Orthodontic Treatment

The field of orthodontics — especially adult orthodontics — has come a long way since teenagers had to endure clunky metal braces with unsightly elastic bands and uncomfortable headgear. Today’s orthodontic treatment delivers fabulous results with nearly invisible dental appliances. Ask your family cosmetic dentist at Albany County Dental Associates about clear braces or proven Invisalign aligners. You may get a new picture of orthodontics, encouraging you to finally straighten your teeth.

 

Metal braces used to be a common sight on many teenagers. But new techniques in teeth straightening have made metal braces nearly obsolete. So now adults are asking more and more often to have their teeth straightened. You’re never too old for braces.

Adult orthodontics is inherently different from orthodontics for teens.  Adult teeth and bones are done growing, so they’re more set. As a result, treatment times for adult orthodontics are longer, averaging about 24 months.

Your Albany County dentist knows your orthodontic treatment — whether for adults or teens — has to fit into your changing dental health needs. If you’ve developed a relationship with a family dental practice that also offers cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments, you get sound advice from a specialist who knows your dental history. And if your adolescent has been seeing the same dentist since early childhood, she’s already developed a trusting relationship.

The Best Candidates for Orthodontic Treatment

Age isn’t really a determining factor if you have crooked, shifted or malformed teeth. Having the correct number of teeth and making sure those teeth are in the best shape possible matters more than age. If you have good dental health, you’re a potential candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Even if you had braces as a teen, changes in your mouth’s shape and health may indicate that you’re still a good candidate for adult orthodontics. Understanding your options helps you make the best decision for your future smile. Questions that your dentist at Albany County Dental Associates can answer include:

• Is my mouth too crowded for the number of teeth I have? Is there a procedure for extracting the extra teeth?
• My career involves a public setting — such as on television, teaching or public speaking — that requires more invisible treatment options. Can I still get orthodontic treatment?
• Are there other lifestyle considerations I should be concerned about?
• Are there issues regarding my overall medical health that may impact my treatment options?
• How long will I be required to wear orthodontic devices, like braces or Invisalign, to get the results I’m looking for?
• What are the cost considerations involved? Is orthodontic treatment, especially adult orthodontics, considered cosmetic dentistry (and not covered by dental insurance)?

The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Good orthodontic treatment aims not only to straighten or move your teeth into proper alignment, but also to improve your overall dental health. The benefits of modern orthodontics — which may involve clear braces or Invisalign aligners — include:

• An improved appearance after having crooked or protruding teeth
• Greater confidence by showing off your pleasant, even smile
• A more even and productive bite because the biting pressure is spread evenly across teeth
• Better long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw
• Less undue pressure from an uneven bite and misaligned teeth
• Easier cleaning, both for you and your dentist

Orthodontic Treatment Options

After thoroughly examining your teeth, your Albany-area dentist takes x-rays and perhaps even impressions to get the whole picture regarding your jawline, bone density, and the roots of each tooth. You review the different treatment options to determine which method best suits your dental needs, your budgetary concerns and your goals.

Advancement in adult orthodontics has revolutionized the industry. Since you no longer need to rely on those clunky metal braces, you can get orthodontic treatment without anyone else knowing. Your treatment options now include:

• Metal brackets that are far smaller and less obtrusive with advanced heat-activated wires that use your body temperature to quicken the process and reduce your discomfort.
• Clear braces made of ceramic or plastic that mimic your teeth’s natural color or allow your teeth to be visible, while providing the results of conventional braces.
• Invisalign, which uses tailor-made, removable plastic aligner trays that fit close against your teeth. You wear each tray for about two weeks, before changing to the next. These clear, plastic aligners fit your teeth exactly to provide a virtually invisible treatment.
• Retainers that can be temporary or permanent, depending on your dentist’s recommendations. Some remain unobtrusively behind your teeth while others fit over your teeth like invisible aligners. You often receive retainers after your braces or Invisalign treatment.

With greater technological advancements becoming available every year, your Albany-area dentist has the solutions that best fit your lifestyle, your dental health and your budget. Talk to your dentist about options if your insurance won’t cover the entire amount; affordable dentistry for everyone in your family is a priority at Albany Dental.

Attain your desired appearance and dental health goals under the watchful eyes and gently hands of family dentists who also practice cosmetic dentistry. Contact Albany County Dental Associates to get started on your journey to straighter teeth.