Ah, the world of adult orthodontics. It’s not something everyone comes into with a lot of knowledge—but we relish the opportunity to educate our current and future patients on what we do at Humphrey Orthodontics. Today we’re going to discuss some options regarding the best orthodontic treatment for adults.
One Size Does Not Fit All
There isn’t really one option that is the best for everyone, simply because everyone’s smile is different! This is why it’s so important to have an expert orthodontist like Dr. Humphrey to make you a custom treatment plan.
A patient may come into our office strictly needing their smile aligned. Others may have issues with their jaws or bite. We can address these problems together or on their own, using three primary options as the basis of treatment:
- Traditional metal braces are great for simple and complex cases in patients of all ages. They set the original standard for orthodontic treatment decades ago and have only improved in terms of functionality since then.
- Clear braces look a lot like traditional braces but also match teeth much better due to their ceramic material. This can be an aesthetic compromise for a lot of patients.
- Invisalign is a departure from these two options, using a completely different alignment system based on a series of clear plastic trays that shift the teeth. It’s most effective for teens and adults.
Why Adult Orthodontics Works
The fact is, not everyone will have access to orthodontic treatment as a child or teenager. Sometimes, this only becomes available in the autonomy of adulthood. So, while a lot of people may not have foreseen getting treatment as an adult, they are pleased to learn that there are actually a few benefits to taking this route.
- Better Oral Health: Misaligned teeth are notoriously harder to take care of. They can be much more susceptible to cavities and decay for this reason. You’ll find that after orthodontic treatment, this will no longer be a day-to-day struggle.
- A New Appearance: The state of your smile matters. By adulthood, you’ve lived with it for a long time—and this can be difficult if you’re not happy with how it looks. In many ways, this transformation becomes more meaningful as an adult.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Misalignment also causes issues with dental wear and tear. Teeth can experience uneven pressure, which can be made worse by bruxism (tooth grinding). Correcting alignment and bite is a way to counter this ongoing damage.
- Personalized Treatment and Accountability: Adults can collaborate closely with Dr. Humphrey since they may have an improved understanding of some of the terminology and instructions we discuss. They also have the advantage of increased compliance, which leads to better results.
- Increased Popularity: Adult orthodontic treatment has become far more accessible to the public in the past few decades. There is far less of a stigma than there once was, making this a socially acceptable option.
Unpacking More Questions
You may have a question we don’t cover in this blog today—but that shouldn’t stop you from asking it! Dr. Humphrey and our team love answering questions, no matter how layered they might be. But here are a few common ones we get:
- How long does treatment take?
This will inevitably vary from patient to patient, especially depending on the approach we decide on for treatment and the severity of the issues being addressed. In general, you’re looking at a commitment that lasts anywhere from 12-24 months or more.
- Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
You will, yes. Retention is the stage that follows “active” treatment, where your job turns into maintaining the beautiful results you’ve worked so hard to accomplish. Many patients wear a retainer nightly.
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies?
The most important aspects of an orthodontic emergency are to stay calm and take action. You should always reach out to us right away for minor emergencies like a broken wire. But for serious dental trauma, you need to go to urgent care or the nearest emergency department. We will round out whatever treatment you may need and see how it will impact your overall plan.
A Smile for the Ages
We’ve covered a lot of ground today, haven’t we? There is so much to say on the topic of adult orthodontics, and we’re proud to be a leading part of this restorative, innovative industry. You can trust that our work stands out from the rest—in fact, we encourage you to take a look at some before-and-afters of our wonderful patients. We hope to see you soon in Wentzville or St. Peters.