When you ask people what they picture when they hear the term “orthodontics,”many will describe a teen in metal braces. This is a persistent stereotype in spite of the fact that more adults than ever are seeking orthodontic treatment for themselves! In fact, about 1 in every 5 current orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. With the number of adult patients continuing to rise, there’s never been a better time to explore how you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Have you spent years being unhappy with the way your smile looks or feels? Maybe you thought you were past the age where you could successfully fix it, but Zeifman Orthodontics can help! Our innovative orthodontic treatment can correct a variety of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. You’re never too old to take advantage of what orthodontics has to offer! To learn more about what orthodontics is, and how it can give you the smile you’ve always wanted, keep reading below for more information.
(Are you ready for the smile of your dreams? Contact us today for a FREE consultation!)
What is orthodontics?
Think of dentistry as an umbrella, with orthodontics as a specialty beneath it. An orthodontist like Dr. Zeifman is a dentist with several additional years of highly specialized training in identifying and correcting bite abnormalities. The extra training and experience an orthodontist receives gives them the skills needed to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaws, and improve the overall function of the mouth.
Orthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. When these issues are left untreated, they can worsen, causing abnormal wear and tear to the surface of your teeth and excess stress on the gum tissue and bone. This may result in headaches, pain in the face and neck, or even problems with chewing or speaking. Choosing an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Zeifman to diagnose and treat these issues is putting your smile in the best of hands!
Why are so many adults now seeking orthodontic treatment?
As we get older, we often gain a better understanding of how our oral health is connected to our overall health. This may result in a renewed desire to take better care of our teeth and gums, including seeking out dental or orthodontic treatment. There are also many adults who received some orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed.
Similarly, if treatment was finished but the patient did not wear their retainers as directed afterwards, they may be in need of touch-up or relapse treatment. Teeth that were straightened can shift over the years, and adults may wish to complete the process started earlier, or redo the previous orthodontic treatment completely.
Some adults simply want to improve their smile cosmetically, something we support wholeheartedly! Undergoing orthodontic treatment to create a straighter, more attractive smile can often increase a patient’s confidence and gives them a boost of self-esteem. This can positively impact many areas of a person’s life.
Orthodontic options for adult patients
Whatever the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult, there are more choices available than ever before to give you a complete smile makeover. At Zeifman Orthodontics, we are proud to offer the following treatment options.
Traditional metal braces
Metal braces are one of our most popular and efficient treatments. Generally made of high-quality stainless steel, modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be. They’re also customizable, with a variety of fun colored bands to choose from. These braces deliver excellent results, and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.
Clear ceramic braces
These braces function in much the same way traditional braces do, but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The brackets are clear so it makes for an almost invisible treatment option. Clear braces are a great choice for image-conscious patients.
Damon Smile and Damon Clear braces
Damon braces are self-ligating, eliminating the need for elastic or metal “ties” by using a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. These clips reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth and require fewer adjustments because there are no elastics to replace. The use of gentle, low-friction force means there is less discomfort, and the “shape memory” titanium wires are very light. This innovative treatment option has several features, including:
- freedom of movement, resulting in faster treatment times with gentler forces
- precision and effectiveness
- less discomfort than traditional braces
- smaller, more comfortable braces that are easier to keep clean
While the time needed in braces varies from case to case, treatment time with the Damon System is typically much faster than with conventional braces. Fewer appointments are required during treatment as well, making your Damon experience convenient and hassle-free. The Damon System is also available in clear brackets for patients who want their smile to feel and look great during treatment.
Inbrace
Inbrace is the newest in orthodontic technology! Like traditional braces, it works by applying gentle yet continuous pressure on the teeth to help them slowly shift into the desired positions. However, Inbrace uses just a few robotically bent wires behind the teeth to create a beautiful custom smile.
The process for lingual braces involves taking a digital impression (scan) of the teeth, which is then sent to a dental laboratory and used to create the customized wires. This generally takes about six weeks and, once complete, allows us to cement the braces onto the back surfaces of the teeth.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of clear, customized, removable plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time. These aligners are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth. This system offers patients a bit of freedom and flexibility not available with fixed braces since the aligners can be removed when eating or drinking. It also makes maintaining an oral hygiene routine much simpler since patients brush and floss as they normally would.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted with Zeifman Orthodontics
Every orthodontic option has its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment is suitable for all patients. However, working with an experienced orthodontist such as Dr. Zeifman means you will only ever receive the right treatment for your unique smile! Our talented team will customize a treatment plan for you based on your specific smile, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re ready to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation!