If you sometimes regret that you didn’t get braces when you were a teenager and now that you’re older you think it’s too late to correct those crooked teeth, you are in luck. Adult braces are becoming more and more popular in Chicago and elsewhere for a number of reasons, and they may benefit you. Decades ago, braces meant being very self-conscious of a mouth full of shiny metal, but many of today’s braces are much more discreet and can hardly be seen.
Now, there are a number of discreet braces from which to choose, along with greatly improved metal braces that have been made smaller and less invasive. Clear braces function the same way as metal braces except for one big difference, which is they are virtually invisible. Clear glue is used on the teeth and the brackets are clear as well. Just like metal braces, a wire is adjusted to move the teeth.
Invisalign® is another popular method for treating orthodontic issues that use trays individually designed for your mouth. Usually, a set of trays will last for multiple weeks, and then they are changed for a new set. It is not uncommon to see remarkable changes in the teeth after using only a few trays. Invisalign® adult braces are made out of food-grade plastic and are kept in the mouth for approximately 22 hours a day. One big advantage of Invisalign® is that the trays are removable when you want to eat or clean your teeth so that food particles do not get stuck.
Another important benefit of adult braces is reducing the wear and tear that takes place when teeth do not fit together correctly. Teeth can break or wear at the gum line, which then can require costly restorations. Teeth that are crowded or not aligned properly also place undue stress on the jaw.
Having straight teeth has a number of benefits to go along with the improved smile. Bacteria, plaque and impacted food particles contribute to dental decay and gum disease. Straight teeth will reduce the amount of plaque that sticks to the crevices in your mouth.
If you have been looking into your options regarding adult braces in the Chicago area, make an appointment at Petty & Bielik Orthodontics in Oak Lawn. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn about your treatment options!