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Monthly Archives: December 2018
Adult Orthodontics
Do you need adult orthodontics? It’s never too late to perfect your smile! If you’re self-conscious about your smile but nervous about getting braces at your age, have no fear. There are plenty of adults that receive orthodontic care after they grow older! You’re never too old for braces. In the past, orthodontics used to be seen as mainly for tweens and teenagers. Now, there are plenty of options for adults to receive braces and still maintain their confidence and productivity. Having a straight, beautiful smile can help you increase the way you feel about yourself and ensure your oral health is as positive as can be. Considering braces as an adult? Let’s take a look at some of your options.
Traditional Braces
One of the most common type of braces for adults are traditional metal braces. Traditional braces involve metal brackets compositely fixed to the teeth, connected with metal wires. Every four to six weeks, we will tighten your wires. This will gradually pull your teeth into place. Because of this, these are the cheapest option available and require the least time commitment every month. Adults have busy schedules, so it’s important to make sure appointments aren’t missed. The more you miss an appointment, the longer you’ll need to keep your braces on. Traditional braces are a great option for adults who aren’t worried about the look of metal on their teeth and want the cheapest option possible.
Clear Aligners
As mentioned previously, new options for braces have become apparent, specifically catering more to adults than in the past. Clear aligners are used as a way to straighten your teeth with little to no look of braces. This means that they are practically invisible. When you first set an appointment to get aligner trays, we will take a mold of your mouth and computer graphically shift your teeth to look the best they can be. Every few weeks, you’ll receive a new set of trays that move your teeth like traditional braces do. These aligners fit similarly to retainers. Aligners are great options for adults who don’t want to have a mouth of metal and for individuals who are great at sticking to a schedule to ensure the proper changing of aligners each time.
How to Prepare Yourself for Braces
Getting braces at an older age is different than getting them at a younger one, as there may be more at stake. This means that it’s important to prepare for getting your braces and be aware of the focus you’ll need to put towards them. First of all, braces require time and patience. You won’t see results overnight, so be prepared for months of treatment. This means you’ll have to make time to schedule monthly appointments with your orthodontist. Additionally, watching what you consume is a significant factor in maintaining your braces. If you eat any sticky or hard foods, it could damage your braces and lead to more money. Lastly, focus on how you brush your teeth. With braces, there will be more nooks and crannies where bacteria could be hiding, so flossing and brushing becomes exponentially more important. After your time with braces, this hard work will all be paid off and you’ll have a straight, aligned smile.
Get the Best Teeth of Your Life
If you’ve been waiting for braces for some time and have looked into what it takes to get them, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the finest orthodontist in New York City. Manhattan Family Orthodontics can help you with all of your orthodontic needs. Be sure to call us to schedule an appointment today!
What is Malocclusion of the Teeth and How Can it be Treated?
Malocclusion of the teeth is one of the most frequent reasons why people seek treatment from an orthodontist. It refers to a misalignment of the teeth that can lead to various oral health issues. Crossbites, underbites, overbites, and crowded teeth are all types of malocclusion. Let’s look at some of the reasons and symptoms behind the disorder as well as common treatment options.
Why Does Malocclusion Occur?
Most of the time, malocclusion is inherited and is a hereditary trait. This also means that if you show signs of malocclusion, you might pass it to your children as well.
There are various other issues that might affect the structure and shape of your jaw. For instance, if a baby keeps using a pacifier past the age of 3, then there is a risk that they might develop malocclusion later on. This is also the case if they used a baby bottle for a prolonged period of time or developed a thumb sucking habit. Other things that might cause malocclusion include a cleft palate or lip, injuries, impacted or abnormally shaped teeth, or jaw and mouth tumors.
What Signs of Malocclusion of the teeth?
Depending on the specific type, the symptoms of malocclusion can be either severe or more subtle. These may include things like mouth breathing, speech issues (such as a lisp for instance), misaligned teeth, trouble when biting and chewing, and changes in facial appearance.
What are the Treatment Choices for Malocclusion?
If you only exhibit mild symptoms, then you might not necessarily need to get treatment, unless you want to improve your teeth’s overall look. However, if you’re suffering from severe malocclusion, your dentist might recommend that you see an orthodontist for treatment. Some of the treatments available include braces to reposition the teeth, capping, reshaping or bonding of the teeth, teeth removal, jaw surgery or stabilization of the jaw bone using plates or wires.
Is it Possible to Prevent Malocclusion?
Since malocclusion is hereditary for the most part, completely preventing it can be difficult. However, there are some things that you can do to diminish the risks. First of all, you should limit the usage of baby bottles and pacifiers and make sure that your children do not use them past the age of 3. You should also prevent them from sucking on their thumb. And if you manage to detect signs early, you will be able to shorten treatment time and limit how obtrusive the treatment will be.
If you’re showing signs of malocclusion, it would be wise to contact an orthodontist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harsher the treatment and the chances of developing complications will be. If you’re experiencing severe malocclusion symptoms and are looking for help, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best orthodontist in New York.