Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
At Village Orthodontics, we are seeing more and more adults choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment for both aesthetic reasons and to improve their oral health. Our Village Orthodontics - Niagara Falls team explains the treatment options and benefits for adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Reasons to Straighten Your Teeth
When teeth are not correctly aligned, they can lead to a number of oral health issues. Speech may be impaired, the jaw may not function properly, and uneven tooth wear may result.
Misaligned teeth may also have an adverse effect on oral hygiene. When teeth are properly aligned, regular brushing and flossing routines make it relatively easy to keep them clean. When there is a misalignment and the teeth overlap, germs and food debris can linger on the teeth, and brushing and flossing may not reach these areas as easily. As a result, gum disease and tooth decay may develop.
Aside from children, many adults suffer from anxiety as a result of their teeth misalignment. If they are uncomfortable, they may avoid taking photographs, speaking openly, or even eating in public.
For all of these reasons, receiving orthodontic treatment as an adult can be quite advantageous.
Low-Profile Orthodontic Options for Adults
Adults may not seek orthodontic treatment because they are concerned about the aesthetics of braces. Fortunately, though, dental technology has come a long way, and there are many discreet treatment options for adult patients to choose from.
Clear Aligners
When worn over the teeth, clear, custom-made plastic aligners are almost indistinguishable. They use gentle, consistent pressure to move the teeth into the desired positions over the course of treatment.
Patients may eat, drink, clean and floss their teeth as they usually would while using clear aligners, which are also detachable.
For adult patients, clear aligners are an appealing orthodontic treatment choice because of their transparency.
Braces
Our Village Orthodontic offices offer many different types of braces for the adult patient, including:
Lingual Braces
Unless the patient opens his or her mouth wide, it is difficult to see the braces since they are put on the "back" of the teeth (the side that faces the patient's mouth).
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces have brackets that are tooth-coloured and blend in with the patient's natural teeth. Despite being slightly larger than standard metal brackets, ceramic brackets should be far less noticeable when worn.
Self Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces have fewer brackets and no need for elastic or metal ties, giving patients another low-profile option that is appropriate for adults who are self-conscious about their appearance.
Which treatment option is right for you?
Your orthodontist should go over the advantages and disadvantages of each orthodontic treatment option with you and assist you in determining which one is best for your dental health needs and way of life.