ADULT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
In Frisco

Braces are no longer just for teenagers. Regardless of your age, it is never too late to improve your smile and dental health.

WHY SHOULD ADULTS CONSIDER BRACES?

Braces are most commonly advised for adults because they never received treatment as children to correct problems such as overbites, crooked or overcrowded teeth, underbites, jaw joint disorders, or incorrect jaw position. When left untreated, such issues can result in gum disease, tooth decay, earaches, and headaches. In addition, such problems can result in problems with chewing, biting, or speaking.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR ADULTS

Braces can provide the same benefits for adults as children. With that said, it’s important to understand that orthodontic treatment for adults may take longer than it does for children. As is the case with children, adults will need to wear a retainer for a period of time to ensure the benefits of wearing braces remain even after the braces are removed.

DO YOU NEED BRACES?

The best way to find out whether you need braces is to request a consultation and evaluation with an orthodontist. Our experienced team will be happy to meet with you and assist in determining whether braces are the right solution for your needs. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about braces, such as:
  • What do adult braces cost?
  • How will braces be used to correct my dental problems?
  • How long will I need to wear braces?
  • Will I be able to schedule appointments around my work schedule?
It’s important to keep in mind that while braces are designed to straighten your teeth, which is typically the key to a beautiful smile, they actually accomplish much more. During your orthodontic consultation, we will evaluate a number of concerns, including whether your teeth are aligned for a functioning bite and aesthetics. Factors to consider include whether you have large gaps or crowding, whether your jaw hurts or clicks, are your gums and teeth healthy, do you experience problems with speaking or breathing, and if you have lost all of your baby teeth.
One of the most important factors we will evaluate is your bite. The way in which your mouth functions is just as important as having straight teeth. After all, having straight teeth is not much of a benefit if you are not able to speak or chew properly or if you suffer from tempero mandibular dysfunction (TMD) symptoms that include headaches, vertigo, dizziness and other related issues.

WHAT ORTHODONTIC OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADULTS?

Braces are custom-made dental appliances that are used to apply pressure to the teeth to correct your bite and straighten your teeth. No longer are you restricted to the same metal braces that were used in the past. Today, a variety of other options are available, including technological advances and new materials that have made braces smaller and less noticeable. Rather than wearing metal braces, you can instead opt to wear tooth-colored or clear braces. Removable invisible aligners such as Invisalign are also available.

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Metal Braces
These types of braces are constructed using high-grade stainless steel. The most common type of braces, they are attached to the front of the teeth.
Clear Ceramic Braces
These types of braces are worn on the front of the teeth. The difference between these types of braces and metal braces is that they are designed to blend in with the front of the teeth, thus making them less noticeable.
Invisible Braces

These braces are comprised of a series of clear, removable appliances known as clear aligners. They are much less visible than traditional braces. Since they are removable, there are no worries about them trapping plaque and food between the teeth. 

Metal Braces
These types of braces are constructed using high-grade stainless steel. The most common type of braces, they are attached to the front of the teeth.
Clear Ceramic Braces
These types of braces are worn on the front of the teeth. The difference between these types of braces and metal braces is that they are designed to blend in with the front of the teeth, thus making them less noticeable.
Invisible Braces

These braces are comprised of a series of clear, removable appliances known as clear aligners. They are much less visible than traditional braces. Since they are removable, there are no worries about them trapping plaque and food between the teeth. 

ADJUSTING TO LIFE WITH BRACES

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Speaking and Eating
It is expected to experience some difficult speaking or eating as well as some discomfort when you are first fitted with braces. While wearing braces, it is important to keep your brackets and teeth clean. Food and plaque can become trapped between the gums and teeth when wearing non-removable braces. To reduce the risk of cavities, it’s important to follow a strict regimen of flossing and rinsing, brushing, and reducing the amount of carbohydrates and sweets you eat.
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Foods to Avoid
It’s also important to avoid eating any type of food that could dislodge or damage your braces. This includes raw carrots, candy, pretzels, popcorn, nuts, crushed ice, and corn on the cob. Due to their sticky nature, gum, taffy, and caramel should also be avoided. These foods can become stuck between the gums and teeth or even cause wires to bend or knock your brackets or bands loose. Your treatment period may be extended if your braces become damaged. While wearing braces, you will still need to see your dentist on a regular basis for dental checkups and cleanings.
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Changes in Alignment
Even adults who had straight teeth during their younger years may notice a change in the alignment of their teeth as a result of the aging process. Patients who wore braces as teenagers may also notice their teeth shifting. This may occur if a patient stops wearing their retainer. Adults may also sometimes notice the formation of gaps or teeth crowding together as they age due to shifting and changes that occur in the jaw bones. If you have noticed any changes in the alignment of your teeth, it’s important to seek an orthodontic consultation to find out whether braces or clear aligners may be the right solution for you.

Our passion is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you have dental issues that were never addressed as a child or you have begun to notice changes in the alignment of your teeth our team at mBrace Orthodontics can help. Contact us today at 469-362-6820 to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.