Your Options for Adult Orthodontics

Have you recently started hiding your teeth behind closed lips? You’re not alone! In fact, more than half of American adults feel insecure about their teeth. 

As a result, about 61% wish they could change something about their teeth. Top concerns include a lack of whiteness, crookedness, receding gums, and spaces.

With adult orthodontics, you can fix these concerns and start showing off your smile again. Your orthodontist in Glenview, IL can help you determine which options suit your needs.

Here are five different adult orthodontic treatments you might want to discuss during your consultation. Reviewing your options will help you make a more informed choice. You can choose the treatment that best suits your oral health concerns and lifestyle. 

Read on to discover your treatment options before consulting your orthodontist in Glenview!

Traditional Metal Braces

Over 4 million Americans wear traditional metal braces. About 25% of these individuals are adults. Traditional metal braces can fix your out-of-place teeth or misaligned jaw. 

When looking into braces in Glenview, IL, your orthodontist will consider your orthodontic concerns. For example, crooked teeth can put pressure on certain areas of your mouth. Braces can help close gaps or correct your crooked teeth. 

Though braces are usually associated with childhood, you’re never too old to start treatment.

However, it might take longer for an adult to correct tooth or jaw problems than it would for a child. Adults usually have to wear braces for three to four years.

Receiving braces in Glenview, IL could help you treat a range of problems. For example, they can help straighten teeth that have grown in crooked. They can help realign your jaw to fix an unaligned bite, too.

You might consider traditional metal braces if your teeth are spaced out as well. Otherwise, overcrowding might make it difficult for you to brush and floss. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease could increase as a result.

Braces can help correct overcrowding. Your orthodontist in Glenview, IL can position spacers between your teeth. 

Adult orthodontics will make it easier for you to chew and speak as well. Otherwise, you might experience digestive issues if you’re not chewing thoroughly.

You’ll likely need to visit your orthodontist every four to eight weeks. These appointments allow your orthodontist to make adjustments. As the wire brings your teeth closer together, the appearance of your smile will improve.

With metal braces, you’ll need to make a few changes to your routine. For example, you’ll need to avoid foods that can get stuck in your braces. You’ll need to prioritize your oral hygiene to keep food particles from getting stuck between wires, too. 

Invisalign Aligners

Unfortunately, traditional metal braces aren’t very discreet. If you would prefer a less obvious treatment option, talk to your orthodontist. They might recommend clear Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign aligners are made from transparent plastic. Your orthodontist will need to create a scan of your teeth. Then, they’ll create customized aligners you’ll wear over your teeth.

Every week or two, you’ll replace your Invisalign trays with a new pair. Each set of aligners will bring your teeth closer together. Adult orthodontics with Invisalign can close gaps between your teeth while offering discretion.

Most people won’t even realize you’re wearing your aligners.

Starting Invisalign in Glenview, IL will allow you to treat mild to moderate dental issues. For example, you might want to treat an overbite. It can help remedy alignment issues as well.

However, your orthodontist will likely recommend braces if you have a more extensive problem.

It’s important to note that you can remove your Invisalign aligners to eat or drink. However, you’ll need to keep them in for 20 to 22 hours a day. Neglecting to wear your aligners could cause a delay in treatment. 

Lingual Braces

As you review your options for adult orthodontics, you might want to consider lingual braces. Lingual braces are ideal if you don’t want people to realize you’ve started orthodontic treatment. These braces are placed behind your teeth. 

Though they’re similar to traditional braces, lingual braces are often more expensive. However, these braces are customized for your teeth. Customizing the treatment will ensure increased efficiency.

You might consider lingual braces if you have a more complex orthodontic case. 

Lingual braces might irritate your tongue, so you may need time to get accustomed to your new braces. This form of treatment may also affect your speech.

Ceramic Braces

As you look for braces in Glenview, IL, you might want to consider ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are another discreet treatment option. They’re created using tooth-colored materials. 

Though these braces are less noticeable than traditional metal alternatives, they’re still effective. However, they’re a little larger than metal braces. They’re also easy to stain.

Try to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth and ceramic braces during treatment. You can also avoid staining by keeping up with your oral hygiene. 

Self-Ligating Braces

You can also talk to your orthodontist in Glenview, IL about self-ligating braces. These braces are similar to traditional metal braces. They’re made from either clear materials or metal.

Traditional metal braces use a wire and brackets to bring your teeth closer together. Self-ligating braces, on the other hand, use a wire and clips. The clips will hold the wire in place.

You won’t need to wear elastic rubber ties as part of your treatment.

You might consider self-ligating braces if it can help shorten your treatment time. This orthodontic option is easier to adjust as needed. 

Beautiful, Straight Smiles: Review Your Options for Adult Orthodontics Today

Don’t let crooked teeth or gaps in your smile impact your self-confidence. Instead, talk to your Glenview orthodontist about adult orthodontics. They can review the state of your teeth to determine which treatment option suits your needs.

Then, you can straighten your teeth, close those gaps, and start showing off your smile!

Eager to begin treatment? We can’t wait to help!

Contact us today to schedule your first appointment. 

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