If you're a parent, you may have taken your child to an orthodontist for braces or known another parent who got braces for their child. Have you ever thought making an appointment for yourself to see an orthodontist about improving your smile? Adults are increasingly seeking orthodontic treatment, with many practices reporting that nearly as many adults receive braces as children do. Adult orthodontics makes getting alignment issues with your teeth or jaw fixed possible.
It's not too late! Misaligned upper and lower teeth, gummy smiles, misaligned smiles, or crooked teeth can still be corrected in adults. These issues typically require orthodontic treatment.
Depending on your diagnosis, you may even be able to get the straight teeth you want without metal braces. Check in with your orthodontist to find out if adult treatment options will help you to get the smile you've always wanted.
As an adult, you have choices among available orthodontic treatments. During your consultation with your Dr. Starling, be sure to discuss your goals, budget, and lifestyle when considering which treatment solution would be best suited for you.
Braces for adults have a wide range of options today and use the latest in orthodontist innovations for customized, more comfortable fits. Plus, with adult braces, you have a low-maintenance solution to your orthodontic issues.
Adult braces come in many forms, including invisible lingual braces, nearly invisible clear braces, and versatile metal braces. Many adults prefer discreet orthodontic solutions, leading to a rise in the popularity of clear aligners and lingual braces that are less visible than traditional options.
Lingual braces fit on the backside your teeth, making this option probably the most highly aesthetic option in all of orthodontics. These are sometimes referred to as hidden braces, invisible braces, or even reverse braces. You get the benefits of wearing long-lasting braces without having the downside of visible brackets.
At our office, we have treated hundreds of lingual braces successfully since 2007. Many orthodontists do not even offer this option, but it can be quite effective if you find an experienced provider.
Talk to your orthodontist to see if lingual braces can help to correct your smile issues.
Clear braces have ceramic or clear brackets affixed to your teeth. You will only see the fine wire connecting them. These braces have only a minimal impact on your smile while giving you the robust smile correction of traditional orthodontics.
Metal braces today use much smaller brackets and better wires. If you have complex issues with your jaw or teeth alignment, you may need the robust correction provided by traditional metal braces.
Clarity clear aligners are designed to be virtually invisible, making them an appealing choice for adults and teens seeking aesthetic orthodontic solutions. You wear aligner trays throughout the day, taking them out to brush and eat. The use of clear aligners allows for a more comfortable fit compared to traditional braces, as they do not have any metal brackets or wires that can irritate the gums.
For best results, you need to be diligent in following the requirements for wearing the trays for at least 22 hours a day and brushing the trays when you remove them to brush and floss your teeth.
No more Goop! You may remember the "mold" from braces as a child- or you might have heard the stories. Things have changed. Digital impressions are a modern alternative to traditional molds used in orthodontics, providing a more comfortable experience for patients.
Digital 3D imaging is utilized for advanced diagnostics and custom treatment plans at Starling Orthodontics. Digital 3D imaging is utilized for advanced diagnostics and custom treatment plans at Starling Orthodontics.
Digital impressions can significantly reduce the time needed for orthodontic treatment planning and improve the overall efficiency of the process.
If you have issues with a gummy smile, bite alignment, or a slanted smile, you may qualify for a surgical alternative, temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Your orthodontist may even use TADs to allow you to skip wearing headgear.
To place TADs, your orthodontist applies a topical numbing agent to your gums, which stops pain without the need for injections. They then expertly screw the TADs into the gums. You may feel pressure but no pain during the insertion. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
If you have an uneven or gummy smile or been told that you may need jaw surgery, ask your orthodontist if TADs can help. The use of TADs can reduce the need for more invasive procedures, such as extractions or surgery, by providing additional support for tooth alignment.
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery may help if you have a severe misalignment between the upper and lower teeth. After surgery, your upper and lower jaws will be properly aligned, which may improve your appearance, ability to eat, and ease of speaking.
Only a qualified orthodontist can determine whether surgery will best serve your needs, so make an appointment if you have concerns about your bite.
Only your orthodontist can tell you the best adult orthodontic treatment options for your smile. If you don't have an orthodontist, see Dr. Starling and the team at Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood, TN. They'll make you feel at home. Contact them today to schedule your appointment.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your appointment online.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
