Many people view orthodontic treatment as a dreaded procedure for teens to endure during their awkward years. At Buttram Orthodontics, that just isn’t the case! More adults than ever are seeking treatment to get the smiles they love, and orthodontic technology has risen to the occasion. No matter what type of oral issue, orthodontic treatment can help you get perfect alignment and boost your self-esteem. Let’s explore the best types of braces for adults and how Dr. Buttram can give you the smile you deserve!
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are one of the most recognizable and common types of orthodontic treatment. Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more serious or complicated.
Metal braces also tend to be a little more affordable option since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Sometimes referred to as clear braces, tooth-colored or aesthetic braces, ceramic braces function the same way as metal braces without the appearance. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with your natural smile for a more subtle straightening option.
Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can hold up to more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option if you need more drastic corrections.
Ceramic brackets are often slightly costlier than metal brackets, as well. Since they can be more expensive and more prone to breaking, Dr. Buttram recommends ceramic braces for adults and older teens. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles!
Invisalign Clear Aligners
The Invisalign system uses clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth. Like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system, as directed by Dr. Buttram.
Invisalign gives you more freedom and flexibility than regular braces. There are no food restrictions since you remove the aligners when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You remove the aligners, then brush and floss as you usually would!
Reasons for Adult Orthodontics
More adults are exploring how orthodontic treatment can help correct oral issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and more. Although the most obvious benefit of treatment is a beautifully straight smile, there are many lesser-known advantages to adult braces in our Panama City office.
Improved Digestion
Your teeth are a crucial component of the digestive process, and chewing your food is the first step. Your whole digestive system can suffer if you can’t chew properly because of misaligned teeth. When your teeth can’t properly break down food, it will pass through the digestive system much more slowly.
Better Jaw Alignment
Misaligned teeth can have a noticeable effect on your jaw muscles and joints. If the jaws have to compensate for wrong positioning, the joints will adapt in response. However, the new position will often cause further damage. This is why we tend to see both jaw issues and misaligned teeth in patients. Some of the symptoms you may experience with improper jaw alignment are:
- headaches or migraines
- a jaw that seems to pop or “creak”
- pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- sleep disorders
Improved Oral Health
Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral health, but when your teeth are crooked or crowded, they can be challenging to clean. This can cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis.
While these are common dental ailments, they’re also preventable! Orthodontic treatment can move the teeth into more optimal positions, making it much easier to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine.
Estimated Treatment Times
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the length of orthodontic treatment. Every case is unique, and every patient will respond to treatment differently. Treatment time will also vary depending on the severity and specifics of the problem we’re correcting.
On average, you can expect treatment time to last anywhere from 18 to 30 months, but it will vary from case to case. Although we can’t say how long you’ll need to wear braces or aligners, we will give you an estimated treatment time before you begin the process!
Get Your Dream Smile at Any Age with Buttram Orthodontics
There’s no age limit on a beautiful smile, and Buttram Orthodontics is here to help you get yours! If you’re ready to take the leap on adult orthodontic treatment, we would love to hear from you. Contact our Panama City orthodontic office to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Buttram today.
