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Orthodontic Treatments for Adults: The Pros and Cons

Are you dreaming of a straighter, more confident smile? You’re not alone! While orthodontic treatments are often associated with adolescence, an increasing number of adults are seeking the benefits of a perfectly aligned set of teeth. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment but find yourself wondering about the pros and cons, look no further. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of adult orthodontics, exploring everything from traditional braces to innovative invisible aligners. 

Orthodontic treatments are commonly associated with children and teenagers, but the truth is that adults can also benefit from orthodontic care. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18.

Unlike children who are still growing and developing, adults have fully formed jaws and their facial bones have stopped growing. This means that orthodontic treatment for adults may require a different approach compared to younger patients. In this section, we will explore the various types of orthodontic treatments available for adults and their potential benefits.

Most Common Orthodontic Issues seen in Adults

  1. Crooked or Misaligned Teeth:

Crooked or misaligned teeth are one of the most common reasons why adults seek orthodontic treatment. This issue can be caused by various factors such as genetics, thumb sucking, or even loss of a tooth. Crooked teeth not only affect the appearance but can also lead to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene, resulting in an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

  1. Overbite:

An overbite is when the upper front teeth significantly overlap with the lower front teeth when biting down. This condition may cause wear and tear on both sets of teeth and can also lead to jaw pain and discomfort.

  1. Underbite:

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes out further than the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting down. This can affect speech and chewing abilities and may also lead to strain on your jaw muscles.

  1. Crossbite:

A crossbite happens when some upper teeth fall inside the lower ones upon closing your mouth. This condition may cause uneven wear

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have been a tried and tested method for correcting misaligned teeth for decades. They consist of metal brackets, wires, and bands that are attached to the teeth and gradually shift them into their desired position over time. While they have proven to be effective in creating straighter smiles, they also come with their own set of pros and cons.

Pros:

  1. Effective: Traditional braces are highly effective in correcting various orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, and bite problems. They apply constant pressure on the teeth, slowly moving them into the correct alignment.
  2. Customizable: Each set of traditional braces is custom-made to fit the specific needs of each patient. This ensures that the treatment is tailored to address their unique orthodontic concerns.
  3. Suitable for all ages: While braces are commonly associated with teenagers, they can also be used for adults who wish to improve their smile or address any orthodontic issues.
  4. Cost-effective: Compared to other orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign or lingual braces, traditional braces tend to be more affordable. This makes it an ideal option for individuals who may not have access to insurance coverage or have a limited budget.
  5. Long-term results: With proper care during and after treatment, traditional braces can provide long-lasting results that may even last a lifetime.

Cons:

  1. Appearance: One of the main drawbacks of traditional braces is their noticeable appearance due to the metal components attached to the teeth.
  2. Comfort: The metal components do rub against parts of your mouth causing pain and irritation.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option for adults looking to improve the alignment of their teeth. It involves using a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift the teeth into their desired position. While Invisalign has gained popularity due to its discreet nature and convenience, it also has its own set of pros and cons that should be considered before making a decision.

Pros:

  1. Discreet Appearance: One of the main advantages of Invisalign is its nearly invisible appearance. The clear aligners blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. This makes it an ideal option for adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces in professional or social settings.
  1. Removable Aligners: Unlike traditional braces that are permanently fixed onto the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. This allows you to easily take them out while eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. It also means there are no food restrictions as you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging any wires or brackets.
  1. Comfortable: The smooth plastic material used for Invisalign aligners is much more comfortable than metal brackets and wires which can be irritating to the soft tissues inside your mouth. The custom-made aligners fit snugly over your teeth without causing any discomfort.
  1. Easy Maintenance: Maintaining good oral hygiene with traditional braces can be challenging as they require special tools for cleaning around the brackets and wires. With Invisalign they can easily be cleaned and maintained with a mild brushing while they are removed. If that isn’t enough, a denture cleaning tablet (Fixadent) will do the trick.  

Cons:

  1. Compliance: People tend to not wear them as often as they should.  Because they are removable, patients can take them off; as compared to patients with traditional braces, where this is not possible.  

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that has gained popularity among adults in recent years. Unlike traditional metal braces, lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.

Pros:

  1. Aesthetics: The most significant advantage of lingual braces is their discreet appearance. Many adults feel self-conscious about having visible metal brackets and wires on their teeth, especially in professional settings or social situations. With lingual braces, this concern is eliminated as they are hidden behind the teeth.
  2. Effective for complex cases: Lingual braces can be just as effective as traditional braces in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues such as overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and misaligned bites. They can also correct more complex cases that cannot be treated with clear aligners like Invisalign.
  3. Customized treatment: Each set of lingual braces is custom-made to fit the unique shape and structure of each patient’s teeth. This means that they provide precise and targeted movement to achieve optimal results.
  4. Comfortable: Lingual braces use low-profile brackets that are designed to minimize discomfort and irritation to the tongue and inner cheeks compared to traditional metal braces.
  5. Less chance of staining: Since lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth, there is less risk of staining or discoloration compared to traditional metal braces.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Orthodontic Treatment

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for adults can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which treatment is best for you. However, there are several factors that should be considered when making this important decision. In this section, we will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing an orthodontic treatment.

  1. Severity of your dental issues:

The first factor to consider is the severity of your dental issues. This includes any misalignment or crookedness of teeth, overcrowding, overbites or underbites, and other bite problems. Different orthodontic treatments may be more suitable for certain dental issues than others. For example, Invisalign aligners are better for mild to moderate cases of misalignment whereas traditional braces are better for more severe cases.

  1. Treatment time:

Another important factor to consider is the duration of the treatment process. Some treatments may take longer than others to achieve desired results. Traditional braces usually require a longer period of time compared to newer options such as Invisalign or ceramic braces.

  1. Appearance:

For many adults, appearance plays a significant role in their choice of orthodontic treatment. If you are concerned about how you will look with metal brackets and wires on your teeth, then you may want to consider less visible options such as clear aligners or ceramic braces.

4.Cost:

Orthodontic treatments can be expensive and cost is often a major consideration when choosing an option that fits within your

Which Option is Right for You?

After weighing the pros and cons of various orthodontic treatments for adults, it can be overwhelming to determine which option is right for you. Each treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it important to consider your specific needs and goals in order to make an informed decision. The professionals at Vagenas Dental can help you through the process.  Give us a call with any questions.

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Vagenas Dental

Dr. Vagenas has been practicing his unique brand of dental care since 1995, and began his private practice in the early 2000s. He offers a wide variety of dental techniques, and specializes in sedation dentistry, dental implants and CEREC Restorations.

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