If you missed out on wearing braces at a younger age, then it isn’t too late to improve your smile as an adult. More and more adults are visiting orthodontists to have treatment for their crooked teeth so as to achieve a better bite and a more attractive smile. There are several types of dental malocclusions that are repairable with braces for adults, including overlapping teeth, overbites, and underbites.
How Do I Know if I Need Braces?
While you can often see your dental misalignments in the mirror, a dental professional will need to examine your teeth and collect medical images to make the proper type of braces for adults. An orthodontist will also make molds of your upper and lower teeth. The molds and medical images are analyzed by a computer software program to determine how severe your malocclusions are. After learning what types of malocclusions are in your mouth, the professional can determine if you need treatment with removable aligners or if braces are required instead. Mild misalignments are fixable with aligners, but major malocclusions require treatment with braces instead.
Aligners are Suitable for Mild to Moderate Malocclusions
When you have mild or moderate dental malocclusions, removable aligners are a great way to fix your teeth. If you take care of your plastic aligners and brush your teeth, then the devices will remain clear so that no one can see the items on your teeth. Each set of aligners is only worn for two weeks before you switch to the next set. You will wear multiple sets of aligners during a treatment plan. The aligners are made to fit over your teeth precisely, and the devices will apply pressure to your teeth to shift the teeth into the correct positions. It is essential to wear the aligners as much as possible, including while you are sleeping. You can remove the items while you are brushing and flossing along with while you are chewing food and drinking beverages. Adults love these clear braces because the items are almost impossible to see, leading to less self-consciousness while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Braces are Required for Serious Dental Malocclusions
If you have serious dental malocclusions, then you will need braces for your teeth. Today, metal braces have smaller brackets and thinner wires, so it is more difficult for other people to see the items. However, there are also other choices available, such as ceramic braces made with clear wires and tiny brackets that match the color of your teeth. Braces for adults require eating softer foods along with frequent brushing and flossing.
Get In Touch with Us to Find Out More
For additional information about braces for adults, we encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics! At our convenient location in Austin, our friendly and dedicated staff will be happy to explain your options in detail, answer any questions you may have, and help you decide which route is best for you. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
