It’s Never Too Late: Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Lansing, Michigan
More and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment today, and the reasons are clear. Advances in dental technology have led to appliances that are barely noticeable, giving adults discreet choices for straightening their teeth. Many people realize that investing in a smile makeover can have significant social and professional benefits, and teeth straightening is an important step in that confidence-boosting process.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there’s no such thing as being too old for braces. The dedicated team at Schaefer Dental Group, your trusted dentist in Lansing, Michigan, is ready to help you start your journey toward a healthier smile.
Key Differences in Orthodontics for Adults
While the underlying principles of orthodontics remain the same, treatment for adults differs from treatment for children in two important respects.
1. Complete Jaw Development
In adults, the growth and development of the jaws is complete. This means that changes in the actual jaw structure often cannot be accomplished with orthodontic appliances alone, unlike in a growing child. Our treatment plans focus primarily on tooth movement and alignment within the existing structure.
2. Focus on Periodontal Health
Periodontal (gum) disease is more prevalent in adults than in children. While you are wearing orthodontic appliances, gentle forces are applied to your teeth, moving them through the surrounding bone. Periodontal health plays a critical role in this process; if gum tissues are not healthy during treatment, bone loss can occur, which weakens the long-term prognosis of your teeth.
Therefore, any existing gum disease must be brought under control before orthodontic treatment begins. To maintain your periodontal health throughout your time with braces, you will need to prioritize regular professional cleanings while maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances for Adults
All orthodontic appliances work by applying light, constant force to move teeth into proper alignment. The method of applying these forces can vary greatly, thanks to recent innovations that allow for solutions that blend more easily into an adult’s personal and professional lifestyle.
Traditional Metal Braces
This familiar system involves small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with a thin wire running through them. They remain the most cost-effective and durable treatment option.
Clear Braces
Instead of noticeable metal, clear braces use brackets made of ceramic, plastic, or a combination of both. They are significantly harder to see, except for the thin archwire, but they can be more susceptible to breakage compared to metal options.
Clear Aligners
As an alternative to fixed appliances, clear aligners are removable. They consist of a series of clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray in the series gradually moves your teeth closer to the desired position. Your customized trays are designed using specialized computer software that generates a virtual model of your entire bite correction.
Lingual Braces
These metal braces are bonded to the back (tongue side) of your teeth so they are completely hidden from view. While this offers maximum discretion, they can be more difficult to get used to wearing, and are generally more expensive than traditional braces.
Life After Orthodontic Treatment
Wearing a retainer after active orthodontic treatment is absolutely crucial, regardless of the appliance chosen or your age. Teeth that are not held in place long enough for new supporting bone to develop around them can drift back toward their original positions. You will receive detailed instructions from Schaefer Dental Group on how to retain your new, beautiful smile so that it continues to look and feel great for years to come.