When it comes to orthodontics, most adults usually think that it’s too late for them. But it’s actually never too late to get your teeth checked and fixed by a professional orthodontist. The best part is that there’s many different orthodontic treatments for adults available, meaning if you chat to your local orthodontist, you’ll be able to discover a treatment that meets your needs.
When should you see an orthodontist as an adult?
While there’s no age limit to when you can see an orthodontist, there are some obvious signs that indicate you might need to see an orthodontist. If you have difficulty biting, chewing, speaking or even closing your mouth, then it could be a sign that your bite is misaligned and that you need to see an orthodontist.
These symptoms can all point to bite issues and misalignments that can have a negative impact on your health in the long term.
Of course, if your teeth are noticeably crooked, protruding or crowded, then it’s time to see an orthodontist so they can help improve your smile.
Why should you see an orthodontist when you’re an adult?
There are many reasons why an adult might go to an orthodontist. For some adults, their reason for going to an orthodontist is to enhance their smile, even if there are no obvious issues with their teeth. Having well-aligned teeth can help increase self-esteem and confidence, as well as improving your overall health.
But there are some teeth or bite issues adults might have that can only be fixed through orthodontic treatment. Some of these dental issues include:
- Crowded teeth, when teeth appear to have a lack of space
- Crooked teeth, when teeth overlap each other or are significantly rotated or displaced out of alignment
- Overbites, when the upper teeth are protruding too far forward
- Underbites, when the lower teeth are located in front of the upper teeth
- Deep bites, when the upper teeth vertically cover most of the lower teeth when biting
- Crossbites, when teeth don’t line up properly when biting together
- Jaw and/or facial asymmetry, when the upper and lower jaws are out of alignment
As you get older, you might want to see an orthodontist for other medical reasons. An orthodontist can be involved in medical treatment to treat some forms of sleep apnoea.
What orthodontic treatment options are there for adults?
Nowadays, there are so many different orthodontist treatments for adults available that it can feel overwhelming. But your orthodontist will discuss the various treatment options you can have that will fix your problem.
Braces
Braces are one of the most common types of orthodontic treatment available. There are three different types of braces options your orthodontist might recommend to you.
The first is the traditional metal braces. This option is usually the most cost effective, as you’ll have metal brackets attached to your teeth that are connected with a wire. You will also have sliver or coloured bands around each individual bracket, which can be changed at each orthodontist appointment.
Next up is ceramic braces. The major difference between this type of braces and metal ones is the appearance. Ceramic braces involve using clear or tooth-coloured brackets for a more subtle appearance. Some adults prefer the subtleness of ceramic braces, as the braces won’t be as obvious to others within the workplace or when socialising.
Lastly, there are lingual braces. These braces are almost invisible, as metal brackets and wires sit on the inside of your teeth. However, because these braces are closer to the tongue, they may affect your speech and take a little longer to adjust to. They also tend to be a bit pricier than ceramic and metal braces as they’re custom made to suit your mouth.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are slowly becoming a popular orthodontic treatment for adults. In a nutshell, clear aligners are a transparent mouthguard that are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. The beauty of clear aligners is that they do what the names says – they’re clear in appearance and slowly align your teeth.
Clear aligners are generally best suited to adults who need minor orthodontic treatment. And they also require lots of commitment, as you’ll have to wear the aligner for around 20–22 hours every day, taking it out only when you need to eat. Once again, your orthodontist is the person who will advise you on your treatment options to help you correct your teeth and have a glowing smile.
Ready to start your orthodontics journey?
There’s no age limit to having the perfect smile. If you’re an adult looking to kick-start your journey towards straight teeth, then make sure you find your local orthodontist with our Finder Tool. You can discover orthodontists near your area and request a consultation for that practice. So don’t wait any longer for that perfect smile – check out the Finder Tool today and get started.
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