Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from orthodontics. If you’re an adult, it’s not too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position, or jaw-joint disorders.
Adult treatment takes a little longer than a child’s treatment. Because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone.
Brackets may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic or a combination of these materials. Some brackets are clear or tooth-colored. There are brackets shaped like hearts and footballs, and elastics (orthodontic rubber bands) in school colors or holiday hues such as red, white and blue. And there are gold-plated braces and glow-in-the-dark retainers.
Adults may be surprised at the orthodontic options available.
You can still select metal braces that sit on the surface of the tooth, or you can consider clear, removable braces like Invisalign, which are virtually invisible.
This option, which was developed with the help of leading orthodontists, consists of a series of clear aligners that fit over the teeth and are switched out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations and custom fitted to gradually and effectively move teeth into place without metal wires or brackets.
When compared to metal braces, the clear aligner option has many benefits. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the system usually requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments and no emergency visits for broken wires or brackets. Clear aligners are made of lightweight plastic that sits smoothly on the teeth, allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, you can eat, brush and floss as you would normally. Invisalign Teen aligners feature a Compliance Indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge generally whether their teen is wearing them as much as they should be.
Invisible braces are not, however, a complete replacement for conventional braces. They cannot move teeth that aren’t fully erupted yet. They are not good for severe crowding. There are other situations where the best way to move the teeth is with conventional braces. But, because they are invisible, comfortable, and fast, patients love them.