Adult Orthodontics Los Angeles, CA

Overcoming Concerns About Adult Orthodontics

Many adults are afraid to pursue orthodontics because of perceived social implications. Maybe you had an awful experience with braces as a teen. Whatever reason is holding you back, it is important to know you will not be the only adult with braces or another appliance. These days, one in four orthodontics patients is an adult.

If you are worried about looks, the good news is that some orthodontic options are practically invisible. If you think you are too old, think again. Orthodontics can be successful at any age, and the treatment plan can be tailored to fit a busy lifestyle. We will help the patient learn methods and techniques to continue keeping their teeth healthy too.

Pros and Cons of Adult Braces

When exploring your treatment options, you will want to consider adult braces. Today, traditional metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and look nicer than what you remember. While they are a more cost-effective option, they are the most noticeable of all the types of braces.

Ceramic braces are also popular. They are made of a translucent material, which is considerably less noticeable. Some even come with tooth-colored wires. This type is less visible than metal braces and moves teeth faster than clear aligners. However, they are not as durable as their metal counterparts.

Lingual braces look like traditional metal braces, but the wires and brackets are applied to the back of the teeth. This makes them invisible from the front. However, they are difficult to maintain, are not a good choice for serious cases, and are difficult to adjust to over time.

Adult braces do require some dedication to oral hygiene. You will need to follow any flossing and brushing instructions in order to prevent food and plaque from getting stuck between your gums and teeth. You will also need to adjust your diet and limit the amount of hard, sticky, and sugary foods you eat.

Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners for Adults

Clear aligners for adults are another popular option for orthodontic treatment. However, they are not recommended for severe cases such as a misaligned jaw. With this treatment option, a series of clear plastic trays are created and switched out every 1-2 weeks to gently move the teeth into position.

They are comfortable to wear, virtually invisible, and easy to remove to eat, to drink, and for special occasions. Since you can take them out, there are no dietary restrictions. Typically there are fewer office visits as well.

However, clear aligners have some downsides. Clear aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day to be effective. Since they are removable, it is tempting to leave them out for a few hours here and there. In the end, you will only be extending the overall treatment time. Once they are out, clear aligners are also easier to lose and damage.

Your oral hygiene routine will also get more frequent. Patients with clear aligners must brush their teeth after eating and drinking before putting the aligners back in. Failing to do this can trap food and plaque in the grooves of the teeth, increasing the risk for tooth decay.

Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist

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

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.