Adult Braces – No Kidding!
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. - Phyllis Diller
Are you one of the millions of adults looking for ways to improve your appearance? Are you considering braces? If so, join the crowd! According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of Americans 18 and older who opt for braces or some other teeth-straightening treatment is constantly growing. In 2010, adults accounted for 22 percent of orthodontic patients, up from 17 percent in 1994.
There’s more to braces than simply looking good. Think of orthodontic treatment as an investment in your physical well-being. A healthy bite is as important at age 70 as it is at 16.
Remember, healthy teeth can be repositioned at any age. Misaligned teeth leave you at risk for gum disease and cavities, which in turn can lead to fillings, root canals, implants, dentures and other costly procedures. Left untreated, misaligned teeth can cause migraines, earaches and even heart disease.
It’s time to see an orthodontist if you experience:
· Protruding teeth
· Teeth that don’t meet or are out of alignment when you close your mouth
· Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
· Grinding or clenching of teeth
· Inability to comfortably close your lips over your teeth
· TMJ or temporomandibular (jaw) joint pain
· Jaws that shift, make clicking sounds, protrude or are recessed
· Difficulty chewing, biting or eating
· Headache or earaches
· Speech difficulty
Did you know orthodontics have been around since 1900? Today, orthodontists have several different types of braces to choose from, depending on the nature and severity of their patients' issues.
· Traditional braces
· Mini-braces
· Incognito™ Invisible Braces
· Invisalign® Aligners
Traditional braces have come a long way! Mini-braces use the same type of brackets, wires and bands as their larger counterparts, but they are about 30 percent smaller. Mini-braces are made of a stronger grade of stainless steel, are easier to keep clean and are significantly less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Their size also makes mini-braces more comfortable.
Incognito™: Customized, invisible braces, also known as hidden braces, are placed on the backs of the teeth; no one will even know you are wearing them. These state-of-the-art braces are customized to the shape of your teeth and to your specific needs. Unlike with clear aligners, you'll never have to worry about remembering to insert or remove them while eating and drinking.
Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets by using a series of clear, removable appliances called aligners. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at the various stages of the treatment plan. Designed to move your teeth in small, gradual steps, the Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with the skills and science of orthodontics. Invisalign appliances are virtually undetectable! Anywhere from 12 to 48 appliances may be required over the course of treatment. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and is only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually, week-by-week, until the final alignment is attained.
With so many different treatment options available, only a skilled orthodontist can tell you which one will work best for you. Take a moment to contact Southfield Family Dental Center to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
