Why It's Not Too Late for Adult Orthodontics

Why It's Not Too Late for Adult Orthodontics

Do you want straighter teeth, but think orthodontics are just for teenagers? You’ll be glad to know that it is never too late to straighten your teeth for a more appealing smile. Our orthodontist in Richardson, TX, is happy to provide you with some information on adult orthodontics.

While orthodontics used to be primarily for teenagers, more and more adults are having their teeth straightened, especially with the introduction of modern orthodontic solutions like Invisalign®. In fact, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients are adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Some of these adult patients choose orthodontic care because they have always had crooked teeth, known as malocclusions. Other adults opt for teeth straightening because their teeth have shifted over time.  

Adults and teenagers choose teeth straightening for many of the same reasons. You may benefit from braces for adults if you have:

• Teeth crowding

• Jaw misalignment that causes overbite, underbite, or open bite

• Missing teeth

• Spacing issues

• Protruding front teeth

When it comes to teeth straightening, though, adults may have special considerations. Adults often have “forward facing” jobs in which they interact directly with others, for example, and they may feel self-conscious wearing traditional metal braces. Fortunately, advances in orthodontic technology have advanced considerably, and clear aligners are now available.  

Invisalign® is the original clear aligner and continues to be one of the most popular in the world of dentistry. It uses a series of clear aligner trays to slowly shift teeth towards their desired location. Made from a special polymer, the aligner trays are smooth and comfortable, and they fit snugly over your teeth. The orthodontic treatment is convenient, in that there are no food restrictions or special oral hygiene procedures – simply remove the trays and eat whatever you desire, brush as needed.  

Adult orthodontic patients especially appreciate the fact that Invisalign® aligner trays are clear. Almost nobody will know that you are wearing them!

How Teeth Straightening Works

Teeth straightening works the same for adults as it does for teenagers: by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth. This pressure moves the teeth slowly in the desired direction, towards their ideal location in your jaw.  

To understand how teeth straightening works, it helps to have some advanced knowledge of teeth and how they stay in place – and when it comes to teeth straightening, how they move. There are three main parts to a tooth: the white crown that appears above the gumline, the root below, and the neck that connects the crown and the root. Gum tissue surrounds the neck of the tooth; between the gum tissue and the jawbone, a membrane known as the periodontal ligament (PDL) encases the bottom of the tooth root.  

Teeth straightening puts pressure on your teeth, and this pressure stretches the PDL membrane on one side of the tooth and compresses on the other side. Stretching the PDL loosens the tooth slightly and the pressure nudges the tooth towards its intended location. New bone tissue grows in behind the tooth to support it. Dentists refer to this physiological process as bone remodeling, and it happens in people of all ages.  

Metal brackets and archwires apply the beneficial pressure to traditional braces. Your dentist cements the brackets to your teeth and then feeds a thin metal wire, known as an archwire, through the brackets. The archwire wants to stay straight – as it tries to straighten out, the archwire creates the gentle pressure that straightens the teeth.

Invisalign® also applies pressure to teeth, but without the archwire. The plastic trays push against teeth to move them in the right direction using the same philosophy.  

Where can I find adult orthodontics near me?

For more information about adult orthodontics, connect with Fleming Orthodontics. We are the orthodontist adults and teenagers in Richardson rely on for a great smile! Contact Fleming Orthodontics today or book an appointment online to begin your consultation.

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