find out more about adult braces or need help with choosing the right solution for you, visit www.diamondbraces.com. We have treated thousands of adult patients, and we can offer you a free evaluation to determine what your specific needs are.