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Believe it or not, childhood and teenage years aren’t the only ideal times for braces. In fact, waiting until adulthood can sometimes be beneficial. Our One Love Orthodontics team is here to tell you about all of the treatments that are available for adult patients in our Brooklyn office.
Understanding Your Options
Before diving into how braces work for adult patients, let’s first explore the different types available. Braces are designed to correct alignment and bite issues, and our office offers three primary treatment options:
- Traditional metal braces are a popular, time-tested option that use brackets, wires, and bands to effectively move teeth and correct bite issues.
- Clear braces, on the other hand, use ceramic brackets, providing a more natural appearance while still offering effective orthodontic treatment.
- Clear aligners take a different approach, as we utilize clear plastic trays to gradually shift your teeth. This discreet and removable option eliminates the need for traditional braces components.
Orthodontic Treatment at Different Ages
While this orthodontic treatment is available to all patients at One Love Orthodontics, age plays a significant role in shaping our overall plan for you. Let’s break it down by age group to shed some light on the differences:
- Children (7-12 Years)
- While early intervention is beneficial when possible, as it can guide jaw growth and address bite issues as permanent teeth come in, we understand that not everyone has access to treatment early in life. This approach often involves two phases to accommodate the transition to permanent teeth in children.
- Adolescents (12-18 Years)
- When most permanent teeth have emerged, a comprehensive plan can be developed by Dr. Dayan and the team to focus on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues. Clear aligners are often a suitable option for teenagers, but may not be ideal for younger children.
- Adults (18+)
- For adults, teeth may take a bit longer to shift, but braces and aligner trays are still highly effective! Senior patients may require additional considerations for age-related changes during orthodontic treatment.
Some Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontics may not have been a part of your original plan, but there are some specific advantages to having this treatment as an adult.
- Versatile Treatment Options: Adults have access to a range of braces, allowing them to choose options that align with their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
- Functional Improvements: Properly aligned teeth can enhance chewing efficiency and improve speech clarity, addressing long-term speech issues for better functionality.
- Enhanced Appearance: Orthodontic treatment in adulthood can greatly improve the appearance of your smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
- Jaw Relief: Braces can alleviate discomfort associated with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders by improving jaw alignment, offering relief for those who frequently experience pain.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Misalignment can lead to teeth grinding and wear. Correcting this can help reduce such damage.
- Improved Oral Health: Orthodontic treatment for adults often focuses on oral health, reducing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and jaw pain by correcting bite and alignment issues.
- Personalized Treatment: Adults can work closely with their orthodontist to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific goals and concerns.
- Increased Accessibility: Over the years, braces for adults have become more mainstream and socially accepted.
Exploring Further Questions
At One Love Orthodontics, every patient comes to us with their own questions, and we love to help provide answers and education wherever we can! Here are a few additional inquiries we get about adult orthodontic treatment.
- What about dental work, like crowns and bridges?
Having crowns or bridges doesn’t necessarily rule out getting braces. The approach will be tailored based on your specific needs, and the treatment plan will be customized to accommodate these factors.
- Can I still get braces with issues like cavities or gum disease?
Addressing cavities and gum disease before beginning orthodontic treatment is recommended. Collaboration with your general dentist is common to ensure these issues are resolved as part of your overall orthodontic plan.
- Will having braces cause me to miss any work or social events?
Adjusting to braces is typically quick, and unlike major dental procedures, it shouldn’t cause significant disruptions to your daily life. While you may experience some minor discomfort initially, it shouldn’t interfere with your work or social activities.
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies?
In the event of a serious emergency, immediate medical attention is essential. For minor issues, like damage to your braces, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief until you can visit One Love Orthodontics. Our team will also guide you on managing any emergencies during your appointments.
Taking Charge of Your Smile
No matter your age, you’re likely an excellent candidate for braces. We work closely with each of our patients to find the best treatment option that suits your goals and lifestyle, and our office stands out even in the city that never sleeps! If you’ve been thinking about orthodontic treatment with Dr. Dayan, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at our Brooklyn office!