Spontaneously, we tend to associate orthodontics with children and adolescents. More young people are wearing braces or other devices aimed at correcting the alignment of their teeth and jaws. However, this discipline is for everyone: adults can also benefit from the benefits of orthodontic treatments. In order to undo old perceptions, your dentists at Center Dentaire Georges in LaSalle will briefly discuss the issue here.
A little background on orthodontics
Remember that orthodontics is the dental discipline that treats anomalies in the occlusion of the jaws as well as problems related to the alignment of the jaws and the location of the teeth (gaps, overlaps, crossbite, etc.). It offers solutions (brackets, Invisalign, growth devices, etc.) aimed at modifying the position of teeth, straightening them, or changing the shape of the palate and dental arches. To do this, we use devices that exert light and continuous force over a long period. Ultimately, orthodontics improves the aesthetics of the teeth while avoiding joint pain (temporomandibular joint disorders), undue wear or chewing and speaking problems.
Why do we associate orthodontics with adolescence?
If we often intervene at this age, it is because the teeth are well developed, but the bone structures are still malleable. It is therefore easier to modify the shape of the jaws and replace the teeth in the right place on the dental arch. Therefore, treatments started at this time are generally shorter. Although it is normally recommended to treat dental alignment problems starting in adolescence, you should know that it is still possible to do so in adults whose growth is well over.
The particularities of orthodontics for adults
Bone structures do not need to be growing to be modifiable. Especially since orthodontic treatments have evolved greatly. The techniques and technologies developed make it possible to better remodel the alveolar bone and correct the alignment of the teeth and jaws. They are also more discreet and comfortable, and therefore more attractive to adults. For example, there are transparent braces and so-called “invisible” treatments such as Invisalign.
However, you should know that orthodontic care for adults can take longer and require more adjustments during the process, since the bones no longer have the same plasticity.
Invisalign: a solution adapted for active adults
The Invisalign treatment, offered by your LaSalle dentists, is carried out using transparent evolutive trays (aligners), rather than with a wire stretched over braces glued to the teeth. It has several advantages that make it attractive to adults wishing to improve the alignment of their teeth:
- The changes take place gently and gradually, since there are no wires or direct tension, and the trays are designed to follow the progress of the treatment.
- We remove the trays, which are barely visible, to eat and carry out the hygiene routine. Therefore, there is no need to change your eating habits during treatment.
- Due to its comfort and discretion, this treatment adapts well to an active lifestyle.
- The treatment is entirely supervised by a trained dentist, which allows good results, especially to correct minor or medium misalignments. In some more severe cases, traditional treatment (braces) may, however, be necessary.
Ask for a consultation to start making beneficial changes!
If your teeth are misaligned or crooked, there is no reason to endure this situation any longer: there is undoubtedly a solution for you. Contact us and we will help you with this. Before starting treatment, we will carry out a complete examination of your teeth and bone structures to determine the nature and degree of the problems to be corrected. We can then offer you the best option for you, plan it and implement it!