Braces for All Ages!

Adults

Orthodontic treatment can help people of all ages. Nowadays, more than 30% of orthodontic patients are over 18 years old. Sometimes, adults may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment due to breakdown or loss of their teeth, gum, and bone.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works:

Brackets

Orthodontic appliances are fabricated from plastic, metal, or ceramic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. Braces slowly move teeth by placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic. You can choose the color of the elastics that hold the wire in brackets or wear self-ligating brackets without elastics at all. Furthermore, the wires used nowadays can move teeth faster and with less discomfort.

Overly crowded teeth:

This occurs when your jaw is too small for all of your teeth to fit normally. Overly crowded teeth can result in dental decay and can cause gum disease over time.

Widely spaced teeth:

This occurs if your teeth are too small or your jaw bone is too big for your teeth. Spacing issues in teeth can cause gum disease.

Crossbite:

This happens when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned. A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can happen in front and/or the on sides of the mouth. Crossbites can cause abnormal teeth wear, gum disease, and bone loss.

Overbite:

An overbite occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. Causes of deep, severe overbites are: genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the upper jaw or underdevelopment of the lower jaw. An overbite can result in wear on the lower teeth and jaw and jaw joint problems.

Underbite:

This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. An underbite results when the upper jaw is underdeveloped and/or the lower jaw over grown. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. Underbites prevent the normal function of your front teeth and can lead to worn down back teeth. It can also cause jaw and joint pain.

Duration of Treatment

Orthodontic treatment time is dependent on the rate of patient facial and jaw development, in addition to the severity of the problem. Typically treatment times range from one to three years. Patient’s compliance in the use of elastic bands or other appliances can also shorten treatment time. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.