What is adult orthodontics?
Adult orthodontics is exactly what it sounds like: shifting the teeth in adulthood. There's never a time when you can no longer move teeth. Whether that's the first time you're going through braces or the third time, orthodontic treatment is different for adults compared to teens, really based on how much we're moving the teeth.
As an adult, we have different goals. Yes, aesthetics are always number one, but we really want to put the teeth into a comfortable position that's going to protect them long term. Whereas a teen would be going through it maybe because of a developmental issue, maybe we can move the whole position of the arch. In adults, we're focusing on actual tooth position.
What types of braces are available for adults?
There are many types of braces available for adults today, including traditional brackets. There are brackets with no rubber bands. There are brackets we can put on the inside of your teeth, and most commonly, Invisalign. That's the clear aligner that is not as noticeable. It also is a lot easier to cleanse the teeth and do your normal brushing routine.
How do adult metal braces compare to more discreet options?
Adult metal braces compare to more discreet options by being a little bit more uncomfortable. If you think about it, a metal box sitting on the front of your tooth can cut against the gums. It's going to put pressure on the gums, create ulcers, and cause all of those annoyances. You also have wires going through that require special tools to be able to actually clean through your teeth and get all of that food out of the way, along with all of the plaque buildup.
Whereas with a clear aligner, you are able to completely remove them, do normal brushing, normal flossing, and then you have a nice smooth surface that's comfortable against your cheeks.
What should adults expect when getting braces?
When getting braces as an adult, patients should expect to have true lifestyle changes. You can no longer eat anything you want because things are going to get trapped around them. If you're doing an Invisalign or a clear aligner option, then you are able to eat anything you want.
However, whenever that tray is in your mouth, you cannot have anything but water because it can seep underneath that tray. It is a big commitment, but ultimately the goal is to get you into a healthier state and get that really long-term function to protect the teeth.
How can patients decide which orthodontic treatment is best?
Patients can decide which orthodontic treatment is best for their needs and goals by really going to an orthodontic consult. At Boulder Canyon Dental, it's a free time for you to come in and review where you want to be, how long it's going to take us, and how long we expect it to take. Patients that have a really short timeline maybe want to go the traditional bracket route. Patients that really don't want to make the big lifestyle change and want to do their normal routine at night would be more of an Invisalign route.
Getting with your dentist, getting all of the information, and having them look at your teeth and in your mouth is really the best way to get an idea of where you would fall on that spectrum.
What results can patients expect after adult orthodontic treatment?
The result patients can expect after adult orthodontic treatment is really ease of cleansability. That's our ultimate goal. If a tooth is on top of another one, your toothbrush just can't get everywhere it needs to go. Once we put that back into proper alignment, it's going to mean faster flossing. It's going to be easier flossing, easier brushing.
Also, you're going to disperse all of your chewing forces evenly. You're not going to have those same discomforts if you are a clencher grinder. You're not going to have to worry about chipping teeth or causing extra wear on front teeth that you really just don't want to look at.
What advice would you give someone hesitant to start adult orthodontics?
The advice I would give to someone who is interested in adult orthodontics but hesitant to start is: go get a consult. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting all of that information.
A lot of patients come to us and only want to move one tooth that's really bothering them. Once we can map out everything that's going on in their mouth, they really can see the benefit of understanding that you're really hitting too hard on this side. That's what's causing your overall joint issues, and we can prevent all of that, all of the future damage, if we just correct it.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.