Are you worried about a crooked smile or gaps between your teeth? You're not alone. In fact, of the over four million Americans wearing braces, 25% are adults. 

Your teeth straightening options are no longer limited to metal braces, though. Instead, you can enhance your smile with adult orthodontics that suit your needs.

Which teeth correction methods are available, and how can they benefit your life? Read on to find out! 

Teeth Correction Methods

Before choosing between teeth correction methods, schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist. They'll assess your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine your needs. With their help, you can choose dental braces for adults that will accomplish your goals.

Here are a few options you might discuss with your dentist.

Metal Braces

When most people think of adult orthodontics, they imagine conventional metal braces. Metal braces use brackets and wires to apply pressure to your teeth. Bands (ligatures) are placed at the back of your teeth to anchor the wires.

Traditional metal braces are ideal for patients with extensive orthodontic issues. These may include:

• Open bite
• Spacing
• Underbite
• Overbite
• Crowding
• Crossbite

Treatment will help your teeth gradually move back into the correct position. They'll apply pressure over time to create a straight, even smile.

You may need to visit your dentist every six to eight weeks. During these appointments, they may tighten the wire to move your jaw and teeth. 

Metal braces are known for their efficiency. Since they're a fixed appliance, they offer better control and more precise teeth movements, which makes them better for complex cases.

The materials used for these braces are strong and durable. Unlike ceramic braces, they're less likely to break, and the darker materials are less likely to become discolored.

You can customize the color of your braces. The variety could help you feel more comfortable wearing them. 

Treatment with metal braces can last one to three years. You may need a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth in their new positions. 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are ideal for patients who prefer discretion. You wear clear, plastic trays over your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day, and the aligners draw your teeth into proper alignment.

You can remove your invisible braces to brush, floss, and eat. Prioritizing your oral health is essential. Otherwise, food can get trapped between your teeth and aligners.

This could increase your risk of tooth decay. If you choose invisible braces like Invisalign, stay vigilant. Forgetting to brush or wear your aligners could delay your treatment plan.

People won't realize you're wearing your Invisalign aligners. You won't have to worry about drawing attention due to metal brackets and wires.

Clear aligners are also more comfortable than metal braces. The plastic won't scratch the inside of your mouth. 

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces don't use elastic bands to move teeth. Instead, a wire passes through a metal clip on the brackets. This built-in system will secure the archwire to the brackets.

As with traditional braces, self-ligating braces require periodic adjustments. They can also cause pain or discomfort. However, they may cause less discomfort than traditional braces. 

If you choose these braces, adjustments will be less time-consuming. With traditional braces, your dentist must replace individual ligatures. These braces are also easier to clean. 

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces. Instead of placing the brackets in front of your teeth, they're placed in the back. This treatment option offers more discretion than traditional braces.

This option can cost more than traditional braces. However, treatment should work just as quickly. 

The Benefits of Adult Orthodontics

If orthodontic issues aren't addressed, they can have far-reaching effects, including:

• Challenges in maintaining oral hygiene
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Difficulty chewing and speech
• Jaw discomfort
• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Changes in self-esteem
• Fewer social interactions

In other words, your smile can affect your oral health, overall health, and well-being. Here are a few benefits you'll experience after choosing adult orthodontics. 

Improved Overall Oral Health

Crooked teeth give food particles and bacteria more space to hide. This can lead to plaque formation. Plaque can release acid, causing tooth decay.

You could lose teeth if you fail to seek treatment. Your remaining teeth will shift toward the gap, causing your teeth to become crooked.

Crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. Your risk of gum disease could increase. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

Before that happens, consider dental braces for adults or Invisalign aligners. Straightening your teeth can improve your oral and overall health. 

Save Money

Beginning treatment can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. You'll require extensive, expensive treatments. Adult orthodontics can protect your smile, helping you save money. 

Chew and Digest

It's more difficult to chew with a misaligned bite. Failing to thoroughly chew food can cause digestive issues.

You may start removing foods from your diet, which can lead to nutritional issues. Before that happens, talk to your dentist about adult orthodontics. Straightening your teeth will make it easier for you to chew, reducing digestive systems. 

Sleep

You may start clenching your teeth together at night if they're crooked. Bruxism can cause your protective tooth enamel to wear away. You could have trouble sleeping or develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Straighten your teeth with Invisalign aligners before bruxism affects your oral health. Otherwise, developing a sleep disorder can affect your ability to function. 

Improved Self-Confidence

Over 50% of people hate how their teeth look. Top concerns include:

• Discoloration
• Crookedness or crowding
• The overall look
• Shape or size
• Gaps

Straightening your teeth can resolve these issues. You can smile with confidence, which can boost your overall well-being. 

Explore Your Teeth Straightening Options

Don't let crooked teeth affect your oral or overall health. Instead, talk to your dentist about these teeth straightening options. They'll help you find a solution that suits your needs. 

Our team at A+ Family Dentistry offers compassionate care at three convenient locations. We're committed to providing top-notch dental treatments. Trust our advanced training, latest technology, and personalized treatment plans.



We can improve your smile with adult orthodontics. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.