Many adults dream of a perfectly aligned smile but believe their opportunity for orthodontic treatment has passed. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a wide array of tooth alignment options specifically tailored for adults. If you have misaligned teeth, remember that the best way to determine the most suitable option for you is to consult your dentist. This guide will delve into the causes of misaligned teeth, the benefits of orthodontic treatment, and the various solutions available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Overview of Tooth Alignment for Adults

Tooth alignment, also known as orthodontic treatment, involves the gradual repositioning of teeth to improve their appearance and function. Orthodontics can correct various issues, such as:

  • Overbite – Upper front teeth protrude over the lower teeth.
  • Underbite – Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
  • Crossbite – Upper and lower teeth do not align correctly when biting down.
  • Open bite – Front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.
  • Spacing – Gaps between teeth.
  • Crowding – Too many teeth in too small of a space.

Teeth Alignment Problems

Crooked, crowded, or otherwise misaligned teeth can hinder your confidence and even impact your oral health.  They create hard-to-reach areas where plaque and food debris can accumulate, increasing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Causes of Misaligned Teeth in Adults

Several factors can contribute to misaligned teeth in adults, including:

  • Developmental Issues. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), states that problems can occur during the growth and development of the jaw and teeth, such as a disproportionate jaw size or unusually shaped teeth.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), neglecting dental hygiene can lead to gum disease (periodontitis), which can cause bone loss and weaken the support structures of teeth, leading to tooth shifting and misalignment.
  • Natural Aging. As you age, your teeth naturally tend to shift slightly, contributing to crowding or spacing issues.
  • Tooth Loss. Studies from the Journal of Prosthodontics show that missing teeth can create gaps, causing the remaining teeth to shift or drift out of their proper positions.
  • Crowding. Some individuals have a small jaw or extra teeth, resulting in overcrowding, which pushes teeth out of alignment.
  • Genetics. Misaligned teeth often run in families. If your parents had orthodontic issues, you might be more prone to them as well.
  • Habits. Certain habits can negatively impact teeth alignment over time, for example:
    • Thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use as a child.
    • Nail-biting.
    • Tongue thrusting – pushing the tongue against the front teeth when swallowing.
  • Injury. According to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), traumatic injuries to the mouth or jaw can damage teeth and alter their position.

Why More Adults Opting for Orthodontic Treatment for Tooth Alignment

Adults are increasingly embracing orthodontic treatment. Surprisingly, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult over 18, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Major reasons for adults to seek tooth alignment treatment are:

Better Appearance and Improved Self-Esteem

Misaligned teeth can make individuals feel self-conscious about their smiles, affecting their interactions and overall quality of life. Orthodontic treatment can empower adults to regain their confidence, leading to enhanced social interactions, career opportunities, and a happier outlook.

Physical Health Benefits

The orthodontic treatment goes beyond just a beautiful smile. Correcting misaligned teeth can improve your overall oral health by:

  1. Facilitating better cleaning. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the buildup of plaque and bacteria. This lowers your risk of cavities (tooth decay) and gum disease (periodontitis), both of which can lead to serious oral health issues and even tooth loss.
  2. Reducing jaw pain and TMJ disorders. A misaligned bite can put undue stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Orthodontic treatment can correct bite issues and alleviate TMJ symptoms.
  3. Improving speech and chewing ability. Misaligned teeth can sometimes interfere with proper speech patterns and make it harder to chew food comfortably and efficiently. Orthodontics can help address these problems.

Teeth Shift With Time

Even if you had braces as a child or were fortunate enough to have naturally straight teeth,  teeth naturally tend to shift over time due to the aging process. This shifting can lead to crowding, spacing, and bite problems. Orthodontic treatment in adulthood addresses these changes, often preventing further problems and improving overall dental health.

Fixing Your Jaw Problems

Misaligned teeth often go hand-in-hand with jaw alignment problems, known as malocclusion. These issues can lead to a range of complications, including:

  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) – These disorders can cause pain, clicking, and limited range of motion in the jaw.
  • Difficulty chewing and speaking – A misaligned bite can put stress on certain teeth and make it hard to chew food effectively and pronounce words correctly.
  • Increased wear and tear on teeth – Malocclusion can cause teeth to grind unevenly, leading to chips, fractures, and excessive wear.
  • Headaches and neck pain – Misaligned jaws can strain muscles in the head and neck, leading to frequent pain.

