There are more and more adult orthodontic patients these days, and it is not hard to figure out why. Barely noticeable appliances have been developed to give adults more discreet choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Many adults realize that investing in a smile makeover can have significant social and professional benefits. Straightening teeth can be an important part of that confidence-boosting makeover process.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there is no such thing as being too old for braces. However, orthodontic treatment for adults is different in two important respects. Firstly, the growth and development of the jaws is complete in adults, so changes in actual jaw structure cannot be accomplished with orthodontic appliances in the way they can with a growing child.
Secondly, periodontal (gum) disease is more prevalent in adults than in children. While you are wearing orthodontic appliances, gentle forces will be applied to your teeth so they can move through the surrounding bone. Periodontal health plays a key role in all of this. If the gum tissues are not healthy during orthodontic treatment, bone loss can result and weaken the long-term prognosis of your teeth. Any gum disease must be brought under control before orthodontic treatment begins. You will need to make sure to have regular professional cleanings during orthodontics while maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
All orthodontic appliances work by employing light, constant force to move teeth into proper alignment. But how we apply these forces can vary, as numerous innovations have become available in recent years. Some of the newer, less visible orthodontic appliances have been designed to blend more easily into an adult’s personal and professional lifestyle. Types of orthodontic appliances include:
- Traditional Metal Braces
- This is probably what you think of when you picture someone wearing braces: small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth. A thin wire runs through the brackets and is attached on either end to metal bands that go around a back molar.
- Clear Braces
- Instead of highly noticeable metal brackets, you can have clear ones made of ceramic, plastic or a combination of both. They are hardly visible except for the thin wire running through, but they are more susceptible to breakage than metal braces.
- Clear Aligners
- As an alternative to the fixed type of orthodontic appliances mentioned above, clear aligners are removable. They are a series of clear plastic “trays” that fit over your teeth exactly. Each tray is part of a series of trays that move your teeth a little bit at a time until they are in the proper position. Your trays are designed with the help of specialized computer software that generates a virtual model of your bite.
- Lingual Braces
- These metal braces are bonded to the back of your teeth (tongue side) so that no one can see them. That is the plus side. On the minus side, they can be more difficult to get used to wearing and are more expensive than traditional braces.
After Treatment
Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is crucial, no matter which type of appliance you choose and how old you are. Teeth that are not held in place by a retainer long enough for new supporting bone to develop around them can drift back to their original positions, and that is certainly not something you want to see happen. You will be instructed on how to retain your new, beautiful smile so that you can look and feel great for years to come.
We encourage you to call Lockett Orthodontics today at 719-309-6823 to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Rhoda Lockett, and learn more about getting adult orthodontic treatment in Colorado Springs, Colorado.