Even if you never went through orthodontic treatment as a kid, it’s never too late to get a perfect, healthy smile. With modern orthodontic appliances like braces or Invisalign that can be used to fix any kind of smile at any age, adults that missed out on straighter teeth when they were younger can finally enjoy a smile that fills them with confidence and helps them have a healthier life. However, adult orthodontic does have its differences when compared to getting treatment as a kid. These differences should not deter you from getting treatment, since the benefits from a new smile greatly outweigh any difficulty that you may face while getting your new smile.
Here at Doleski & Wolford Orthodontics, we’ve helped countless adults from all over Erie, Lawrence Park, and Corry, PA transform their smile for the better. To make sure that you have the most comfortable orthodontic treatment possible, we’ve put together this list of things that you should know before you start with adult orthodontic treatment, so you know exactly what to expect.
Slightly Longer Wait For Your New Smile
Orthodontic treatment is so common for kids and teens because it takes advantage of their natural development at that age. As the jaw grows, it’s easier to move the teeth into their new position, but as an adult, that jaw development is already complete. What this means is that adult orthodontic treatment will take a little longer compared to the treatment for kids and teens, as it takes more time to get the teeth moving through the bone and tissue of a jawbone that is no longer growing. Regardless of the length of treatment, you still get to enjoy all the benefits of a perfect smile when you’re done, so the wait is well worth it.
Starting With A Healthy Smile Foundation
Braces or Invisalign straighten your smile by gradually pushing your teeth through your gum tissue and jawbone into their new positions. If your gums aren’t healthy while you’re going through orthodontic treatment, conditions like gum disease could actually become worse, resulting in gum recession and even bone loss in the jaw. To prevent this from happening, gum disease and other oral health issues should be treated and brought under control before you start adult orthodontic treatment.
Extractions & Restorative Treatment
In some cases, the jaw can be more narrow and not have enough space to accommodate all of your teeth, which results in tooth crowding. While the jaw can be expanded during childhood with certain oral appliances, the completed development of the jaw in adults prevents this. If you have a narrow jaw, a tooth extraction may be required in order to make room for your other healthy teeth to align properly and create your perfect smile.
Missing teeth can also cause an issue with adult orthodontic treatment, affecting the ability to move the teeth and keep them in their new position without them drifting into the open space in the gums, or posing a risk for increased chance of infection. Restorative treatment such as crowns or dental implants can be used to fill that space before orthodontic treatment begins.
Variety Of Treatment Options To Choose From
Adults have the freedom to choose between a variety of orthodontic treatment options, finding the perfect one that best meets their needs. With solutions that are practically invisible for those concerned about appearance at work or in public, or ones that are simple, efficient, and effective, there’s an orthodontic treatment for everyone. The most common treatment options available for adult orthodontics include:
If you have any questions about any of these available treatments, you can contact your local orthodontic experts at Doleski & Wolford Orthodontics to speak to a member of our staff who will gladly provide you with more information.
Get Started With Adult Orthodontic Treatment Today!
When it comes to getting the perfect smile, you deserve nothing less than the best in adult orthodontic care. When you choose Doleski & Wolford Orthodontics, you get a team of talented doctors and staff that have been providing professional orthodontic care for years and has helped countless patients of all ages achieve their ideal smile. Our three convenient offices located in Erie, Corry, and Lawrence Park, PA puts that first step toward a bright smile close to home. Just contact us and schedule an appointment for your free consultation today!