Orthodontic treatment, sometimes in combination with jaw surgery, can reposition the jaw for improved function and alleviate these associated issues.

Career Opportunities

In today's competitive job market, a confident smile can give you an edge. While qualifications and experience are paramount, numerous studies indicate that individuals with straight teeth are often perceived as more intelligent, successful, and trustworthy. Tooth alignment can help you project a more positive and professional image, potentially enhancing career prospects.

Advances in Technology

Orthodontics has come a long way from the bulky metal braces of the past. Modern innovations offer adults discreet, comfortable, and often faster treatment options:

  • Clear aligners, for example, Invisalign, and SureSmile – These virtually invisible aligners gradually shift teeth into position with minimal disruption to your appearance and lifestyle.
  • Ceramic braces – Tooth-colored brackets and wires blend discreetly with your natural smile, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
  • Lingual braces – Braces placed behind the teeth offer ultimate discretion.
  • Digital imaging and 3D printing – Advanced imaging allows for precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and the creation of customized appliances for improved accuracy and efficiency.

Adult Tooth Alignment Options

The good news is that there are a variety of tooth straightening options available for adults, allowing you to choose the treatment that best fits your needs and preferences. Below are the common options together with their advantages and drawbacks:

  1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are a time-tested and highly effective method for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. They consist of metal brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that gradually shifts your teeth into their desired positions.  Elastic bands are often used to apply additional pressure and control the movement.

Advantages

These include:

  • Metal braces are effective in most cases. They can address a wide variety of orthodontic problems, from mild spacing to severe crowding and misalignment.
  • Metal braces are a relatively cost-effective option and are known for their durability.
  • The dentist has precise control over tooth movement with traditional braces, allowing for fine-tuning throughout the treatment.

Disadvantages

Common disadvantages of metal braces are:

  • Traditional metal braces are more noticeable than some other options.
  • Metal braces can cause some initial discomfort when they are placed and adjusted.
  • Certain chewy or sticky foods should be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires.

  1. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces but are placed on the backside of your teeth, rendering them virtually invisible.  They also work using brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth.

Advantages Of Lingual Braces

These include but are not limited to:

  • They are invisible. The primary advantage of lingual braces is their discretion. They are a great option for those concerned about the appearance of traditional braces.
  • They are effective in most cases. Lingual braces can treat a similar range of orthodontic problems as traditional braces.

Disadvantages

Some of the demerits of lingual braces are:

  • Lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional braces due to the technology and customization involved.
  • It may take time to adjust to speaking with lingual braces, and some temporary lisping may occur.
  • Lingual braces can be somewhat more uncomfortable than traditional braces since they're placed against the tongue.

  1. Clear Aligners, Including Invisalign and SureSmile

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each aligner is designed to apply gentle pressure, gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position. You wear each aligner for approximately two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Popular brands of clear aligners include Invisalign and SureSmile.

Advantages

You enjoy the following benefits when you choose clear aligners:

  • The clear aligners are virtually invisible, providing the ultimate discretion during treatment.
  • Aligners are made of smooth plastic, less likely to cause mouth irritation compared to brackets and wires.
  • Clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, offering convenience and better oral hygiene maintenance.

Disadvantages

Below are the disadvantages of choosing clear aligners:

  • Since the aligners are removable, treatment success heavily relies on the patient's discipline in wearing them the recommended 22 hours a day.
  • Clear aligners may not be suitable for very severe orthodontic issues. Your dentist will determine if they are the right option for you.
  • Clear aligners can be comparable in cost to or slightly more expensive than traditional braces.

  1. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional metal braces but offer a less noticeable alternative.  The brackets are made from tooth-colored ceramic material and are often paired with clear or white wires, making them blend in better with your natural smile.

Advantages

Ceramic braces have the following advantages:

  • Ceramic braces are far less noticeable than traditional metal braces, providing an aesthetic advantage.
  • Ceramic braces can successfully address a wide range of orthodontic problems.
  • Ceramic material is generally more resistant to staining than clear aligners.

Disadvantages

The downside to using ceramic braces include:

  • Ceramic brackets can be more prone to breakage compared to metal, requiring more attention and care.
  • While ceramic brackets themselves are stain-resistant, the clear or white ligatures (ties) can still discolor over time with certain foods and drinks.
  • Ceramic braces are usually slightly more expensive than traditional metal braces.

