
Orthodontics is not just for kids! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and it's never too late to improve your smile. In addition to offering traditional adult braces, Dr. Holland also provides incredibly discreet options like clear brackets, Invisalign®, and lingual braces, all of which are great choices for the adult patient hoping to drastically improve their smile.
Sometimes the most convenient time for adults to receive treatment or retreatment is while their child is already undergoing their own orthodontic journey. Please mention this to Ortega Orthodontics if you're interested.
Adults can experience several problems, including overcrowded teeth, which may require orthodontic treatment in order to keep them clean and healthy. Treatment options include traditional metal braces, lingual braces, clear aligners (Invisalign), corrective jaw surgery, nighttime aligners and more. Which one is right for you depends on whether your teeth require dramatic repositioning or simply a minor tweak.
Traditional or metal braces have been used for many decades to correct a variety of alignment issues in both teens and adults. With this option, metal brackets are adhered to the teeth and connected with wires that apply sustained pressure, moving them slowly over time. This allows Dr. Holland to create very precise movements, which is ideal for more complex or severe cases. While each patient's treatment plan looks different, this choice is generally the most cost-effective way to get fantastic results.
Just like metal braces, this option also moves the teeth through the use of brackets and wires, with the main difference being the materials used (transparent ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires). In addition to blending in with your existing smile, they're also more comfortable because they lay flatter against your teeth. They're just as effective as metal braces and can be an excellent option if you don't want your orthodontic treatment to stand out. With ceramic braces, you'll be able to navigate your personal and professional life without embarrassment.
As a specialist, Dr. Holland has advanced training to provide another discreet orthodontic treatment called lingual braces. The term "lingual" refers to the back sides of the teeth, or the surfaces closest to the tongue. While metal brackets and wires are still used, they're adhered to the lingual surfaces of your teeth instead of the outer surfaces. This gives you the same benefits of traditional braces, with the added cosmetic advantage of being hidden from view.
If you want to avoid brackets and wires altogether, Invisalign may be a great choice. Since the clear aligners are removable, you can easily brush and floss and won't have any dietary restrictions. You'll simply wear the aligners at least 20-22 hours per day and switch to a new set about every 2 weeks. Each pair of trays will make small, incremental movements until your final results are achieved. On top of being practically invisible, Invisalign works for gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more. However, Dr. Holland may recommend a more traditional treatment for particularly severe cases or jaw issues.
For jaw alignment problems that can't be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, orthognathic surgery (also known as jaw surgery) may be necessary. This procedure repositions the lower jaw, which greatly enhances both overall appearance and the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your long-term oral health will be greatly improved because jaw pain and uneven wear-and-tear on your teeth will be eliminated. In addition, severe overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites will be corrected, allowing secondary orthodontic treatment to work much better.
At Ortega Orthodontics, we work with many adults to improve their dental health and give them the beautiful smile they've always wanted. If you’d like to know how one of our orthodontic treatments can benefit you, give us a call today!