We’re all used to seeing children and teens in braces. But what about adults? Adults can benefit from straighter teeth, too! What are your options?
We offer several ways for adults to have their teeth straightened at Macdonald Orthodontics—not just traditional braces. We’ll evaluate your specific case, needs, history, and goals to give you a recommendation.
Increasingly, adults in the USA are learning more and taking action to stay healthy in the long term. By straightening your teeth and improving your bite, you’ll also improve your gum health, slow down tooth decay, and much more.
Why Do I Need Orthodontics as an Adult?
Adults need straight teeth for their oral health and self-confidence just as much as any other age group. Some adults may have missed their opportunity to afford braces at a younger age, or their teeth shifted later in life even after a teen braces treatment, or maybe they didn’t become misaligned in the first place until they were older.
About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. If your teeth are misaligned, dentists have found that you could develop chewing problems, gum disease, tooth decay, and unnecessary tooth wear.
Besides health concerns, you might also want to improve the way your smile looks. A beautiful new smile can be a confidence booster. It might even help you in your career, relationships, or during an upcoming special event.
Adult orthodontics can help if you have:
- Large gaps between your teeth.
- Crooked teeth.
- Overlapping teeth.
- An underbite or other bite problem.
- Other issues.
But does orthodontic treatment only work on growing children? No, you can change the shape of your smile at any age. Some treatments may vary and take a little more time when you’re an adult, but most treatment time is similar as with children’s treatment time.
Plus, we offer many new options for adults that don’t stand out or get in the way of your schedule, such as:
- Invisalign clear aligners.
- Clear braces.
- Clear retainers.
The latest orthodontic technologies—which we love to adopt as they come out—are more comfortable and effective than ever. They’re designed to fit into your busy life.
Dental and Orthodontic Problems in Adults
Here are the top orthodontic issues that adults need corrected:
- Overcrowding: Teeth don’t have enough room in the supporting bone, and they are too close together.
- Painful Jaw Joints: A misaligned bite (the way the upper and lower teeth come together) can wear down the jaw joints and cause inflammation and pain.
- Overbite: The upper row of teeth overlaps the bottom teeth much more than they should when they come together.
- Protruding Teeth: Some teeth in the bottom or top row protrude further than you’d like them to for cosmetic purposes.
- Underbite: The lower row of front teeth overlaps the upper row when the bite is closed.
- Open Bite: The front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed.
- Tooth Decay or Wear: When teeth are misaligned, they may grind against each other and wear down too quickly—which can also cause infection and tooth decay.
- Gum Disease: The gums suffer from an ongoing bacterial infection when misaligned teeth disrupt proper hygiene practices. About 50% of adult patients have some level of gum disease, which we need to address before and during orthodontic treatment.
In addition to fixing your teeth, our team will also help you adjust your oral health habits. Many of us pick up bad habits as we age, which can complicate treatments—smoking or grinding your teeth, for example. But we will work with your family dentist and other specialists to give you the greatest chance of success and help you get your dream smile!
Orthodontic Treatments for Adults
You might hear about these and other adult treatment options when you visit Macdonald Orthodontics:
- Braces: Traditional braces are still a great option in some adult cases.
- Clear Aligners: Invisalign gradually moves teeth using inconspicuous, non-metal aligners.
- Clear Braces: These braces work like traditional braces but are made of comfortable, clear materials, so they’re less noticeable.
- Surgical Orthodontics: This is a surgery that quickly alters a problem area of the jaw—used in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Mesa or Gilbert, Arizona
The first step toward a beautiful smile is scheduling the first appointment. Your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. We’ll then discuss your orthodontic options and create a unique plan for you, along with answering any questions you have. Call today to get started.