A smile with straight, even teeth makes a great first impression. However, if you've gone your whole life with crooked teeth, you might assume that you're stuck with the smile that nature gave you. However, Dr. Randy Fagan, your dentist in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, has many adult patients who are correcting their smiles and improving their self-esteem and dental health with orthodontics. Wondering if braces are right for you? Dr. Fagan answers some common questions about adult orthodontic treatment in this post.
Why should I get braces as an adult?
Crooked teeth aren't just a cosmetic issue. Teeth that are crowded together or overlapping can be magnets for food particles to collect, leading to tooth decay or gum disease. When teeth don't meet together when you bite down, which is known as malocclusion, chewing and talking can be difficult. Jaws that aren't aligned well may also cause headaches and muscle pain. Some of our patients in Broken Arrow have lived with these problems so long that when they do start wearing orthodontics, they're surprised at how much better they feel!
How long do adults wear braces?
Children's teeth and jaws are still growing, so their orthodontic treatment time is often shorter than an adult's, whose bones fully ossify, or harden, by the time they're about 25 years old. Adult teeth can still be shifted, but it will take more effort and therefore more time. Most of our adult patients in Broken Arrow average about 18 months to three years of wearing their orthodontics, followed by the indefinite use of a retainer.
What type of braces should I wear?
We offer a variety of orthodontic solutions. Traditional metal braces are no longer huge and bulky; the brackets are smaller and the wires more narrow. Ceramic or plastic braces are also available and offer a more discreet option for straightening your teeth. Invisalign is another treatment that involves the use of a clear plastic aligning tray instead of brackets and wires. A consultation with your Broken Arrow dentist will help determine which method of orthodontic treatment is right for you.
Ready to make a positive change with orthodontics? Contact the dental office of Dr. Randy Fagan by calling 918-455-6406 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma today!