Orthodontics for Adults Houston
A Healthier, More Confident Smile at Any Age
Many orthodontic patients are quite young, so some people mistakenly believe that this branch of dentistry is not for adults. The truth is, though, that braces and similar treatments may be able to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile at any age! Dr. Hall and our team welcome patients in all different stages of life, from growing kids to mature adults and seasoned seniors. What should you expect from orthodontic treatment for adults? This page provides some helpful information.
Why Orthodontics for Adults?
It is never too late to achieve a healthier better smile! Orthodontia can be very effective for patients of virtually all ages. As an adult, you may experience several benefits as a result of getting braces:
- Improved oral health. Straight, well-aligned teeth are much easier to clean than misaligned teeth. Therefore, you can enjoy a lower risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Fewer aches and pains. A misaligned bite can cause jaw pain, headaches, jaw noises.
- Treatment can fit into your busy lifestyle. Modern orthodontic techniques are more convenient and aesthetically pleasing than ever before.
What Are Common Orthodontic Issues in Adults?
Adults can be afflicted by a range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- TMJ discomfort or jaw misalignment
- Orthodontics for Jaw Surgery
- Pre-Alignment for Implants and Restorative Dentistry
- Periodontal Gum Recession due to Bone Loss
- Teeth shifting after previous orthodontic treatment
Treatment can help with all of these problems. Here are more details about some of the issues that Dr. Hall and our team often correct:
Crowded & Crooked Teeth
Crowded and crooked teeth can trap food between them and are at an increased risk of decay, breakage, and other problems. Orthodontic treatment is often able to shift the teeth in a way that allows them function optimally and become much easier to take care of.
Bite Issues
An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can interfere with oral function, negatively affect your speech and appearance, and cause significant TMJ discomfort. Braces and special accessories can often correct these issues, leading to improved dental function and a range of other benefits.
Gaps Between Teeth
Large gaps between the teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to irritation, interfere with your ability to bite into foods, and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Orthodontia can routinely close spaces so teeth look better and feel better.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Options
Some orthodontic treatment options that Dr. Hall often recommends for adults include:
- Lingual braces – These are superior to regular braces — they are custom produced for each individual patient and are placed on the back side of the teeth, making them virtually invisible.
- Clear or ceramic braces – These can be just as effective as traditional metal braces but have a more discreet appearance.
- Traditional metal braces – Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true way to address complex cases of misalignment.
- Accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (AOO) – This is a revolutionary treatment that uses a combination of minor outpatient oral surgery and orthodontics to shorten treatment time significantly while enhancing bone support and stability. All cases qualify and most can be treated in less than 12 months. Dr. Hall has vast experience with this type of treatment and can discuss the details of how it would apply to your Orthodontic treatment.
Addressing Concerns About Adult Orthodontics
If you are thinking about getting orthodontic care for the first time — or if you had braces a very long time ago — the prospect of visiting us for treatment might be intimidating! Dr. Hall and our team understand such feelings, and we are ready to talk about any concerns or questions you might have. In the meantime, the content below addresses some common concerns that are raised by adult orthodontic patients:
“Am I Too Old for Braces?”
The short answer to this question is no. There is no upper age limit for braces or other forms of orthodontia, and treatment can be beneficial for patients in all different stages of life. In our office, we regularly welcome individuals who are in middle-age and even quite a few seniors.
When you visit us, we will analyze the positioning of your teeth, the health of your jawbone, and other relevant factors before we recommend your next steps. Most adults do qualify for braces!
Plus, treatment may reduce the risk that you will face additional oral health complications as you enter your senior years. For example, gum disease and tooth loss are sadly common among elderly individuals. Having well-aligned teeth promotes thorough oral hygiene and may help you avoid such issues.
“How Long Does Adult Orthodontics Take?”
That depends! There is no foolproof formula for predicting how long any given treatment will take.
During your consultation, Dr. Hall will examine your teeth and may make a rough estimate for your treatment timeline. Logically, the more severe and complex your dental misalignment is, the longer you can expect to wear braces.
Although adult teeth move a bit slower than those of younger individuals, the difference is usually not that big. Plus, we offer accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (AOO), which combines a minor surgical procedure with braces in order to speed up tooth movements. Many cases can be completed in just 12 months or so!
“Will Braces Interfere with My Work or Social Life?”
Modern orthodontic options are designed to integrate smoothly with busy lifestyles. Here are a few notes on how braces might affect your work and social experiences:
- Braces can be very discreet. Hall is an expert in lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth and virtually invisible to onlookers.
- Adapting to braces does not take long. Braces may cause minor discomfort at first, and you will need to make some small adjustments to your daily routine, but most patients find that the transition is not as difficult as they imagined.
- Follow-up appointments are easy. You will need to visit us periodically so we can monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your braces. We aim for efficiency during these appointments so they should have minimal impact on your routine.
If you would like information on how braces may affect specific situations in your work or social life, talk to our team. We will do all we can to help you have realistic expectations.