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- Long Beach, CA 90814
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It’s time to break free from the misconceptions about orthodontic treatment in Long Beach! Orthodontics is not just for kids. Patients of all ages can achieve the smile of their dreams with the assistance of a Long Beach orthodontist and their highly trained team.
Whether you missed out on braces in your youth or have experienced dental shifts over time, orthodontics can help. Just picture yourself with straight, beautifully aligned teeth that leave a lasting impression every time you smile.
Your orthodontic team wants you to know that adult treatment is a valuable investment, and it’s never too late to embark on this life-changing journey.
Orthodontic treatment benefits patients of all ages – including adults and seniors. In fact, according to theAmerican Association of Orthodontists, approximately 25% of orthodontic patients are adults.
With orthodontic treatment, you can achieve ideal occlusion (or bite). A properly aligned bite can correct issues that have recently developed or those that have plagued you for years. And adult orthodontics in Long Beach can prevent future problems, including:
Adult orthodontic treatment can correct just about any malocclusion issue. These include:
Orthodontic treatment addresses any malocclusion issue you have, regardless of age. It’s important to note that adult orthodontics can take a bit longer. Kids and teens’ teeth and bones are still developing, so moving the teeth doesn’t take as long. Conversely, a fully developed jawbone and adult teeth are rigid. Therefore, moving them requires more time.
One of the reasons your Long Beach orthodontist recommends adult treatment is because of the oral health benefits.
Yes, orthodontics can give you the smile of your dreams. But it can also improve your oral health.
Misaligned teeth – particularly those that are crooked or crowded – can contribute to decay and gum disease. This is partly because it’s difficult to clean the teeth and gums thoroughly.
Patients with crowded teeth often report that floss breaks on them, making it nearly impossible to remove plaque. Similarly, those with crooked teeth struggle to maneuver their toothbrush around those hard-to-reach places.
Brushing and flossing are a breeze when you have straight, properly aligned teeth.
Another reason an orthodontist in Long Beach might recommend treatment isTMJ disorder. Patients with TMJ disorder often present with misaligned jawbones, as well as misaligned teeth.
When the jaw is out of alignment, the teeth don’t come together like they should. This can result in strained muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the head and neck. The temporomandibular jaw joints (TMJ) themselves can become damaged, and the articular disc between the bones can wear down. The result:
Correcting malocclusion with adult orthodontics can eliminate or reduce these symptoms. If we catch the issue early enough, we can even prevent painful TMJ disorder symptoms.
Another one of the perks of adult orthodontics is how it can make you feel overall.
Malocclusion can make chewing painful for some people. You can’t eat the foods you want when you can’t chew easily or adequately. Unfortunately, many of the most nutrient-dense foods are those that aren’t necessarily easy to chew, especially if you have pain or difficulty chewing.
When you treat your bite with orthodontics, though, you’ll be able to eat the following foods with comfort and ease:
Eating nutrient-dense foods helps ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
Additionally, patients who can’t clean their teeth thoroughly because of crooked, crowded teeth often deal with decay and gum disease. These diseases have been linked to several severe health problems, including:
While it might not seem like a big deal on the surface, obtaining a beautiful, straight smile can help you stay healthy.
Many patients with malocclusion issues try to hide their smiles. They’re embarrassed by their crooked teeth or the gaps between their teeth.
Straightening your smile can make you feel more confident about your appearance. That, in turn, can make you feel happier and more content on a daily basis.
Adult patients typically have three options for straightening their teeth:
Talk to your Long Beach orthodontist about which option is best for you.
Clear aligners are the most popular option because they’re virtually invisible. You wear them for at least 22 hours per day. They can be removed to brush, floss, and eat. They’re also easy to clean.
Metal and porcelain braces consist of brackets and an archwire, gently moving the teeth into their optimal position. Porcelain brackets blend (color-wise) with the teeth, making them another popular option.
Braces are ideal for patients with severe malocclusion issues who might need adjunct treatment, including jaw surgery.
Your Long Beach dentist may not recommend orthodontic treatment in some instances. In others, they may recommend addressing certain issues before proceeding with treatment.
For instance, if a patient cannot care for their teeth while wearing braces, they might not be a good candidate.
Patients with active decay and gum disease must treat these issues before getting braces.
Are you too old for orthodontic treatment in Long Beach? Absolutely not!
Adult orthodontics is an investment in your confidence and health. Not only will you get a more aesthetically pleasing smile, but a proper bite can:
Properly aligned teeth can positively impact your life and health for years to come. A stunning smile is just the icing on the cake.
Start your smile transformation journey today! Call Orthodontics of Long Beach at 562-667-2973 to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
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