Adult Orthodontics

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Adult Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer limited to kids. Clear aligners (Invisalign) and lingual braces (invisible braces) changed the orthodontic treatment for adult patients. Clear braces and traditional braces (front of the teeth) are still popular for some adults. In sum there are various types of braces available for adults.

 

Adult orthodontic treatment include correcting crooked teeth as well as fixing deep overbite, excessive overjet, or underbite. Orthodontists offer orthodontic care to fix malocclusion or to correct jaw problems. A confident smile and straight teeth can take you far.

Orthodontic treatment options

Orthodontic treatment options have changed like everything in dentistry. Ceramic braces (ceramic brackets) used to be an only upgrade the traditional metal braces for adult orthodontic patients.

Orthodontic treatment options for adults include:

  1. Correcting misalignment and teeth straightening

  2. Improving oral hygiene, gum disease, and overall health by fixing malocclusion

  3. Preparing spaces for dental implants

  4. Improving TMJ problems in certain malocclusions

  5. Correcting jaw abnormalities with orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery)

Orthodontic treatment time for adult braces

Treatment time is directly tied to the treatment plan which is based on the complexity of orthodontic care. Adult clear aligners or braces varies from 6 months to 2 years of orthodontic care.

Adult Invisalign (Clear Aligners)

Clear aligners are plastic trays (Invisalign aligners) covering your teeth. You have to wear these aligners around 22 hours a day as part of your orthodontic treatment. You can take them out to eat, brush and floss.

Clear aligners started with the align technology mostly for adult patients with crowded teeth. Invisalign providers (ideally orthodontists) mostly offered teeth-straightening for cosmetic reasons. Invisalign treatment allows you to take out the trays for brushing, which can help prevent gum disease.

Invisalign clear aligners represent a modern approach to correct orthodontic issues, offering an alternative to traditional braces for adult treatment. These clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible. They help to improve self-esteem and confidence by creating a beautiful smile. Clear aligner treatment uses a series of aligners to gradually move teeth to the desired position.

This method can fix bite problems and straighten teeth. It can improve dental health and reduce the risk of tooth decay caused by crooked teeth. Orthodontists use custom aligners for each person to ensure a comfortable fit and fast progress towards a new smile.

Invisalign is a popular option for adults who want to fix their teeth without noticeable braces. It helps them look professional while improving their smile.

Wearing braces as an adult

Braces is indeed an option for tooth movement in adult patients. Fixing dental issues in adult teeth may involve treating other conditions such as gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease). Length of treatment for adults depends to the complexity of care. Treatment takes a range of 6 to 30 months.

Getting braces or clear aligners

Removable aligners or braces are great choices for orthodontic care in adults. Some patients require rubber bands or elastics to fix their teeth. For example, bite correction or open bite needs elastics connected to archwires or aligners.

Box orthodontics or DIY adult braces

The American association of orthodontists has been warning adult patients about direct to consumers aligner treatment options like smile direct club. These companies often claim accessibility and improvement of oral health as the center of their mission.

Cost of braces and dental insurance

Most orthodontists offer free consultations to learn the treatment plan and the cost of treatment. Insurance coverage for orthodontic treatment is limited to 50% of the total cost with a cap based on the dental plans. . This include appliances like self-ligating braces or clear aligners, xrays, visits and retainers. Payment plans are mostly interest free for orthodontic treatment.