Adult Orthodontics: Is it Right for You?
It’s never too late to achieve a beautiful smile. Adult orthodontics can correct crooked teeth and malocclusion to transform the smile and boost confidence.
At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic treatment to many adults who want to address alignment issues affecting their teeth. To find out if adult orthodontic treatment is right for you, contact Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, servicing Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, Bensalem, PA, and surrounding areas.
Orthodontics Aren’t Just for Children
Braces are often thought of as a childhood dental treatment but adults can also benefit from orthodontics. There isn’t an upper age limit to orthodontic treatment, meaning that braces may be right for you whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or older!
Orthodontics work to move and realign the teeth in the same way regardless of a person’s age. The only difference is that adults have denser bone tissue than children. This can result in orthodontic treatment taking slightly longer in adults than children but the same results can be achieved.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Adults who are considering orthodontics should have relatively healthy teeth and gums. Any signs of tooth decay should be treated as well as gum disease or other oral health issues before undergoing orthodontic treatment.
It’s important that the teeth and gums are as healthy as possible so they can support orthodontic treatment and yield the best results possible after treatment is completed.
With that said, orthodontics may be right for you if you relate to one or more of the following.
Unhappy with Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
Malocclusion can affect dental health by making it harder to clean where crooked teeth may overlap and lead to jaw pain from the jaws compensating for bite issues. When the teeth are crooked or misaligned, it can also cause embarrassment and affect confidence.
Adults who wish to change the appearance of crooked teeth and correct bite issues may be good candidates for orthodontics.
Committed to Maintaining Results
Whether wearing traditional braces, Invisalign®, or other orthodontic treatment, adults need to practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing, throughout the day to prevent tooth decay around their orthodontics and to protect their smiles.
Additionally, adults typically need to wear a retainer after their orthodontics are removed to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their natural position.
Keeping this in mind, it’s important that adults who are considering orthodontics are committed to properly caring for their teeth during and after treatment to maintain their new and improved smile.
Orthodontic Options for Adults
Many adults make excellent candidates for orthodontics and may benefit from one of the following orthodontic options:
- Traditional braces: Traditional braces use metal brackets and wire to move the teeth and treat mild to severe alignment issues.
- Invisalign: Invisalign involves a series of clear trays to discreetly adjust the teeth.
- Wilckodontics: This treatment combines oral surgery with traditional braces to help adults who need extensive dental correction achieve results faster than with traditional braces alone.
- Fast Acting Adult Braces (FAAB): FAAB speeds up adult orthodontic treatment by focusing treatment only on the front teeth as well as incorporating veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
- Retainers only treatment: Adults with minor alignment issues may only need a retainer to achieve their desired results.
Find Out if Orthodontics Is Right for You
If you wish to have a straighter smile and would like to find out if orthodontics treatment is right for you, call (215) 245-5100 to schedule a consultation at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics.