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Did you know that approximately one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18? Adult orthodontics is becoming increasingly common as more and more adults seek treatment for cosmetic and oral health reasons.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment is a type of dental treatment that corrects teeth and jaws that aren’t aligned properly. The most common issues are crooked or crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite, or a gap in your teeth. An orthodontist is a dentist with additional education and training in orthodontics. They specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tooth and jaw misalignment. Most dentists provide orthodontic services, but some may have more experience dealing with certain issues than others.

__Your age doesn’t matter – dental technology has improved so much in recent years that your treatment can be as effective as an adult’s as it is for a teenager.

What are Orthodontic Treatments?

Getting braces or getting Invisalign are some of the most popular ways to straighten your smile. Both are designed to gradually move your teeth into a straighter position using gentle pressure. Braces are bonded onto your teeth and work by slowly nudging them into better alignment. At the same time, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are removable for eating and cleaning. Most types of adult orthodontic treatments can be completed in less time than in the past, meaning you can get back to your busy schedule sooner. With traditional braces, the average treatment time is two years. However, Invisalign® lets patients straighten their teeth without brackets and wires using a series of clear aligners that can be removed to eat, brush their teeth, or even for special occasions. The average treatment time for Invisalign for adults is between nine and fifteen months.

While both treatments are equally effective, there are some differences between the two that may make one a better match for your lifestyle and preferences. For example, Invisalign is a great option for adults who don’t want to have metal visible on their smile while they’re adjusting their bite. However, if you have severely crowded teeth, then you may need to be fitted for traditional braces since these can often work faster in these cases.

Whatever you decide, your orthodontist is happy to help you find the best treatment plan for your needs. If you have questions about what treatment is right for you, contact us today!