Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age! More and more adults are seeking treatment to improve their life and confidence. Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of the teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth or a bad bite can contribute to problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, bone loss, headaches, and/or jaw pain. Orthodontics for adults in Lexington comes with many benefits, and each patient will have unique reasons for seeking treatment.
Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment
Looking Good
Orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth or spaces that you’ve been self-conscious about for years. It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile.
Your Teeth Can Shift
Believe it or not, your teeth don’t stop moving in adolescence. Teeth that seemed straight and aligned in youth could have shifted later in life. This can lead to jaw pain, trouble brushing, or a smile you’re unhappy with.
Maintaining Dental Health
If you leave misaligned teeth untreated, you may end up with other dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. You may also notice difficulty chewing or abnormal wear on the surface of your teeth.
What treatment options are available for adult patients in Lexington?
Whatever your reasons for reaching out to an orthodontist, there are more treatment options available than you may realize!
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the orthodontic stable we’re all familiar with. As one of the most efficient treatments for severe and complicated cases, modern braces can offer shorter treatment times at a lower price than some other options. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions.
Clear braces
These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored. For an almost invisible treatment option, they can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for image-conscious patients. Still, because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional metal or clear braces. This Invisalign option involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth over time into a more desirable position. These custom-made aligners do not require the use of metal brackets or wires. Clear aligner therapy is able to treat a variety of common dental issues, from bite problems to overcrowding, and it has a number of benefits. The trays are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft and comfortable clear plastic material. They are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners are one of the most discrete options available, which is why so many adults prefer this kind of treatment. They’re also incredibly comfortable and convenient. You can remove them to eat or drinking anything you want, and you don’t have to worry about keeping your teeth clean. Brushing and flossing won’t be any harder than usual and cleaning the aligners themselves is easy. Just a quick scrub with a toothbrush and warm water and your trays can get back to the work of straightening your teeth.
Coppe & Sears is Proudly Creating Smiles For Adults in Lexington
Orthodontic treatment can restore good function as well as be preventative against gum disease, bone loss, and abnormal enamel wear. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, regardless of age. Dr. Sears is committed to providing his adult patients with the right treatment to accomplishing their orthodontic goals and will work with each patient closely so they understand the benefits and drawbacks of all of their treatment options.
If you’re interested in improving your smile with orthodontics for adults in Lexington, schedule a free consultation to learn more.