Adult Teeth Straightening Options

There are more adult teeth straightening options than ever before. If you are unhappy with your smile, you can choose from one of the options. Go over your choices and select the one that is right for your smile. Then you will be one step closer to having straighter, healthier teeth.

The health benefits of adult teeth straightening

One of the obvious benefits of adult orthodontics is a straighter smile. However, they can also fix many oral health issues. Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean and leave several places for bacteria to hide. This can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Gum disease is linked to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

When your bite is off, other oral health problems often follow. The simple act of chewing can be more difficult and even painful. Orthodontics can correct your bite and make chewing easier, which may improve your digestion. Additionally, properly aligning the teeth can alleviate symptoms of a condition called TMJ, decrease headaches, and eliminate clicking or popping sounds stemming from the jaw.

Options for a straighter smile

Adults can choose from both removable and attached straightening options. Clear aligners the most popular choice for removable teeth straightening. However, people have a variety of choices for attached devices. Patients can select from traditional metal braces, clear ceramic, and lingual braces. Learn more about each of these adult teeth straightening options.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a popular choice for adults who want straighter teeth. The plastic aligners are difficult to detect, so people do not have to worry about others knowing they are going through the teeth straightening process. Patients can remove their clear aligners to eat, drink, on special occasions, or while playing sports and then snap them back in.

Those who choose this option will receive custom-made aligners. Then, patients go back to the dentist to get the next set of aligners in the series. This continues until the teeth are straight. Patients can get faster results by wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours daily.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are popular with children, but adults can also use this method for teeth straightening. Metal braces are powerful enough to fix extreme alignment issues and are much more comfortable than they used to be. However, many adults dislike traditional braces since the brackets stand out. Adults often prefer more discreet methods.

Clear ceramic braces

Clear ceramic braces work much like traditional metal braces, but the ceramic material is not very noticeable. Patients still have a silver wire, but the ligatures and brackets are tooth-colored. Some foods and drinks can stain the ligatures, but dentists typically change them at every appointment. Ceramic braces are not as durable as metal braces, so patients should avoid eating hard foods that can crack the ceramic.

Lingual braces

Those who want the durability of metal braces but want to avoid the look can choose lingual braces. The metal brackets are placed behind the teeth instead of on the front. It is very difficult to see these braces, but some patients report discomfort. The tongue touches the brackets and wires, which can create soreness. Also, it isn't easy to talk after first getting these braces. Most patients adjust to them, though.

Questions to ask the dental provider

Unlike adolescents, an adult will arrive at the dental office with a significant dental health history. This can include fillings, missing teeth, or gum disease. When meeting with a dental health provider, you want to ask certain questions about oral health.

If you are being treated for gum disease, you will want to ask if you can even start orthodontic treatment. If the supporting structures of your teeth are unstable, braces and clear aligners can actually cause more damage. The orthodontist will determine if your gums are healthy enough for orthodontics.

Since adults have typically suffered some type of bone loss, you will want to ask the orthodontist if there are any age-related considerations to take into account when deciding on the right treatment. You will also want to ask if you are at higher risk for root resorption, which is the gradual loss of tooth structure. Orthodontic treatment can increase the risk of this dental condition.

Are you interested in adult teeth straightening?

If you want straighter teeth, you can choose from clear aligners, traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Each option will straighten your teeth. However, choosing between the options can be difficult. Talk to your dentist to find out which tooth straightening technique will give you the desired results.

Request an appointment here: https://www.brooklyn-orthodontist.com or call Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics: Susan Liebman, DMD at (718) 416-6368 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.

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