People are always looking for ways to make their teeth attractive. New technologies offer several options for straightening adults' teeth. You can choose from the invisible teeth aligners to the classic metal braces. The option you choose depends on the dental problems you want to address. Every tooth alignment method has its advantages and disadvantages. Your orthodontist can help you choose the tooth alignment method that suits you.
Teeth Alignment Is Popular With Adults
Many people are keen on their health and overall well-being, thanks to increased sensitization to the need to monitor their health. Unlike in the past, people no longer neglect their oral health.
Have you always desired a perfect smile, but crooked or misaligned teeth prevent you from realizing this dream? Do not despair. With the advancement in dentistry, you can choose from a wide range of teeth alignment methods.
Here are some of the reasons why adults require tooth alignment:
A Solution For Jaw Problems
Braces can be ideal for you if you have jaw problems. For example, you could suffer from malocclusion or a "bad bite" if your teeth do not close together properly. You could also suffer malocclusion if you have severe overbite or underbite. This condition can make it hard to chew and swallow food.
Teeth Move With Time
Most people assume that only preteens and teens can benefit from orthodontic procedures. However, teeth alignment techniques can also benefit adults.
As you age, your teeth tend to move into different positions. This can make it hard for you to clean your teeth properly, especially the hard-to-reach areas between them. The situation could be worse if you have overlapping and crowded teeth.
Crowded and overlapping teeth can accumulate plaque and tartar, which could eventually lead to tooth decay. Having your teeth aligned can help you avoid many dental issues, including gum disease.
Adults, like children or teens, can need braces because their teeth shift for various reasons.
Physical Health Benefits
Straightening your teeth can improve their appearance and overall health. If your teeth are too far apart, your gums will likely become red and irritated.
There is a correlation between your dental health and your overall well-being. Dental conditions like gum disease are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Poor dental health can also increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Tooth alignment is one of the best ways to improve your dental health and reduce the risk of health issues.
Better Appearance And Improved Self-Esteem
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you could feel uneasy. If you are not comfortable with your smile, you will likely avoid smiling around or avoid social gatherings altogether for fear of what people say about you.
You can improve your smile significantly by straightening your teeth to create a beautiful new smile. Feeling good about yourself can have a great influence on your confidence. It could greatly impact how you portray yourself in social situations. A vibrant and beautiful smile can enhance your self-esteem and make you thrive professionally and personally.
Most people can use aligners to straighten their teeth. A person's smile plays a great role in enhancing their confidence. Sometimes, a beautiful smile is all you need to overcome your self-doubt.
Options For Adult Tooth Alignment
Adults have several options for straightening and aligning their teeth. Some of the options include:
Conventional Braces
Traditional metal braces can solve most orthodontic problems. Conventional braces utilize wire, elastic bands, and metal brackets to move teeth into the right position.
Metal braces have evolved over time, even though they are often misrepresented among certain people. Despite the many types of braces, metal braces are still a viable option for correcting misaligned teeth.
Advantages Of Conventional Metal Braces
The following are the advantages of conventional metal braces:
- In most situations, metal braces are the most cost-effective treatment available.
- Metal braces straighten teeth faster than detachable braces because of their strength and strong reinforcement on the teeth.
- Metal braces are strong and rarely bend or break when fitted.
- Conventional braces cannot fall off your mouth when talking or chewing. Your dentist is the only person who can remove them. The permanent position of metal braces makes them ideal for repositioning your teeth. Your dentist can conduct periodic checkups every four to six weeks.
Disadvantages Of Conventional Braces
- Despite being effective, conventional metal braces can be restrictive. Apart from taking care of your oral hygiene, you also should be careful with what you eat to prevent any food from causing the braces to move. In this case, you should avoid eating apples, candies, nuts, or other hard foods that could shift your braces.
- Traditional metal braces are hard to conceal and can easily be noticed. Therefore, this is crucial for individuals who like discrete orthodontic treatment.
- If you wear metal braces, you risk tooth decay and gum disease. Food particles could also get lodged between the brackets and wires if you fail to observe proper dental hygiene.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional braces. However, they use a sliding device instead of an elastic band to secure the wire.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are quite similar to fixed metal braces. However, they are tooth-colored or clear because they are ceramic. Ceramic braces are a more discrete and subtle option for patients who are self-conscious or hesitant to wear noticeable braces.
Advantages Of Ceramic Braces
- Ceramic braces provide quicker results than detachable braces.
- The braces provide a strong support, like metal braces.
- Ceramic braces are more discreet than metal braces. They are hard to notice because they are clear or tooth-colored.
Disadvantages Of Ceramic Braces
- Ceramic braces could stain faster because they are light in color and transparent. In this case, you should avoid food that could lead to staining, like curry, coffee, and red wines.
- The braces are weaker compared to metal braces. They could break easily.
- Ceramic braces are larger than conventional braces. It can be hard to clean around them, leading to sensitivity problems.
