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 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.