Adult Orthodontics We don’t blame you for thinking that orthodontics is only for teenagers. When we think orthodontics, we see images of children and teenagers. However, adults can get orthodontics just as easily. Researchers note that as many as 50% of orthodontic patients are adults. That’s a lot of people over 18 who are receiving orthodontic care. This means if you are an adult and you aren’t happy with your smile, you can make changes to your smile.We would love to help you! Did you know that orthodontics is easier and harder with adult patients? If you’re confused, give Senestraro Family Orthodontics a chance to explain. We would love to help you decide whether or not you need orthodontic care and what care might be right for you. What Is the Difference Between Adult Orthodontics and Children’s Orthodontics?There is a difference between adults who need orthodontic care and children who need orthodontic care. Children’s mouths are still growing and changing. Children’s mouths still have years to grow. The mouths of adults have stopped growing. Since adult’s mouths have stopped growing, their teeth are harder to move than the teeth in children’s mouths, which are still growing and changing. Adult's teeth can also change due to tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, insufficient blood supply, and even fillings. While children don’t suffer from bone loss, adults do, and this complicates their orthodontic care. Children’s teeth are easier to move, but adults make better patients when it comes to orthodontic care. Adults are better with oral hygiene than children are. They tend to keep appointments and follow their treatment plans. Adults can exit treatment faster than children. Why Do Adults Seek Orthodontic Care?Adults feel they need orthodontic care for several reasons. First, adults may notice that their bites don’t look like other people’s. Adults might notice their top teeth are too far over their bottom teeth - their bite may hide the bottom teeth entirely. They might have noticed that their overbite has gotten worse the older they’ve become. Adults might also notice that their jaws are hurting, and they may be having trouble chewing without pain. A visit to the orthodontist might help with a treatment plan. Adults might also have problems with previous dental work that now needs orthodontic care. For example, if they have spaces in their mouths where they had teeth extracted when they were younger, they may need to have their teeth moved around. That’s because, over time, the teeth may have shifted to fill the holes left by the extracted teeth. What Do Adult Orthodontic Aids Look Like?There are several options for adults who need orthodontic care. For example, instead of braces, which many adults don’t like, adults can use aligners or lingual braces that fit behind their teeth. There are also appliances that are nearly invisible. If you are worried about your teeth or your bite, we can help! Give Senestraro Family Orthodontics a call at (503) 917-5352. We would love to talk to you about your orthodontic care! |
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