Monday, August 21, 2017

Are Adult Braces Right for Me? The Ins and Outs of Adult Braces by Aventura Dentist Dr. David Carroll

Great dental tips from Miami Dentist , Dr. Carroll.
Miami prosthodontist and adult braces
Did you know you can get fast results like these with adult braces?


Did you know that there are special braces for adults that can achieve fast results in weeks instead of months? With developments in orthodontics in recent years, more and more adults are seeking treatment for oral difficulties they've been experiencing since childhood. There are significant differences between adult orthodontics and that of children and teens, however, it's worth knowing what they are before making a decision to pursue treatment. Here are the main differences between braces for adults and kids:
Age-Related Concerns
When you are young your teeth are usually healthier. Adults often have conditions that younger patients don't, like bone loss between the roots for adequate blood supply, gingivitis, infections and general bone loss. Adult bones are also harder and bone metabolism is reduced. For adults it generally takes longer for bone to adjust to your teeth's new positions. These are known as biomechanical limitations, which can make tooth realignment a more involved process in adults than in younger patients.
Bite Correction Problems
One of the main reasons patients require braces is to correct a malocclusion, or improper bite. In adult patients sometimes there is just not enough room in the mouth to create space for the teeth to move back without extracting one or more teeth. By adulthood, a patient might also have worn some of his teeth down, which can make things worse. Typically orthodontists refer to these problems as perio-restorative issues, and often opt to focus on making the adult patient's bite functional rather than perfect.

Tooth Extraction Problems
Many adults have had one or more teeth extracted in the past, and this can present a problem for the orthodontist. Old extraction sites may not be suitable locations for teeth to move into, unless these are restored by adding sections of prosthetic bone to the area. Closing gaps between the teeth caused by extractions – and keeping them closed – is also difficult, because adult bone doesn't respond to pressure in the same way as growing bone.

Possible Root Problems
Adults have a higher risk for root resorption than children. This occurs when your body reabsorbs the root of a tooth, leaving the tooth without anchorage. Factors that play a role in this include family history, oral habits and the type of roots you have. This is a strong consideration when considering adult braces.

Social Factors
There are a number of psychological and social factors that affect adults interested in treatment. These include higher levels of:
·        Self-image issues
·        Treatment expectations
·        Concern with appearance
·        Discomfort from wearing appliances
·        Willingness to cooperate with orthodontic instructions

Adult patients obviously want the best results, in the shortest amount of time and with the lowest level of discomfort or inconvenience. Adults now make up to 50 percent of orthodontic patients, some practices, like ours, are focusing on the specifics of adult orthodontics. If you're considering adult braces call our office to find our if you are a candidate.

Prosthodontist in Miami

Call our office today to make an appointment so you can find out what the best options are for your specific case.  


(305) 948-9102 Dentist in Miami, North Miami, and Aventura
C A R R O L L D E N T I S T R Y
15801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 200
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160