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- Long Beach, CA 90814
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It is a myth that teeth can no longer be straightened once you’re an adult.
Many adults live their lives embarrassed by misaligned teeth. They are also at a higher risk of developing oral issues. Even if you’re an adult who has perfectly aligned teeth, this can and does change over time.
While it’s true that adults have harder bones, teeth and gum tissue, and it’s also true that older teeth have more wear and tear, it doesn’t change the fact that adult teeth can be moved and realigned to give you an ideal smile.
Whether the position of your jaws and teeth have changed as you’ve gotten older, you want to fix something with your teeth that’s been wrong for a long time or you simply want a more aesthetically pleasing smile, there is no age limit on orthodontic treatment.
Absolutely! In fact, many adults purposely delay getting braces or Invisalign until they can afford it a few years down the road.
Braces and Invisalign alter teeth by applying pressure on them, even when bones are no longer growing. Adult teeth take longer to straighten because adult bones are harder, but braces and Invisalign effectively adjust teeth, no matter your age.
At Orthodontics of Long Beach, adult patients often wonder if they must go with traditional braces or if they can get clear aligners, or Invisalign. The truth is that both will effectively realign teeth, so it really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
The biggest difference between Invisalign and braces is their appearance. Today’s metal braces look better and are more comfortable than ever, especially self-ligating braces. Adults can also get clear braces if they want something less noticeable. Invisalign, however, is a popular treatment choice for adults because they are nearly invisible, in addition to being comfortable and removable.
Keep in mind that braces are going to work for even the most severe dental cases, while Invisalign is limited in certain situations. Most people are able to choose, which is why it’s important you consult an orthodontist or come into our office for a consultation.
After providing patients with braces and Invisalign in the Long Beach area for years, in our experience, adults are often better patients compared to kids and teens.
Why? Well, there are a number of reasons adults find it easy to complete their orthodontic treatment. In particular, adults:
There are a few factors that can determine how long you’ll need to wear braces or aligners. One of the most important being the severity of your case.
In general, comprehensive treatment with either option takes one to two years. Some people need more time, others complete their treatment faster.
Both braces and Invisalign work for people who have crowns, dental implants, bridges and fillings.
For patients with missing teeth, orthodontic treatment may actually be recommended prior to receiving dental implants in order to shift the teeth into their ideal position.
Both braces and Invisalign shift and realign your bite. This gives your facial structure better support and keeps skin from aging and sagging prematurely.
That being said, adults that complete their orthodontic treatment can look forward to a gorgeous smile, a more youthful appearance and a huge boost in confidence.
Though the cosmetic perks are huge, there are also a ton of oral health benefits that come with getting adult orthodontic treatment. Straightening teeth:
Are you thinking about getting braces or Invisalign? There are a few things that you may want to consider when making a decision:
Treatment can take longer than you expect. This is particularly true for adults with gum disease, which must be treated and resolved before applying orthodontic treatment of any kind.
Remember that adult teeth also move slower than teenage teeth, so the process is simply longer than if you were a child, not compared to other adults.
For those who opt for Invisalign, compliance is key. Your aligners must be worn the allotted amount of time per day (usually 20-22 hours) and every moment they are not in your mouth, you are delaying treatment.
Unfortunately, when you have braces, you’ll need to make some changes to what you eat and drink.
If you are wearing clear aligners, you’ll have to remove them every time you eat. Hot liquids are off limits when it comes to aligners too because the heat can warp them.
With metal braces, hard and chewy foods, like popcorn, taffy, and gum, should be avoided. These kinds of foods can get trapped under and loosen brackets.
Metal braces require careful and thorough flossing to remove food debris trapped between teeth and underneath brackets without loosening or damaging the wires.
If you have clear aligners, brushing teeth after every meal or drink is necessary to prevent bacteria buildup and stains. The aligners themselves must also be cleaned daily.
Good oral hygiene will make maintenance and treatment much smoother.
The cost of braces and Invisalign differs by patient, depending on the length of your treatment, case complexity and insurance. Orthodontics of Long Beach will provide patients with an accurate price during your consultation and evaluation.
Because we strive to make orthodontic treatment affordable for all who need it, our office accepts a wide range of insurance and provides flexible financing options.
At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we know that deciding to straighten your teeth is a financial and time commitment, but trust us when we say you won’t regret it.
You are never too old to have the smile you’ve always wanted and with our dental technology, it is more than possible – it’s the norm.
Still unsure whether adult orthodontic treatment is right for you? Learn more about our braces options and if you’re a good candidate at Orthodontics of Long Beach when you come in for a consultation. Contact us at (562) 667-2973 today to schedule an appointment today!
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