Does the thought of braces make you automatically think of the childhood? Even if you didn’t wear braces as a kid, many people associate orthodontic treatment with children. Cases of malocclusion (crooked teeth) are often detected early, and treating them promptly helps avoid complications as the jaws and teeth continue growing. Still, adults who wore braces when they were younger can experience orthodontic relapses, or malocclusion may begin in adulthood for a number of reasons. When adults require orthodontic treatment, Drs. Hakimzadeh and Reyhani can help straighten them with less noticeable methods than traditional braces.
How Bad Is It?
Depending on the severity of your crooked teeth, you might not need braces at all. Minor cases, especially those that mainly involve the front, most visible teeth, can often be corrected with a cosmetic procedure. For instance, porcelain veneers can be bonded to the fronts of your teeth to even out your smile’s curve without rearranging your teeth. If your teeth are significantly misaligned, then other parts of your smile can suffer, and simply changing their appearance won’t fix them.
The Science of Braces
How your teeth are arranged dictates how your mouth can distribute the pressure from its bite. If all of your teeth are vertical, evenly spaced, and meet up comfortably with their opposites when your mouth is closed, then they can effectively absorb their share of your bite’s force. If they’re out of line, then orthodontic braces can move your teeth, including their roots, into more suitable positions. Traditional braces due this through a system of brackets that are bonded to your teeth, and arch wires that your orthodontist tightens to maintain a certain level of gentle force.
The Clear Difference
Combining elements of orthodontic treatment, general and cosmetic dentistry, our options for adult braces include Invisalign™ and ClearCorrect™ aligners that eschew traditional braces in favor of a series of invisible plastic aligners. They fit snugly over your teeth, and in sequence, the aligners guide your teeth through a prescribed path of movement. Each solid aligner is removable for easier eating and brushing your teeth, making clear aligners as convenient as they are discreet.
About Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health and function and help them enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
