As a provider of adult orthodontics in Los Angeles, we often have patients who are unsure of whether or not they qualify for a braces treatment. This is particularly common in adults who do not see an orthodontist after high school. These patients were told that they were not a good candidate for braces or that the treatment process would be complicated and long. Understandably, there have been changes in technology since then.
It could take three to four years to straighten teeth in the eighties, but that same treatment now would take only half that time. Simultaneously, braces have gotten smaller and more effective in general, making now an excellent time to straighten teeth. With that in mind, if you have not been to the orthodontist in years, it is time to visit our office for an exam. We will discuss what you do and do not like about your smile, take x-rays, and go over your options. It is very rare that orthodontics cannot help someone, and we are confident in our ability to improve the appearance and function of your smile.
Adult orthodontics can improve a poorly aligned bite.
If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, it can negatively influence your appearance and how comfortable you are. Over time, this can lead to unnecessary wear on your teeth and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). If your jaw is sore when you wake up, you hear popping noises when you chew, or you do not like your facial structure, you should visit our office.
You might be surprised by how effectively orthodontics can address these issues. In some cases, we can use clear aligners to straighten teeth and improve the jaw, while, in more severe instances, traditional braces and bands are the best solutions. There are occasions where oral surgery is necessary to complete the treatment, but this is rare.
If you are missing some teeth, adult orthodontics can help you.
Adult tooth loss is common and does not preclude you from getting braces. We encourage you to schedule a consultation even if you have lost some of your teeth. We will examine you and let you know whether you can start braces now, if you should have your teeth replaced first, or if you need to have them replaced mid-way through. For example, some of our patients need to begin their orthodontics treatment first so we can make room for the missing tooth or teeth.
After we create the necessary space, we can insert the post into the jawbone through dental implant surgery. This way, when a patient finishes wearing braces, the smile will be complete, straight, and beautiful. These are only a few options and we will discuss all of them at our office.
To learn more about orthodontics and how they can be used to improve your smile, give us a call. We can help you no matter how your smile looks today.