Adult Treatment
When many people think of patients getting orthodontic treatment, they tend to think about younger teens. While young teens do make up a large portion of those undergoing treatment, they are not the only ones who can benefit. Adults can suffer from crooked teeth as well, which not only impact their smile and their oral health, but can impact their professional lives as well. At Naborowski Orthodontics, we can provide orthodontic treatment for adults, allowing you to obtain the beautiful, healthy smile you have always wanted, no matter how old you are.
Reasons Adults Need Orthodontic TreatmentChildren are not the only ones who benefit from orthodontic treatment. Adults can suffer from poorly aligned teeth or jaws as well. An adult with crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw might not have been able to afford orthodontic treatment at a younger age. Other adults may have undergone orthodontic treatment, but their teeth have begun shifting out of alignment again. No matter what your reason for alignment issues as an adult, you can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Braces for AdultsBraces are the traditional treatment for correcting alignment issues affecting your teeth and jaws. This treatment uses small metal brackets, which are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, and wires, which are attached to the brackets with ligatures. With braces, the wires work to move your teeth by putting pressure on the periodontal ligaments. When the ligaments widen, the wires can then move the teeth into proper alignment. Once the teeth have reached optimal positioning, the braces, then help to stabilize them while the periodontal ligaments and bone heal around them.
Is There a Difference in Braces for Adults Versus Braces for Kids?Braces for adults work similar to braces for kids. The biggest difference in treatment is that the jaw of an adult is fully developed. As a result, the bone is harder, where the jawbone of a child is more malleable. Because your bone is harder, orthodontic treatment can often take longer to complete. Depending upon your needs, treatment with braces could take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years to complete.
What if I Do Not Want Traditional Braces?While traditional braces are incredibly effective, many adults do not want to wear metal on their teeth for up to 3 years. Not only can it be incredibly embarrassing, but the metal may also interfere in your professional life or your personal life. There are options however that can help you to avoid the traditional metal mouth smile:| • |
Clear braces. Clear braces, much like traditional braces, use brackets and wires to move teeth. However, the brackets are made from a tooth-colored or clear material that allows them to be more discreet. The wire is often metal, but it can also be made from a tooth-colored material as well.
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Lingual braces. This treatment also uses brackets and wires, but they are attached to the backs of the teeth as opposed to the front surfaces.
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Clear Aligners. Aligners are clear plastic devices that are worn over your teeth much like a sports mouthguard. Instead of brackets and wires, the rigid plastic is designed to move your teeth. Once in place over your teeth, they practically disappear from view and no one will be able to tell that they are there. |
Just like children, adults can suffer orthodontic issues as well. Even though you are an adult, this does not mean that you are stuck with your crooked teeth. Call Naborowski Orthodontics at (630) 543-5051 today for more information and to schedule your consultation. |
