The Ultimate Guide to Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Are you hesitating to get Dental Braces or Clear Aligners because of your age? Don’t be! Contrary to popular belief, orthodontic treatment is not just for kids. Nowadays, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their dental health and enhance their smile. With the advancements in orthodontic technology, it is now easier and more convenient than ever for adults to achieve the straight and perfect-looking smile they have always wanted. This blog post will discuss everything you need about adult orthodontic treatment.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

When people think about straightening teeth, the first thing that comes to mind is getting dental braces. The ubiquity of dental braces has made it an interchangeable term with Orthodontic Treatment. However, dental braces are only one of the many ways that Orthodontists use to straighten your teeth. 

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment fixes many dental issues, such as crooked, overbite, and crowded teeth. Ultimately, orthodontic treatment aims to improve the patient’s oral health, function, and aesthetics.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

There are several types of orthodontic treatment options available for adults. The most common types of orthodontic treatment include:

Traditional Braces

Most people are well acquainted with traditional braces. After all, it is the most common type of orthodontic treatment out there. Traditional braces are metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected with wires. Braces are adjusted periodically (every eight weeks) to move teeth into their desired position gradually. Back then, braces were known for their obtrusive and painful nature. Don’t worry! Orthodontists have come a long way to ensure you are comfortable during treatment. Nowadays, braces are much smaller and less noticeable. The wires used for braces can now be activated by body heat, allowing for a faster and less painful treatment compared to the past. 

Orthodontic Studio offers Iconix Braces and Metal Braces with Improved Aesthetics as part of our services.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces function the same way as traditional braces. But, they are made of tooth-colored ceramic material, making them less noticeable. In short, you get the benefits of straightening your teeth without feeling like you have a mouth full of metal. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal braces.’ However, they are more expensive and less durable than traditional braces.

Check out our modern-looking Lightforce Braces!

Lingual Braces

Now here’s a type of brace with a twist! Instead of being attached to the outside of your teeth, Lingual Braces are attached to the back or the side. Their placement makes them virtually invisible when smiling, which can be great for those self-conscious about wearing braces.

Lingual braces are custom-made for patients using advanced computer technology. They are made from high-quality materials designed to be comfortable and durable. Their downside is that their position makes them harder to clean and maintain.

If you are interested to get these types of Braces our Incognito Braces are perfect for you!

Clear Aligners

Clear Aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment option for adults. This is because they are without the hassle and visibility of traditional braces. This treatment uses clear, removable aligners to move the teeth into their desired position gradually. The best part? They are removable! You can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or give yourself a break from the treatment. 

Like Lingual Braces, Clear Aligners are custom-made using advanced computer technology. They’re designed to be comfortable and practical. So you will get the perfect smile you want without dealing with the usual discomfort of braces rubbing against your cheeks and gums. 

Love the convenience and effectiveness of Clear Aligners? We also offer them at Orthodontic Studio!

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Orthodontic treatment offers several benefits for adults, including:

Improved Dental Health

Orthodontic treatment can improve dental health by correcting crowding, spacing, and misalignment. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Enhanced Smile

Orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile by correcting dental issues affecting teeth and gums’ aesthetics. A beautiful smile can help boost your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life.

Improved Jaw Function

Orthodontic treatment can improve the patient’s jaw function by correcting dental issues such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Improving the bite can help alleviate problems such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.

Who is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Adults of all ages can be candidates for orthodontic treatment. The best way to determine if orthodontic treatment is proper for you is to consult an orthodontist. You can schedule a virtual care appointment. During the consultation, our resident orthodontist will evaluate your dental health and recommend the best treatment options for your specific needs.

What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment?

The whole process typically involves several steps:

Consultation

During the consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your dental health and recommend the best treatment options for your specific needs.

Treatment Plan

Once you have decided on the type of orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will create a treatment plan. The treatment plan will outline the length of treatment, the cost, and the steps involved in the treatment.

Placement of Braces or Aligners

The next step is the placement of braces or aligners. The orthodontist will attach the braces or provide you with the aligners and show you how to care for them properly.

Adjustments

Orthodontic treatment requires periodic adjustments to ensure the teeth reach their desired position. The frequency of adjustments will depend on the type of treatment you are receiving.

Retainers

After orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will provide you with a retainer. You need to wear it to maintain the position of the teeth and prevent them from shifting back into their original place.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health During Orthodontic Treatment

Maintaining good oral health during treatment is essential to ensure the success of the treatment. Here are some tips for maintaining good oral health:

Brush and Floss Regularly

We can’t stress this enough! It may be challenging to brush your teeth when you have orthodontic appliances. But please brush and floss your teeth regularly! Bad oral hygiene can lead to problems that may delay your treatment progress. When wearing braces or aligners, cleaning between the wires and brackets is essential to remove leftover food particles. You can also use special brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas of your teeth. 

Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods

Sticky or hard foods can damage braces or aligners and prolong treatment. It is best to avoid these types of foods or cut them into small pieces before eating. If you have ignored this warning and damaged your brackets or aligners, please schedule an appointment immediately so you can directly get back to treatment. We won’t be mad, promise. 

Wear a Mouthguard

Athletic? Wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth, braces, or aligners is essential if you play sports.

Attend Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with the orthodontist are essential to ensure the success of the treatment. We will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. 

Get Adult Braces!

Orthodontic treatment is an excellent option for adults who want to improve their dental health and smile. With the various treatment options available, achieving the smile you have always wanted is easier and more convenient than ever.  Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment options.