Hair, eyes and a smile… the first things we notice about people. If it is a job interview, a first date or you looking in the mirror, teeth are one of our most important assets, and orthodontics has much to offer to get you that perfect smile!
Adult patients frequently present with either a functional problem (where there is an issue with teeth alignment, gum problems, a bad bite, jaw problems or that they have worn their teeth) or an aesthetic problem (generally not happy with the appearance of their teeth), or both.
Orthodontic treatment can certainly be used to improve both of these general concerns and can take the form ofInvisalign clear aligner system, Invisible braces (lingual braces) or Ceramic braces. We are seeing more and more adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. No longer is orthodontics thought of as treatment for adolescent patients only. However, there are difference between our adult and adolescent orthodontic patients:
– Similar to bone healing and the healing of skin cuts, tooth movement is rapid in the adolescent group of patients when compared to the adult group
– Adult patients usually have had a larger experience with dentistry (their teeth have been in the mouth for longer) which means that there are generally more fillings, caps, veneers or implants
– Adults usually have more complicated health problems and medical issues that can relate significantly to orthodontics, jaw function and can affect their teeth movement. e.g. diebetes, asthma, gastric reflux, osteoperosis, chronic muscle or back pain, migranes, anxiety and many many more
– Generally, adults present with varying levels of gum disease. Specialist orthodontists are highly training in ensuring that a disease process is not missed, providing you with a necessary referral to see a hygienist, dentist or specialist periodontist. Only when there is an absence of gingivitis and periodontitis can orthodontic treatment (using braces, lingual braces or Invisalign) be carried out safely and predictably
– As the teeth have been in the mouth for longer, there tends to be more wear and tear on them. This generally means that you should be treated by an expert specialist orthodontist who has had comprehensive extra training (e.g. A postgraduate university degree that comes with about 5500 hours and complete understanding and specialisation within the discipline of orthodontics)… Trust the experts!
At Shakespeare Orthodontics, our locally trained and expert specialist orthodontists (Mo and Azza) carry out a comprehensive examination and diagnosis – so you get the very best medical knowledge as well as the latest in technological advances to allow for the most discrete smile correction.