How to Choose an Orthodontist for Adults

Many people are under the impression that only teenagers or young children need braces. In fact, one in five adults will need orthodontic treatments are for adults over the age of 21. In some cases, it may be that the orthodontic services were unaffordable when the adult was younger, or it may be because orthodontic techniques have changed dramatically over the years. Before choosing an orthodontist in Centerville, there are a few things you should know to be sure you choose one that has experience treating adult patients.

Experience with Adults

The first thing to determine before choosing an orthodontist is how much experience the orthodontist has had with adult patients. Some orthodontists have mostly child patients and treating the mature patient is significantly different than treating the child patient. Braces for adult Centerville residents can improve self-esteem and overall appearance. In addition, crooked teeth contribute to gum and bone loss as well as abnormal wear of the enamel on your teeth, making it even more important to seek Centerville Orthodontics for adults.

Types of Services Offered

Adults also have more social considerations than children when it comes to orthodontics. In some professions, wearing traditional braces is not possible. Therefore it is important to learn whether an orthodontist has experience with newer types of braces, such as Invisalign, that straighten your teeth almost invisibly.

Newer Procedures

There are many new procedures available for adults that reduce discomfort and decrease the frequency of orthodontic visits as well. These are very important to busy adult patients who do not have the time for discomfort or cannot take time from work or social obligations in order to visit an orthodontist in Centerville.  These are just a few of the reasons to research before choosing an orthodontist for adults.

Invisalign Treatment

Adults have different needs than children when choosing an orthodontist. Many adults are reluctant to get traditional braces due to work and social obligations. For this reason, Invasilign may be the best option.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign corrects the position of the teeth by inducing slight pressure to move them. The device is clear, unlike the traditional metal braces seen more commonly among children. Patients can remove the device to brush their teeth or eat and are only required to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. The aligners are replaced every two weeks.

Patient Evaluation

Before implementing Invisalign, the patient is evaluated and a dental impression taken. The impression is sent to Align Technology where three-dimensional simulations are used to predict how the treatment will proceed. Every Invisalign stage is developed from these models. Each Invisalign simulation is reviewed by an orthodontist and adjustments made as necessary before the devices are sent to the Centerville Orthodontist, who then seats the device. Invisalign is the perfect choice for adult patients whose teeth need alignment. Teeth that are not aligned properly can cause damage to tissue and bone, as well as promote tooth decay. Therefore, Invisalign not only helps improve the appearance the patient, but also promotes good health.

Why Adults Should See an Orthodontist

Many adults believe that orthodontics are for children and teenagers, thinking that since their teeth have matured, there is nothing they can do to straighten them. In actuality, braces for adult Centerville residents could actually be beneficial to their health.

Never Too Late

Orthodontists say that it is never too late for straightening teeth. In fact, research has shown that adults now make up approximately half of the orthodontic patients in many practices. Braces for adults have become less visible over the years so that the metal mouth concept has almost disappeared. Even when an adult requires more traditional braces, the brackets are smaller and there are fewer bands than older styles of braces, making them more cosmetic than in the past.

Why Braces as an Adult?

For some patients, crooked teeth have been a problem for them for many years, causing lowered self-esteem and even difficulty eating certain foods. It is possible that their parents couldn’t afford braces when they were children, or their teeth have shifted over the years for other reasons. Adult patients say that after braces treatment, they have more confidence and better self-esteem.

Health Reasons

In addition to the cosmetic reasons for braces, adults should also understand the health reasons for having a correct bite. Misaligned teeth can cause an increase in plaque build-up between teeth as it is more difficult to brush or floss them properly. This could lead to gum disease and tooth decay if the problem is not addressed.  Adults have many reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment including a better appearance and improved health.

What Causes Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites

There are several reasons why people develop crooked teeth or a dentists identifies a patient with a bite that is misaligned. The fact is that teeth can become crooked or a bite misaligned even in adult dental patients, requiring them to need the services of an orthodontist in Centerville.

Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites

In some cases, patients develop crooked teeth because their mouths are too small for their teeth. This causes teeth to shift. In other patients, the upper and lower jaw are different sizes, leading to either an overbite or underbite. These are often inherited traits, passed down from parent to child. In some cases, a lost tooth, either one that is knocked out or pulled, can lead to misaligned bites or crooked teeth.

Problems Associated With Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth or misaligned bites can lead to problems eating as the person with the problem cannot properly chew certain foods. In addition, it is more difficult to clean crooked teeth as brushing and flossing may not be able to reach the areas around the gum line. Some people who suffer from crooked teeth or misaligned bites may suffer from pain in the jaws, neck or head and may be at risk of breaking a tooth. Crooked teeth can also lead to self-esteem issues.  

Contact a Best Orthodontist in Centerville

When looking for an orthodontist in Centerville, don’t forget to contact King Orthodontics, because we offer a wide variety of options. In addition to Invisalign Teen braces, our orthodontist will be able to provide Invisalign pictures to help you see what your teeth will look like in the future.

King Orthodontics, 400 East Dayton, Yellow Springs Rd. Fairborn, OH 45324

Phone: (937) 878-1561 Fax: (937) 433-9530

How to Choose an Orthodontist for Adults