Even adults can have misalignment that should be treated with orthodontic work. Moving your teeth into the right position can prevent serious long-term wear and tear on both the teeth and the jaw joint. Now, Invisalign treatment or another orthodontic approach can ensue that you’ll achieve a perfect smile.

Orthodontic Options for Adults

When we think of braces, we often think of adolescents having their teeth straightened. However, adults are often also in need of orthodontic treatment. This doesn’t necessarily have to be treatment with traditional metal braces, although this is an option. [pullquote]Adults are often also in need of orthodontic treatment…[/pullquote]

Other options for adults who would prefer to maintain the best possible appearance during treatment include:

• Porcelain braces—braces are made of tooth-colored porcelain instead of metal
• Lingual braces—braces are placed on the backs of the teeth instead of the fronts
• Invisalign—clear plastic trays are used to move the teeth into position

You and your orthodontist can determine the treatment that will give you the best results. If your teeth are seriously misaligned, you might have to use traditional braces or something closer to the traditional approach, such as porcelain braces. Less severe work can be accomplished with lingual braces or Invisalign. Be sure to ask your dentist and orthodontist which approach will work well for you.

How Invisalign Works

With traditional braces, rubber bands are attached to metal brackets in order to gradually move the teeth into position. Porcelain and lingual braces work the same way. With aligner trays, the process is somewhat different. Your teeth are still gradually shifted until they reach the correct position, but the movement is accomplished with the plastic trays.

Your treatment consists of using a series of these trays, each one slightly different than the one before. You’ll wear each tray for about two weeks. The slight differences in the shapes of the trays makes your teeth move a bit more each time you change trays. By the time you reach the last tray, your teeth will be properly aligned. And since the trays are virtually invisible, you can accomplish this without anyone even knowing you’re undergoing treatment.

If you’re interested in exploring what Invisalign can do for your smile, contact our skilled dentistry team today.

Veneers are an excellent way to improve the look of your smile, and can be used to treat a wide range of cosmetic issues. Made of porcelain, they are long-lasting and durable, but will last longer if properly cared for. Regular, daily oral hygiene is a part of this care, but you can do other things as well to keep your veneers looking new.

Caring for Veneers

The first and most important type of care for your new veneers is everyday dental hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing. You’ll brush and floss your treated teeth just like you did before, but be sure to ask your dentist about the appropriate type of toothbrush to use. You won’t want to use a toothbrush that is too stiff, as it could damage the porcelain.

Although the veneer itself cannot develop a cavity, the tooth beneath the veneer can. Regular visits to your dentist are vital to be sure cavities don’t develop and to monitor for gum disease. Be sure your dental hygienist knows you have veneers. It’s important for your hygienist to use cleaning tools that won’t be too harsh and damage the porcelain.

Special Considerations

Your cosmetic dentist will provide you with guidelines regarding how to care for your veneers in the long term. One thing you’ll want to avoid is staining. Porcelain is not porous like natural enamel and is therefore resistant to staining. However, this same quality means that if a veneer does become discolored, it will not respond to tooth whitening treatment. The only way to correct a discolored veneer is to replace it with a new one. So avoid extended exposure to nicotine, coffee, tea, or dark-colored foods and beverages.

You’ll also want to be careful about accidentally chipping the edges of your veneers. Don’t use them to bite hard objects. Don’t chew on ice cubes, pencils, pens, or other items. Also don’t use your teeth as tools. All these activities can chip your veneers and mar the beautiful smile they’ve given you.

For more tips on taking care of your new smile, contact our team at our office today.