Orthodontics For Adults

Have you spent years being unhappy with the way your smile looks or feels, but think you may be too old to do anything about it now? Would you love to have straighter teeth but aren’t sure if braces are something you could pull off as an adult? Has it become increasingly difficult over the years to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they should be? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, adult orthodontics could be for you! While many people associate orthodontics with children and teens, Brodsky Orthodontics believes a beautiful smile should be available to patients of all ages. It’s never too late to take advantage of the orthodontic treatment we offer to correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more.

Adult braces and other orthodontic treatments are actually becoming more and more common, with adults currently making up about 1 in every 4 orthodontic patients. There are many reasons for this. As we get older, we often gain a better understanding of how important it is to maintain our oral health, especially when we know the connection it has to our overall health. This can lead to a desire to take better care of our teeth and gums.

There are also many adults who received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed the process, or didn’t wear their retainer as directed after their treatment was finished. Teeth that were straightened may have shifted over the years. As an adult, they want to complete the process, or redo their orthodontic treatment, to achieve the straight and healthy smile they always wanted. And some adult patients are simply looking to feel better about their appearance!

Whatever the reason for seeking treatment, there do tend to be some common issues that cause dental problems in the first place, including:

• a bad bite, known as a malocclusion , that causes the teeth to fit together incorrectly
• the teeth are too crowded, or spaced too far apart
• any abnormal jaw pain, or pressure, that is caused by crooked teeth

To learn a little more about what orthodontics are, and what Brodsky Orthodontics has to offer adult patients like you, keep reading!

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. When left untreated over time, many of these problems can worsen, causing abnormal wear and tear to the surface of your teeth, affecting chewing function, or causing excess stress on the gum tissue and bone. This can result in headaches, or pain in the face or neck.

Orthodontists like Drs. Brodsky are dentists who have also completed years of highly specialized training in identifying and correcting bite abnormalities. This training and experience enables orthodontists to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile. Choosing an orthodontist to diagnose and treat your oral issues means your smile will receive all the specialized care and attention it needs to shine!

What should you expect from an orthodontic appointment?

Your first visit to Brodsky Orthodontics is very important to us. Because we value this opportunity to get to know you and assess your orthodontic needs, we offer a complimentary initial consultation. We’ll begin by taking digital photographs of your teeth, after which one of our doctors will perform an oral examination and answer any questions you may have. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, we’ll discuss what kind of treatment is needed, the estimated treatment time, and if it’s the proper time to address your particular problems, we can even initiate treatment that same day!

By the end of this visit, and for each remaining visit to our office, we want you to feel you’re in the very best hands. We use an advanced diagnostic system to create customized treatment plans for each of our patients, and offer a variety of payment plans for your convenience. We take note of any concerns you have, and will always discuss any risks along with the benefits of your treatment plan. While our office is high-tech, we place our main focus on high-quality, individualized care.

What orthodontic treatments are currently available to adults?

There are more choices available than ever before for adult patients seeking a smile makeover, such as:

Traditional metal braces –  the most common and well-known orthodontic appliance. Made of high-quality stainless steel, modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be.

Ceramic braces – functioning in much the same way traditional braces do, these braces come in a white or tooth-colored ceramic material, making them a subtler choice than metal brackets.

Clear aligner therapy – removable plastic trays are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. These are typically computer-controlled by the doctor and have a shorter treatment time than braces.

Lingual braces – braces that are placed on the inside of the teeth so that they are not visible to the outside, but visible to the tongue. These are computer-controlled as well and have a shorter treatment time than braces.

As with anything, each option has pros and cons, and not every treatment is suitable for all patients. Working with experienced orthodontist like the doctors you will find at Brodsky Orthodontics guarantees you get the treatment that will help you feel and look your best, and will provide the very best results for your specific case.

How long does orthodontic treatment usually last?

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this question. Every case is different, and the time required to correct any particular orthodontic problem will depend on the severity and specifics of that problem. On average, treatment time tends to be anywhere from 18 months to 30 months, but it could be longer or shorter. Although we may not be able to give you a concrete answer to how long you’ll need to wear braces or aligners, you can be sure we will only ever recommend the treatment we think best fits you, your smile, and your lifestyle.

Choose Brodsky Orthodontics for all your adult orthodontic needs

When you are taking steps to improve your smile, the last thing you want is a cookie cutter approach to your treatment. Here at Brodsky Orthodontics , all treatment plans are tailor-made to fit your individual needs and goals. Our experienced doctors and skilled staff are committed to making a commitment to communication with each patient, and we make sure you always feel heard and respected. Our goal goes beyond aesthetics – we want to improve the health of your teeth and gums, and your overall health, as well. The kind of quality orthodontic treatment we provide, along with routine dental care, ensures that your teeth will function correctly, and your smile will stay in proper alignment for a lifetime. If you’re in the Greater Long Beach, CA area and want more information on how orthodontics can benefit your smile in adulthood, get in touch with us today !