Orthodontic Options for Adult Crowded Teeth

When you get older, you may not realize that your jaw is beginning to shrink as your bone density decreases. While this is a very normal thing, it can cause a person’s mouth to start getting crowded and they may not realize until years later that suddenly their teeth feel overcrowded and even painful. It is just as important as ever to take care of your teeth and your smile when you get older, so it is imperative that you speak with your orthodontist about the different ways to not only keep your smile looking beautiful but also healthy. 

Different Options For People With Different Lifestyles

When you are an adult, it can be easy to feel like your options are more limited than they were when you were a kid. No one bats an eye at a child wearing bright pink or green braces but if an adult does it then others may consider them unprofessional. While this may be true, there are many different options for straightening your teeth and keeping up your smile. 

• Traditional braces. When it comes to straightening your teeth, an office for orthodontics Orange County, CA residents trust like John Redmond Orthodontics, knows that traditional, metal braces get the job done. The metal wires and brackets are attached to your teeth and help to gradually realign your teeth over time. You can speak with your orthodontist about getting these on the front or back of your teeth. 
• Aligners. Invisible aligners are continuing to be one of the most common types of treatment for overcrowding and straightening. As an alternative to the common metal braces, you are able to take your aligner trays in and out of your mouth as you please. However, it is important that you wear them for the recommended amount of time every day, or else your teeth will take longer to straighten. 
• Recontouring. Some orthodontists offer the option of recontouring teeth. When you have minor adjustments to make, this can allow you to do so without the need for braces or aligners. Your orthodontist would shave down parts of the teeth to make them less crowded in your mouth. However, it is important to note that this is irreversible and is not meant for more severe overcrowding cases. 

Whatever you are interested in, it is important to speak with your orthodontist about what your options are, what insurance will cover, and which treatment will be less intrusive in your life. If you work from home and do not mind wearing metal braces, that may be the best and most affordable option for you. If you are constantly seeing clients and want to see how invisible aligners can work for you, bring this up at your next appointment. For more information, reach out to an orthodontist you can trust.