If you’re interested in orthodontics for adults, check out this blog from Medical Arts Dentistry.

Is It Too Late To Get Braces?

Many adults worry that they have missed their opportunity to get braces; however, this is not the case. Orthodontic treatment is not just for children, adults can benefit from it just as much. At Medical Arts Dentistry, adults are a significant part of our orthodontic patient population.

Previously, if you had any misshapen or misaligned teeth your sole option was to get metal braces. Metal braces do still get the desired results, but with Invisalign® our Savannah cosmetic dentistry patients are able to get the same orthodontic results with less discomfort and a more aesthetically appealing presence. Invisalign® is an ideal alternative to traditional metal braces with a multitude of benefits. So long as your gums and bones are healthy, you can begin your orthodontic journey at any age.

There Are Health Benefits To Getting Orthodontic Treatment As An Adult

If you get orthodontic treatment at an older age, it can have an impressive effect on your look and confidence. Furthermore, it can have a beneficial effect on your overall health. Misaligned teeth and an improper bite can lead to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal tooth wear, migraines, and jaw joint pain. Orthodontic treatment can also help with certain sleep disorders, like bruxism, so that you can get better quality sleep and enhance your health in general.

What Is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® treatment is a modern cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses a series of custom-fitted corrective trays to straighten your smile discreetly and rapidly. You start with one size of comfortable plastic retainer and then every four to six weeks you will get an updated tray to promote further correction.

Traditional braces encourage your teeth to move by using brackets connected with wire. Invisalign® is a system of custom-made, close-fitting retainers which slip over your teeth.

Invisalign® Is Much More Comfortable Than Metal Brackets

Recent advancements in dentistry have been remarkable, yet a way to make braces completely painless has yet to be found. Wires can be sharp, brackets can cause soreness in the gums and cheeks, and if a wire or bracket breaks, it can be quite a nuisance. You may feel a bit of discomfort for a day or two after switching to a new set of Invisalign® clear aligners, but other than that, you should be fine.

With Invisalign®, You Can Eat And Drink Whatever You Want

The removable nature of Invisalign® is not only a feature, but a benefit as well. Many people don’t realize that when they choose traditional metal braces, they are restricted in the types of food and drinks they can consume.

Metal braces are more easily damaged, which can result in more frequent trips to the dentist or even potential injuries. With metal brackets and wires, one must be careful with hard and sticky foods like bubble gum, hard candy, lollipops, nuts, popcorn, potato chips, apples, meat jerky, pizza crust, and corn-on-the-cob. Sugary beverages such as sodas, fruit drinks, and sports drinks should also be avoided. Even lighter-colored elastics can be stained by coffee, red wine, or berries. With Invisalign®, however, you can just take out the aligners when you eat and there are no restrictions.

Am I A Good Candidate For Invisalign®?

Clear orthodontic aligners are not the right choice for all patients. For patients with severe crowding and spacing issues or those with underbites, crossbites, or overbites, a more complex treatment plan may be more sensible.

If you are someone who has some minor spacing issues or moderately and mildly crowded teeth, then a clear orthodontic aligner system like Invisalign® may be the ideal solution. Treatment time with any type of orthodontic plan will depend on how much your teeth need to be moved or rotated. The more crooked your teeth or the more severe your bite is off, you may need a longer treatment plan than Invisalign® offers.

Medical Arts Dentistry Is Your Invisalign® Provider

At Medical Arts Dentistry, we work on creating your long-term dental care plan. If you live in the Savannah area and think that Invisalign® is your orthodontic solution, please contact Medical Arts Dentistry today. We serve patients in Garden City, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding Savannah suburbs.  If you’re ready for a regular check-up and professional cleaning, or a  consultation about our other cosmetic dentistry options or dental restoration treatments, call 912-355-0605 for our Savannah location and 912-921-0401 for our Georgetown location.