When you think of braces, you probably think of a child or teenager wearing them, but braces aren’t just for kids! Your teeth continue to shift as you age, causing crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or pain. There’s still time to achieve a straight smile, whether for cosmetic or health reasons. At Burke and Beckstom, we know that improving your smile is always worth it. As orthodontic treatment continues to evolve, many new and less noticeable methods have been developed. Continue reading to learn more about Burke and Beckstrom’s options for adult orthodontic treatment.
Types of Treatment
At Burke and Beckstrom, we offer various options to improve your smile. Depending on your preferences for appearance, Invisalign or ceramic braces are great options if you would like them to be less noticeable. Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear aligners to slowly straighten teeth. Clear aligners are a popular option among adults and teenagers, especially if you prefer the ability to remove braces for eating and brushing.
Ceramic braces and traditional braces use similar methods to align your teeth; although ceramic braces are slightly less visible, they use wires and brackets to push and pull teeth. Traditional braces tend to come with more extensive orthodontic treatments. Typically, ceramic or traditional braces are more effective if you are trying to align your jaw or adjust a bite. It’s important to keep in mind that braces with additional appliances make it more challenging to clean your teeth and eat. Adult treatment can sometimes be lengthy because adults have finished developing while children have not, making their mouths more valuable. Whichever you choose, Dr. Burke and Dr. Beckstrom will create an effective course of action to achieve your straight smile.
Benefits
Braces can have many benefits for your oral health and self-confidence. As we age, our teeth continue to move and shift based on many factors, including habits, missing teeth, and natural movement of your teeth and jaw. Having straight teeth can improve self-esteem, making you more professionally and personally confident.
Misaligned teeth can often cause oral health concerns in some patients. Orthodontic treatment can help straighten your teeth, helping avoid buildup and tooth decay between teeth. The cleanliness of your teeth can directly affect your gums. Without proper brushing and flossing, you are more likely to develop gum disease, which causes redness, swelling, and discomfort. Whatever your reason for getting braces, whether it’s for appearance or your oral health, at Burke and Beckstrom, we are confident that we can help you achieve your goals.
Preparing for Treatment
When preparing for your orthodontic treatment, it’s important to consider your motivations and what kind of braces you would like to wear. Again, it’s very popular for people to opt for Invisalign aligners rather than traditional braces, but it’s important to consult Dr. Burke or Dr. Beckstrom about your specific needs. Do your research about the benefits of the option you prefer.
Adult treatment can often take longer than treatment in a child, mainly because their bodies are more receptive to braces. Depending on your specific case, you will likely receive treatment from as little as six months up to 4 years. At your first appointment, Dr. Burke and Dr. Beckstrom will begin to evaluate what type of treatment would be the most effective for you and then start discussing your timeline. We will conduct a series of X-rays and consider your goals when drafting your course of treatment, so be sure to communicate your concerns. Braces have come a long way in recent years, from clunky metallic braces to sleek aligners. At Burke and Beckstrom Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving your smile.
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