Clear Aligners
With Invisalign, your teeth can be straightened with a set of removable, clear aligners customized just for you. Invisalign trays are made of soft, smooth plastic and are designed to fit properly over your teeth. Clear aligners gradually move and align your teeth in their right position over time. This is usually achieved by a plan devised by your orthodontist using the mapping system of Invisalign.
Using 3D models, an orthodontist can determine the best tooth position for any person. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners require fewer dental visits and less time and allow accurate bite modification.
Advantages Of Clear Aligners
- You do not have to observe your food choices because Invisalign braces can easily be removed when eating.
- Invisalign braces are similar to a conventional mouthguard and more comfortable than metal or ceramic braces.
- The clear look of the Invisalign makes them virtually unnoticeable. With metal braces, everyone will see that you are wearing braces.
Disadvantages Of Clear Aligners
- The removability of Invisalign can be a drawback. Having clear aligners could be a disadvantage for individuals who like to snack regularly during the day and for people who like drinking coffee or traditional tea. Taking out the braces and cleaning the teeth could be tiresome, and taking your braces off every time you want to eat can be inconvenient.
- You should remove the Invisalign braces only when brushing and eating. However, removing them for other reasons could be tempting because they are so simple to take off. Therefore, you require self-discipline while putting on Invisalign braces. Otherwise, clear aligners will not work as effectively as designed.
Lingual Braces
Like traditional braces, lingual braces fasten to the backsides of the teeth instead of the front. They are less noticeable than traditional braces, but not every orthodontist offers them.
Advantages Of Lingual Braces
- Lingual braces are strong and work just like traditional braces. They rarely move out of place or break.
- The braces are hidden behind a patient's teeth. Lingual braces are unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
Disadvantages Of Lingual Braces
- Lingual braces are restrictive. You must avoid hard foods that could snag on the braces.
- Unlike regular or Invisalign braces, lingual braces are usually costly. They are expensive because of their many advantages and the costly training required for orthodontists to become proficient in the specialized technique.
Permanent Veneers
You should consider veneers if you are looking for a complete smile makeover. Veneers are always used to create the classic "Hollywood smile." Generally, veneers are porcelain shells put on the teeth to correct various issues, including discoloration, crowding, and spacing. The treatment procedure for veneers requires a commitment, but it is faster.
Your dentist will shave down a small enamel layer before cementing the veneers onto your teeth. You need to be sure that you are ready for this treatment because the procedure is irreversible. Veneers are costly and can range between $1000 and $2000 per tooth.
Advantages Of Veneers
- They are long-lasting since they take 10 to 15 years before requiring a replacement.
- They are stain-resistant because they are made of porcelain. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your veneers being stained.
- Veneers are designed to fit a patient's face perfectly and are placed on the natural teeth. They provide a whitening effect and correct most spacing and crowding issues.
- The procedure is faster since prepping your teeth and placing the veneer takes one to two office visits.
Disadvantages Of Veneers
- Veneers could last long, but they are not permanent. You will need to pay for new veneers often throughout your life.
- Tooth prep is permanent because most treatments require shaving down the enamel to create space to place the veneers.
Choosing Your Orthodontic Treatment
Understanding the goals of your treatment can help you make informed orthodontic decisions. An orthodontic professional will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. You only need to discuss your goals with them. You should consider the following factors when choosing the orthodontic treatment to use:
Preferred Aesthetics
The aesthetics of orthodontic treatment are a significant consideration for most adult patients. It is understandable when you choose a treatment option that is minimally visible and discreet. You should evaluate the appearance and visibility of different orthodontic treatment options. You should also evaluate their effect on the appearance of your smile before you decide.
Lifestyle And Comfort
Evaluate how various treatment options will influence your daily activities and life. For example, conventional braces need frequent adjustments and regular visits to the orthodontist. This could consume a lot more time than clear aligners.
Clear aligners are flexible and easy to remove, allowing you to eat your favorite food and maintain your oral hygiene easily. However, they might not be the best option if you feel you will likely forget to put them on.
Consider your social commitments, work, and any future special events affecting your treatment plan. If you travel frequently, you require a treatment plan with few appointments. Choosing an option that integrates smoothly into your life can ensure a more positive orthodontic experience.
Treatment Goals
Certain treatment options may be suitable for more complicated cases, while others may be more suitable for moderate to mild dental misalignments. Your treatment options may be restricted if you require a specific brace type to provide the desired outcome.
Some orthodontic treatment options produce faster results, while others are slow. You should have realistic expectations regarding what your treatment can achieve for your teeth. You should be patient throughout your orthodontic journey. Sometimes, you do not realize your orthodontic goals as fast as you expect.
Find An Experienced Dentist Near Me
If you, a relative, or a friend need an experienced orthodontist in Encino, CA, contact Lasting Impressions Dental Spa. We take immense pride in being the go-to dentist for all orthodontic needs. It does matter whether you have slightly or fully misaligned teeth. Our dentist will examine you and recommend the ideal treatment plan that suits your needs. Contact us at 818-751-5100 to speak to one of our dentists.
