For Adults
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age as long as your supporting bone and gum tissue are healthy.Many adults are choosing to get braces because:
- They understand the importance of maintaining their health.
- They want to feel better about their appearance.
- They want to keep their natural teeth the rest of their lives.
Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care.
When needed, Dr. Crump coordinates your orthodontic treatment with your general dentist and any other specialists involved in your care. Dental procedures like implants, crowns, bridges and periodontal treatment are often difficult for your dentist to provide without prior repositioning of your teeth by an orthodontist.
Bad bites can be detrimental to a person's health.Properly aligned and supported teeth are healthier, easier to clean and more likely to last throughout a person's lifetime. Crooked teeth and a bite that doesn't function properly can lead to:
- Abnormal or increased wear of the teeth.
- Receding gum tissue.
- Loss of supporting bone.
- Abnormal function of the jaw joint (TMJ) which can result in clicking, popping and pain in, and around, the joint area(frequently produces headaches)
YES! Dramatic changes in a person's smile and facial appearance can be achieved with high quality orthodontic treatment A person can actually look and feel younger by straightening crooked teeth or correcting an excessive overbite or underbite
A healthy, beautiful smile can increase self-confidence and a sense of well-being.
Common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment:
- A bad bite, or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
- If the teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease. Straight teeth are healthy teeth that are easier to keep clean with brushing and flossing, and may help to prevent other health problems.
- Abnormal pain, or pressure, in the jaw(TMJ) that is caused by crooked teeth.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen. Many people received some treatment as a child or teen, but never finished their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile they always wanted.
- To have a healthier, beautiful smile to boost self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
Treatment options for adults
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. Today's orthodontic treatment options however, offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
- Clear braces
- Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces (Invisalign)
- Traditional metal braces
The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens:
Actually, there are not many differences between adult and teenage orthodontics; however, in children and teens the jawbones are still growing and developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery, in which the jawbones are surgically aligned. Other differences include:
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even loss of supporting bone due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with properly aligned teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
- Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, resulting in a bad bite, creating the possibility of getting gum disease and TMJ problems.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment, and that your needs are met with understanding, respect, and full commitment from us.
To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.