Orthodontics by Design in Miramar Beach, FL
THE ADULT PATIENT
Today, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult. If an orthodontic problem is left untreated-it may become worse. When you have a malocclusion or “bad bite”, your teeth may be crowded, excessively spaced or may not fit together correctly and such conditions may lead to dental health problems.
COMMON PROBLEMS OR MALOCCLUSIONS SEEN IN ADULTS:
Patients with crowding and bad bites can experience:
- More tooth decay or fracture of teeth
- More periodontal disease and even tooth loss
- Abnormal wear of tooth surfaces
- Difficulty chewing
- Damage to supporting bone and gum tissue
- TMJ pain and clicking of the jaw
SOME COMMON QUESTIONS:
1. Can orthodontic treatment do for me what it does for children?
Yes. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children.
2. How does adult treatment differ from that of children and adolescents?
Adults are not growing and may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and the bone that supports the teeth. Orthodontic treatment may then be only a part of the patient’s overall treatment plan. Close coordination may be required among the oral surgeon, periodontist, endodontist and family dentist to assure that the treatment plan is managed well.
3. I have painful jaw muscles and jaw joints – can orthodontics help?
One of the problems commonly associated with jaw muscle and jaw joint discomfort is bruxing or habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, particularly at night.
Bruxism is a muscle habit pattern that can cause severe wearing of the teeth, and overloading and trauma to the jaw joint structures. Chronically or acutely sore and painful jaw muscles may accompany the bruxing habit.
Some solutions may be as simple as a night guard or a splint and other times orthodontic treatment may be necessary if your bite is part of the reason why you are experiencing TMJ symptoms. Sometimes structural damage can require joint surgery and/or restoration of damaged teeth. If you are experiencing TMJ pain, click, pop or headaches do not delay, the more you wait the more structural damage can occur!
4. My teeth have been crooked for many years – why should I have orthodontic treatment now?
It’s never too late! Orthodontic treatment is a positive step to resolving any long-standing problem orthodontic problems. Orthodontic treatment can restore good function and create a healthy, beautiful smile that can improve self-esteem, no matter the age.
Call right now and do not delay, you are not alone!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREATMENT OPTIONS
1. INVISALIGN®-The clear alternative to braces.
Invisalign® is Clear aligner therapy that can be used by teens and adults a clear esthetic alternative to braces.
Dr. Jason Baker is a Preferred Provider of Invisalign®. Invisalign® uses a laboratory to create the aligners and designs tooth movement based on the doctor’s prescription. An analogy for this would be a pharmacy- it is up to the doctor to create a diagnosis and then this prescription is taken by the patient. Invisalign® is similar in the sense that Dr. Baker tells Invisalign® tooth by tooth the movement that he desires and that is why this expertise is extremely important and helps he and you achieve your desired treatment goals!
2. CONVENTIONAL BRACES
METAL BRACKETS: Children, teens and adults love the comfort of the small metal brackets. Changing the color ties that hold the wires in place is always exciting for all ages. Of course, clear or gray ties offer an esthetic choice to blend in with the bracket.
CLEAR BRACKETS:They are comfortable and barely noticeable. Clear Brackets are perfect for an older teen and Adult.
Please contact us if you have any questions and/or would like to discuss how we can assist your needs.
