It’s not uncommon to associate orthodontics with teens in a full set of metal braces, but there’s no age limit on achieving a great smile! Patients here at Elm Tree Orthodontics are often surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment is beneficial for patients of all ages, including adults. As a matter of fact, the number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment has risen by over 40 percent in the last ten years, with millions taking advantage of braces and aligners to create the smile they’ve always wanted. With multiple treatment options and innovative technology, there’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient, but why are so many adults getting in on the act? Let’s talk about it!
It’s about more than improved appearances
As we get older, our teeth move and change. They also suffer wear and tear through years of biting and chewing. Additionally, crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean effectively, which can increase the risk of inflammation in the gums, tooth decay, and dental disease. Gradual bone loss in the jaw can push teeth inwards, and poorly aligned bites are associated with erosion of tooth enamel, headaches, and jaw pain.
As an adult, we often gain a better understanding of how our oral health is connected to our total body health. We may also be seeing things changing in our mouth structure and smile. This encourages many adults to seek out dental and orthodontic treatment to help keep their teeth and gums healthy, and their mouth functioning to the best of its ability!
What is a “bad bite”? Why does it need to be corrected?
Some adults can have very straight teeth with no crowding or gaps, but still have a malocclusion—that is, a “bad bite” with teeth that don’t match with each other. For example, a deep bite means the top teeth completely cover the lower teeth when the jaw is closed. This can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connecting the jawbone to the since the lopsided bite pushes the lower jaw back.
A bad bite like that can damage your teeth and surrounding jawbone, and whenever you chew, that pressure is increased. If you’ve spent a lifetime like that, you may be experiencing headaches and muscle pain you didn’t even know could be related to your smile! Correcting a bad bite with braces or aligners can minimize or even eliminate many of these types of issues.
What treatment choices are available for adult patients?
Today’s orthodontic appliances move your teeth or jaw gently into position over time. The braces and aligners are lighter, more comfortable, and more affordable than they’ve ever been, and come in a variety of options. Elm Tree Orthodontics is proud to offer the following treatments in our Hamden office.
Damon self-ligating and Damon Clear braces
The Damon System is a scientifically proven approach to orthodontic treatment where each bracket is self-ligating. This means it has a built-in door that holds the wire passively to the bracket, eliminating the need for additional attachments like ligature or elastic rubber o-ties, and decreasing the amount of force required to move the teeth. This can minimize the need for extractions of permanent teeth, headgear, or high force palatal expanders.
This innovative treatment option has several features, including:
- freedom of movement, which results in faster treatment times with gentler forces
- precision and effectiveness, reducing the need for many of the more time-consuming
- procedures used with traditional braces
- fewer adjustments required
- less discomfort than traditional braces
- smaller, more comfortable braces that are also easier to keep clean
Damon smiles are fuller, more natural, and achievable with lighter forces specifically designed to improve the overall result for each patient.
We also offer Damon Clear braces, which are specifically designed for patients who want the same exceptional Damon results but with less noticeable brackets. Damon Clear brackets are manufactured from a crystalline material, so they are clear, durable, and comfortable. To top it all off, they’re stain-resistant!
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners that are designed to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.
Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you normally would!
Get the healthy smile you deserve with Elm Tree Orthodontics
As long as your gums and jawbone structure are in good shape, you’re likely to be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment! Straightening your smile and improving your oral health can improve your self-confidence, reduce symptoms associated with a bad bite, and leave your mouth feeling like a million bucks.
If you’re in Hamden or the surrounding communities, we’d love to discuss how orthodontics can transform your smile—and your life! Get in touch with us today to schedule your complimentary virtual or in person consultation with Dr. Desai and take the first step towards a healthier, happier mouth.