If the thought of braces gives you flashbacks to your awkward middle school years, you’re not alone. Many adults feel like braces are only for adolescents when, truthfully, braces are for everyone. In fact, more and more adults are improving their smile’s appearance, health, and function with braces. Whether you are 25 or 85, if you want to straighten your crooked or crowded teeth, braces are for you!

Looking for adult braces in Sacramento? Our highly skilled orthodontists at Markham Orthodontics are passionate about providing patients with quality care and beautiful teeth. Contact our friendly staff today at 916-924-8970 to schedule an initial consultation.

Advantages of Adult Braces

As we advance in age, oral complications become more prevalent. Braces have the two-fold ability to correct your oral problems while enhancing your smile. Here are three issues braces can correct:

1. Crowded teeth: Overcrowded teeth are much more difficult to keep clean and often cause cavities and gum disease. By straightening your teeth, the spaces where debris and bacteria hide will no longer be present. This provides you with a more beautiful and healthier smile.
2. TMJ disorder: Temporomandibular joint disorder can cause headaches, joint stress, and muscle pain. Braces will correct your bite and allow your teeth to better align. This will reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding or clenching that causes TMJ disorder.
3. Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a physical obstruction in the upper airway. Braces can expand your upper and lower arches to make room for your tongue and surrounding soft tissues, thus allowing uninterrupted air movement.

When you visit with one of our orthodontists, he will examine your teeth and mouth for any issues while addressing them accordingly. He may suggest additional orthodontic treatments so you can have a healthy smile.

Types of Adult Braces

At Markham Orthodontics, we provide a variety of braces options to meet every need. Our most popular options include:

Traditional metal braces

The visibility of metal braces is a huge turn-off for most patients. However, as dentistry has progressed, many aesthetic improvements have been made. Our orthodontists offer brackets and wires that are less visible yet just as effective. Traditional braces are best for those with extremely crowded or crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, and other more severe dental issues.

Clear bracket braces

Clear braces are essentially the same as traditional metal braces except that the brackets are made from ceramic, which can be a blessing and a curse. Ceramic is more aesthetically pleasing, but they are also more prone to staining and discoloration. However, these are still a great option for anyone who is concerned about the appearance of metal braces and dental issues that require the strength that brackets and wires provide.

Invisalign®

Clear aligners have become an increasingly popular choice for adult braces because of their discreet appearance. Invisalign® provides effective treatment for patients whose teeth need minor adjustments. Clear aligners afford patients the freedom to remove their aligners while eating. No more worrying about food getting caught between teeth and braces! However, because clear aligners are removable, they are easily misplaced, lost, or thrown away.

Contact Your Sacramento Orthodontists Today

Regardless of your age, braces can improve the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Learn more about life with braces and contact our team today at 916-924-8970 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our expert orthodontists.