Orthodontics isn’t just for children and teens. In fact, approximately 1 in 5 patients in orthodontic treatment is an adult. No matter your age, it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
Why Choose Adult Braces for Orthodontics in Berkeley, CA
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many of the same reasons children do. Some adults had orthodontic issues as children but didn’t have the opportunity to correct them. Others who had treatment in their younger years may need additional care due to relapse or limitations of the initial treatment. Additionally, many adults seek orthodontics to prepare their teeth for dental crowns, bridges, or implants.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits for adults, including:
- Aesthetic Improvement: Aligning teeth for a more beautiful and confident smile.
- Relapse Correction: Correcting problems that may have occurred due to lack of retainer use after previous treatment.
- Better Oral Hygiene: Creating space for easier brushing and flossing, especially in areas with crowded or overlapping teeth.
- Improved Bite: Enhancing chewing ability and overall comfort by correcting bite issues.
- Addressing Missing Teeth: Creating the proper alignment for restorative treatments like crowns or bridges.
- Closing Gaps: Reducing gaps between teeth for a more uniform smile.
- Preventing Wear: Reducing excessive wear caused by grinding or bite misalignment.
- Jaw Surgery: Correcting significant jaw discrepancies through surgery if necessary.
Discreet Teeth Straightening Options
Many adults are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces. The good news is that Invisalign offers a clear, nearly invisible alternative to metal braces. These aligners are comfortable, removable, and allow for normal eating habits without restrictions on hard or crunchy foods. Invisalign also makes maintaining oral hygiene easier than with traditional braces.
For certain orthodontic concerns, where Invisalign may not be the ideal option, clear ceramic braces are another excellent alternative to metal braces. These offer the benefits of discreet treatment while still providing effective results.
Discomfort and Soreness During Treatment
The discomfort adults experience during orthodontic treatment is similar to what children experience. After an adjustment, patients may feel soreness for 12-24 hours, but this will typically subside within 3-5 days. Thanks to modern orthodontic techniques and materials, appliances are smaller, more comfortable, and cause less pressure on teeth while still moving them efficiently.
Cost of Adult Orthodontics
The cost of orthodontic treatment for adults is determined by the same factors as for children or teens. It depends on:
- The severity of the issue,
- The complexity of the correction,
- The appliances used
- The duration of treatment.
Dr. Robert Iezman has successfully treated individuals in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s, demonstrating that it’s never too late to correct bite issues and improve your smile. Achieving your best smile can also help you maintain your teeth for longer by reducing stress on them caused by misalignment.
