Adult Orthodontics
 If you think orthodontics are only for children and teenagers, you’re not correct. Researchers have found that as many as 50% of people that are receiving orthodontic care are adults. If you are an adult and you aren’t happy with your teeth, you don’t have to suffer the rest of your life with them. Instead, you can visit us for help. For adults, orthodontics is easier and more difficult than children’s orthodontics. Not sure if you are a good candidate for orthodontic care? Let Senestraro Family Orthodontics help you figure out if you need orthodontic care, and what kind of care might be right for you.
What is the Difference Between Adult Orthodontics and Children’s Orthodontics?
Adult patients who need orthodontics and children who need orthodontics have two different needs. Children’s mouths grow and change for years. However, adult teeth have stopped growing. Because the mouths of adults don’t change, they don’t adjust as easily to a new tooth position as readily as a child’s mouth will. Also, an adult’s teeth might have changed over the years due to insufficient blood supply, damage from tooth decay and gum disease, and even cavities or fillings. Adults are also more likely to suffer from bone loss and bone insufficiency.
While there are many reasons that children’s teeth may be better candidates for orthodontic work than adults are, adults often make better patients. That’s because adults are better at making sure their teeth are clean, stick to their appointment times, and make sure they follow their treatment guidelines.
Why Do Adults Seek Orthodontic Care?
One of the first reasons that adults need orthodontic care is because they notice their bite is wrong. Some adults might notice that they need to correct their overbite - when the top teeth move too far over the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed. While their childhood dentist may have decided that their overbite wasn’t that bad when they were young, now they want to correct it. Their overbite may have become worse over time. Their jaws might begin to hurt, and they may even have trouble chewing. Getting orthodontic help can move an adult’s mouth into a better alignment.
Also, adults may have spaces in their mouths because they had teeth extracted when they were younger. Those teeth might not have been extracted correctly. If your teeth aren’t extracted correctly, you could have bone loss and the movement of teeth. This movement could affect the bite of an adult.
What Does Adult Orthodonture Look Like?
Adults have several options for orthodontic care. While metal braces are fine for teenagers, adults may want to choose something else that is not as obvious. There are invisible aligners and braces that can be behind their teeth. Appliances are virtually invisible. Your orthodontic work doesn’t have to be visible to be effective.
Do you think that you have problems with your bite? We can help. Why not call Senestraro Family Orthodontics at (503) 582-8212? We would love to talk to you about ways we can improve your teeth- no matter how old you are.
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