Adult Treatment

How do Adult Braces Differ from Child Braces?

The key difference between adult braces and child braces is that there may be fewer options for treatment as you age. Adults typically have all permanent teeth erupted and their jaws are no longer amenable to growth modification. Some treatments are time sensitive and best done at an early age. However other treatments that may involve jaw surgery require that the patient be skeletally mature and treatment as an adult may be most suitable. No matter your age, it is never too late to achieve a confident smile, even as an adult

Adult treatments include:

• Traditional metal braces for all types of  bite issues.
• Ceramic braces that are a more esthetic form of traditional metal adult braces.
• Clear removable aligners like Invisalign®. These gradually move teeth into their correct position.

The right treatment depends on your unique case.

Do Adults Need Removable Retainers?

Retainers are used as the last phase of orthodontic treatment for adults and children alike. Straightening the teeth is only one part of the process, retainers do the rest of the work.

Retainers keep the teeth straight and help to prevent them from drifting back toward the position they were in before treatment, or from shifting to an entirely new position. Yes, teeth do shift as you age, whether or not you’ve had orthodontics.  Retainers are quite likely the important aspect of orthodontic treatment as they are responsible for maintaining the beautiful result that has been achieved.  They are made to be comfortable to wear and are worn indefinitely after orthodontic treatment has been completed.

Permanent Retainers vs. Removable Dental Retainers

Two types of retainers are available following orthodontic treatment:

1. Removable retainers
   • these types of retainers are removable from the mouth (not glued in)
   • sometimes are worn full time for a small period of time
   • long-term are worn nightly
   • can come in several designs, either a clear aligner type retainer, or hard acrylic and wire type retainer
2. Permanent retainers
   • Typically consists of a semi-flexible or rigid wire that is bonded behind the front teeth
   • Not visible smile
   • Since they are glued in, they offer additional protection
   • do require some extra work to clean: more plaque or calculus may buildup on the wires, and special flossers are required to clean underneath the wire
   • natural wear and tear after some time may lead to breakage of the wire which may require repair

When Should You Visit an Orthodontist?

If you have crooked and crowded teeth you can visit an orthodontist in Grimsby, Ontario. Your dentist, during a regular examination, may also recommend that you see an orthodontist for adult braces.

Dr. Nardone brings vast experience to the practice to ensure that you get the caring and attentive personal orthodontic treatment. Although some of the options for   treatment for adults may differ from those in children, there are still highly effective solutions available to give you a straight and beautiful smile. You’ll feel more confident after orthodontic treatment for adults.

Some adults assume that because they’ve lived with crooked teeth or an irregular bite, they can simply ignore the problem. However, failing to correct issues with the bite can increase the risk of tooth decay, crowding could progress, and you might even develop problems with the temporomandibular joint leading to frequent pain and discomfort.

Make the right decision for your oral health. If you have crooked and crowded teeth, an overbite, underbite, or other problems with the way your teeth rest and come together, you can book a consultation for adult braces at Emerald Orthodontics today.