Braces are no longer just for teenagers. Adults opt for orthodontics for a variety of reasons. Many adults did not undergo orthodontic treatment during childhood, though they needed it. With age, childhood dental issues worsened, leading to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, and even chronic tooth decay. For others, not wearing a retainer has led to hard-earned smiles dissolving as teeth reverted to their pre-orthodontic positions.

If crooked or overlapping teeth cause you pain, functional issues, or embarrassment, it’s time to consult an orthodontist who can provide you with treatment options that work for your life. Markham Orthodontics in Sacramento, CA offers accelerated orthodontics in addition to an array of adult-focused therapies. Dr. Markham, our board-certified orthodontist, will evaluate your mouth and jaw to determine which options are best for your case. Fortunately, today adults have choices.

Types of Adult Braces

Many adults reject the idea of wearing braces because the treatment would jeopardize a professional and mature appearance. However, braces aren’t just made of metal anymore. Traditional stainless-steel braces still have many benefits. They’re durable, effective, and can correct some bite issues that other options cannot. However, metal brackets irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, and wires tend to break and cause discomfort. Perhaps most obvious, metal braces are unattractive.

Technological advances have given us several more comfortable and visually appealing orthodontic treatment options.

Ceramic braces are just as effective as metal, but because they’re tooth-colored, most people don’t notice them in a person’s smile. The brackets are made of ceramic, and a metal wire threaded through them creates tension to move teeth. The same concept applies to traditional metal braces.

Lingual or concealed braces affix to the back of the teeth, so they are completely hidden. However, patients often complain of discomfort to the tongue. Now that we have the option to use clear aligners or ceramic brackets, lingual braces have become less desirable.

Invisalign, a brand of clear, custom-made orthodontic aligners, makes the orthodontic treatment comfortable, inconspicuous, and convenient. Each Invisalign aligner gently moves teeth toward a predetermined position. Once that alignment is achieved, the next aligner takes over, and with time, Invisalign repositions teeth to their ideal alignment. Because patients can remove Invisalign aligners, the “braces” won’t get in the way when you eat, brush, or floss. Patients should wear aligners 22 hours per day to meet the predicted treatment timeline. Normally, orthodontics can take up to two years of treatment, but most Invisalign cases last just 18 months or less.

Accelerated orthodontics with AcceleDent can speed treatment time by 50%, in some cases. It works as an addition to traditional, lingual, or ceramic braces. Micro-pulses emitted by the device stimulates bone remodeling, which allows teeth to move more quickly.

Similarly, Propel quickens teeth movements by stimulating bone remodeling, but in a different way. Propel involves a simple in-office procedure and can be applied to Invisalign cases.

After any orthodontic treatment, the patient must wear a retainer, as instructed by Dr. Markham. Neglecting to wear a retainer as recommended can result in teeth reverting to their prior position, erasing all that was achieved with orthodontic therapy. Some patients prefer affixed retainers, which remain in place permanently until removed by an orthodontist. Talk with Dr. Markham to find the retainer that will best suit your needs.

Don’t Let Age Hold You Back

Never let your increasing age keep you from enjoying the best life offers. To learn more about adult braces options, call Markham Orthodontics in Sacramento at (916) 924-8970. We’re always accepting new patients.