Has your crooked smile bothered you for years? Do you have teeth that stick out and disrupt the symmetry of your smile? If you’ve ever thought you missed your chance to correct your misaligned teeth, think again! Adult orthodontics are a popular treatment for improving your dental health and appearance. Perfecting your smile is a good idea at any age–and with today’s flexible alternatives to metal braces, you don’t have to look like an adolescent again in the process.

It’s never too late to correct a misaligned smile! Visit Markham Orthodontics to learn more about adult orthodontics in Sacramento, CA. Call us at 916-924-8970 to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. David Markham.

The Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

While aesthetics are often a patient’s primary concern, there are a number of health reasons for correcting maloccluded teeth. When teeth do not align properly, especially in the case of bite dysfunction (such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite), this can make them more vulnerable to cracking and breaking. It can also lead to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause chronic jaw pain, soreness, and headaches. Straight, evenly-spaced teeth are also easier to keep clean, and therefore less likely to develop cavities in hard-to-brush areas.

Discreet Alternatives to Metal Braces

There are several options for adult orthodontics: traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners. Traditional braces are the standard, but many adults do not want to sacrifice their professional appearance by wearing obtrusive metal braces. For a less noticeable look, clear braces are one option. The brackets are made from clear ceramic and the wires are pale-colored, as well. Clear braces may still be visible at close range, but they do not alter the color of your smile.

For a more discreet appearance, Invisalign treatment is often the preferred choice. Rather than use brackets and wires to correct the position of the teeth, Invisalign encourages the teeth to shift using clear plastic aligner trays (similar to traditional retainers). Over a period of 12-18 months, your teeth will slowly move into more ideal positions, using a series of graduated aligners. The aligner trays are removable and are only visible at close range. This means you can simply take them out for business meetings, dates, or other occasions in which you don’t want them seen. Invisalign is an excellent choice for patients with mild-to-moderate crowding or misalignment, but is not ideal for patients with bite issues or teeth that must be shifted vertically; in those cases, clear braces will be recommended.

Orthodontic Treatment is Faster than Ever

With orthodontic accelerators, patients can now drastically reduce the time it takes to finish their course of orthodontics. Using the AcceleDent device or Propel in-office treatment, patients can reduce treatment time by up to 50-60 percent. These gentle devices use micro-vibrations to stimulate the bones and encourage teeth to shift more quickly.

Patients who choose Invisalign treatment are often pleased to learn that the typical treatment period is usually shorter than that of bracket-and-wire braces. Rather than the usual 24-month period, most Invisalign patients finish treatment in about 18 months. In some cases, patients may be able to finish their treatment plan in as little as 12 months.

Visit Markham Orthodontics to learn more about adult orthodontics in Sacramento, CA. We make orthodontic treatment more affordable by offering payment plans and accepting CareCredit. Call us at 916-924-8970 to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. David Markham.