A straight, beautifully aligned smile can have a profound impact on your confidence and your oral health. While many people think of orthodontics as a treatment for teenagers, the truth is that you are never too old to achieve the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Modern orthodontic treatments are more comfortable, more efficient, and more discreet than ever before, making them a popular and viable option for adults as well as teens. Whether you are dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, or a misaligned bite, there is an orthodontic solution that can be tailored to meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
Why is a Straight Smile a Healthy Smile?
The benefits of orthodontic treatment go far beyond just aesthetics. Properly aligned teeth are actually healthier teeth.
- Easier to Clean: Crowded and overlapping teeth create tight spaces that are very difficult to clean properly with a toothbrush and floss. This can lead to an increased risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean and healthy.
- Proper Bite and Function: A misaligned bite (a “malocclusion”) can put an uneven amount of stress on certain teeth, leading to excessive wear and tear, chipping, and even problems with the jaw joint (TMJ). Orthodontics can correct your bite, distributing the forces of chewing evenly and protecting your teeth for the long term.
- Improved Confidence: The psychological benefit of having a smile you are proud to show off is immense. It can improve your self-esteem in both your personal and professional life.
Modern Orthodontic Options
- Traditional Metal Braces: This is the time-tested workhorse of orthodontics. Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than the braces of the past. They consist of high-grade stainless steel brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by a thin archwire. The orthodontist periodically adjusts the wire to gently guide the teeth into their proper position. They are extremely effective for treating even the most complex orthodontic cases.
- Clear (Ceramic) Braces: For patients who want a less noticeable option, clear braces are a great choice. They work in the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made from a clear or tooth-colored ceramic material that blends in with the teeth, making them much less conspicuous.
- Invisalign® (Clear Aligners): This is the most popular orthodontic choice for adults. The Invisalign system does away with brackets and wires altogether. It uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays called aligners to gradually shift your teeth.
- How it Works: You wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks, and they are virtually invisible.
- Major Benefits: The biggest advantage is that the aligners are removable. You can take them out to eat and drink whatever you want, and you can brush and floss your teeth normally, which makes maintaining good oral hygiene much easier.
As the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the professional organization for orthodontists, emphasizes, a healthy bite is just as important as straight teeth, and treatment can be successful at any age.
Your Temecula and Riverside Orthodontic Treatment Experts
It’s never too late to invest in a healthier, more confident smile. The first step is a comprehensive consultation to determine which orthodontic solution is right for you. For patients of all ages in the Temecula and Riverside, CA areas, the team at Dr. Parul Mehta and Associates offers a range of modern orthodontic treatments. Contact us today to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
