If you have always felt your teeth were holding you back, you are not alone. Many adults struggle with teeth that are not properly aligned, large gaps, or crowding that takes away from their smile. The thought of seeking orthodontic treatment may not even come into your mind now that you are past your teen years. You think back to those kids with metal wires and brackets in your middle school years. You figure it is too late for you. It’s time to open to learn your options for teeth straightening for adults. Thanks to advances in the field of orthodontics, there are a variety of methods that can help you to transform your teeth into a dazzling smile. It’s time to find the right treatment alternative for you.
You May Not Need to Go with Braces
If you are already self-conscious about your teeth, the thought of wearing braces may make you anxious. You don’t want to draw more attention to your mouth while you are undergoing treatment. Fortunately, the world of orthodontics has changed. You may be able to go with clear aligners for teeth straightening, close gaps, or eliminate crowding. The first step in getting aligners it to have 3D images of your teeth captured with digital technology. These images will be used to make precise plastic aligners for your teeth. They’ll be an exact fit as they slide into place. The plastic is made from a medical-grade material that is built to last. Many people love this option because they are almost invisible. They won’t draw attention. They’re also flexible. While you should wear them 22 hours or more every day to let them do their job, you can take them out in order to thoroughly clean your teeth with nothing to get in the way. You can remove them when it’s time to eat or if you have a special function. Athletes, especially those in contact sports, typically remove them to avoid damage during a sporting event. After two weeks, your old set of aligners will be swapped for another. This will continue as your teeth slowly move into an ideal position. When your treatment is over, everyone will be amazed by the change in your smile. You’ll appreciate it most of all.
You Have Many Options When it Comes to Braces
Clear aligners don’t work for everyone. If your orthodontist tells you that you will need braces, don’t get discouraged. You can choose from several options to help you get positive results and feel good about yourself during the process.
Consider Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces actually have brackets that are ceramic. As a result, they can be clear or they can be the same color as your teeth. The wires can match the color of your teeth as well. They’ll work the same way as metal braces. The only difference is that they will be hardly noticeable as they blend in with your teeth.
Choose Braces Mounted Behind Your Teeth
Braces known as lingual braces can be mounted behind your teeth. If you don’t want anyone to know your teeth are being straightened, this might be the best option for you. You’ll have to get used to the feel of them behind your teeth, but eventually you won’t notice them anymore.
Traditional Braces Have Improved
If you choose to go with metal braces, you can take advantage of improvements that have been made in recent years. Self-litigating brackets attach to the wires running through your teeth and apply tension, cutting down the length of your treatment time. Heat-activated wires are another option that can help you to get faster results by applying more tension to the brackets all the time, thanks to the heat inside your mouth.
How Long Will You Need to Wear Braces or Aligners?
The length of treatment time varies for everyone. You might only need orthodontic treatment for a year or two. Some people need up to four years. The wait may seem long, but you need to think about the big picture. When your treatment is over, you will have a new and improved smile.
Will You Need to Wear Retainers?
Retainers are recommended for teens and adults as part of a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan. Once your teeth have been shifted into a new position, they are going to want to revert to the way they were. Your retainer will help to keep them in place. In the beginning, you may need to wear your retainer 24 hours a day. Eventually, you’ll only wear it at night. Your orthodontist is likely to recommend you wear your retainer for as long as you would like to have a straight set of teeth. It’s a minor inconvenience to sleep with this helpful appliance in order to maintain excellent results.
Can You Be Too Old to Have Orthodontic Treatment?
Your age is not a factor as long as your teeth are healthy. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth before beginning any kind of treatment plan. If you have any issues with your teeth, these will be taken care of first. For example, cavities will be filled first. In some cases, you may need to have some of your teeth removed in order to make room for your other teeth to shift.
Your Orthodontist Will Lead the Way to Improved Smile
If you are looking for teeth straightening options, don’t trust mail-order options. You want an expert consultation to make sure you are straightening your teeth properly in a way that will not damage your teeth. Your regular dentist may be able to give you recommendations, but an orthodontist focuses on correcting the position of your teeth. You can speak to your general dentist to find out the best orthodontists in your area. Speak to your family members, friends, and co-workers for positive reviews. You can also look online to find orthodontists with high success rates.
Is There One Treatment that is Best?
There are many effective options for straightening your teeth. Your orthodontist will review all your choices and help you to select the plan that is right for you. You’ll need to consider how long the treatment plan will take, and if you want to go with a method that is discreet or not.
Can You Treat Only the Top or Bottom Teeth?
Your orthodontic treatment plan is going to be tailored to suit you. If you only have an issue with your top teeth, that will be the main focus. The same holds true if it is your bottom teeth. In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend a treatment that focuses on your front teeth if you are looking for a fast track to an improved smile.
Can You Get Braces if You Have Crowns, Implants, or Missing Teeth?
Your orthodontist can work around teeth that are missing. In some cases, gaps formed by lost teeth may be to your advantage, giving your orthodontist more room to shift your teeth into proper alignment. Braces can be applied to teeth that have been replaced with crowns or implants. Don’t give up on your hopes for a smile transformation because your teeth were damaged in the past. Once your teeth are straight, it will give you even more motivation to take good care of your teeth to preserve your results.
Your Orthodontist Will Monitor Your Teeth Throughout the Process
You won’t be alone on the journey to a straighter set of teeth. You will have a partner in making your smile beautiful when you turn to your orthodontist. You will come in for regular appointments to check your progress and make any adjustments. If there is a problem, your orthodontist will find a solution for you. This will also help you to keep tabs on your overall oral health.
Straightening Your Teeth is a Decision that Can Help You in More Ways than You Imagined
When you straighten your teeth in your adult years,it can give you confidence like you never had before. You’ll be ready to show off those pearly whites for the camera. You’ll be open to more social and professional opportunities when an easy smile is your calling card. However, you will have so many more benefits. It will be easier to keep your teeth clean when you are not struggling with misaligned teeth. Healthier teeth will mean healthier gums. You’ll have an improved bite, helping you to avoid problems like TMJ and sleep apnea.
Learn More About Your Options for Teeth Straightening as an Adult
Your teeth are going to be with you throughout your life if you take good care of them. You deserve to have a smile that makes you happy. To find out more about teeth straightening, feel free to reach out and make an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics. At our convenient location in Austin, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Once your orthodontist has a clear picture of what is going on inside your mouth, it will be possible to lay out your treatment options. Imagine being able to smile freely. Gaps can be closed. Crooked teeth can be turned in the proper position. Crowded teeth can be shifted so they don’t look like they are overlapping one another. Your orthodontist has the resources and skills to make it happen. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