  1. Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are a type of braces that utilize a special mechanism to hold the archwire in place rather than traditional elastic ties.  This innovative design offers several potential advantages.

Advantages

The following are the advantages of self-ligating braces:

  • Friction is reduced with self-ligating braces, which may lead to slightly faster treatment time for some patients.
  • Adjustments can be quicker and might be needed less frequently compared to traditional braces.
  • The absence of elastic ties and smoother bracket design can minimize discomfort and irritation.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of self-ligating braces to correct misaligned teeth are:

  • Self-ligating braces tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional braces.
  • They come in both metal and ceramic varieties, similar to traditional braces. So, their visibility depends on the material choice.

What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment

Understanding the steps involved in orthodontic treatment can alleviate any concerns and set realistic expectations. Below are what you should expect:

Initial Consultation

Your orthodontic journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at the orthodontist's office. This initial appointment involves diagnosing your specific orthodontic needs, exploring treatment options, and getting a clear understanding of what to expect throughout the process.

The orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, jaws, and overall bite alignment. They may use specialized tools to measure your teeth and jaws and assess how your teeth meet when you bite.  Also, the orthodontist will take panoramic X-rays and digital photographs.  X-rays reveal detailed images of your teeth, roots, and the underlying jawbone structure, while photographs provide a visual record of your smile and facial profile.

After assessing your situation, the orthodontist will discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs. They will carefully explain the pros and cons of different approaches, such as traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. They'll also give you an estimated timeframe for treatment and answer any questions you have about the process.

Your orthodontist will give you a clear explanation of the expected costs involved. This will include both the initial consultation fees and the estimated cost for the treatment itself – braces, aligners, adjustments, and retainers. They will also discuss various payment plans and options to help you manage the cost of your orthodontic care.

Placement of Braces or Aligners

  1. Braces

Your orthodontist will start by cleaning and preparing your teeth.  Any existing plaque or tartar will be removed, and the surface of your teeth will be carefully dried, ensuring a strong bond for the braces.  Next, a special adhesive will be applied to each tooth, followed by the precise placement of either metal or ceramic brackets. Once all the brackets are in place, a thin, flexible archwire will be carefully threaded through them and secured with ligatures (small rubber bands). This carefully calibrated archwire will apply gentle and continuous pressure over time, guiding your teeth into their desired positions.

  1. Aligners

The process begins a bit differently. Instead of bonding brackets to your teeth, your orthodontist will take either digital scans or traditional dental molds. These will be used to create a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth. Using this model,  a series of custom-made clear aligner trays will be designed and fabricated.  During your fitting, you will receive your first set of aligners along with comprehensive instructions about wear, proper care, and how often to switch to the next aligner in the sequence.

Regular Adjustments

Regular monitoring and adjustments ensure your treatment stays on track and your teeth are progressing toward their desired positions.

If you have traditional braces, you will have adjustment appointments with your orthodontist roughly every 4-8 weeks. During these visits, the orthodontist will carefully assess the movement of your teeth and your overall alignment. They may tighten, reshape, or even replace your archwire to maintain the right amount of pressure for continued tooth movement. Your orthodontist will also change your ligatures and address any concerns you have, such as discomfort or broken brackets.

If you are wearing clear aligners, you'll still have regular progress checks, though they may be scheduled a bit less frequently than with braces – perhaps every 10-12 weeks.  At these appointments, your orthodontist will evaluate your progress and ensure your aligners are fitting correctly. They'll provide you with the next sets of aligners in your treatment sequence and answer any questions you have about your progress.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more important after a tooth alignment procedure. This is because food debris and plaque are trapped around braces or hide in the nooks and crannies of aligners, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.

For braces, you should carefully clean around each bracket and underneath the wires. Your orthodontist might recommend specialized tools like interdental brushes (tiny brushes designed to reach between teeth) or floss threaders to help you effectively clean those hard-to-reach areas.

If you wear aligners, brush and floss thoroughly before inserting them. Also, rinse your aligners with water each time you remove them for eating or drinking. To prevent your aligners from getting stained, try to minimize the consumption of dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine while wearing them.

Regardless of your orthodontic appliance, avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage brackets, wires, or potentially crack aligners.

Removal of Braces or Aligners

Once your treatment goals are achieved, your orthodontist will carefully remove the brackets using a special tool. They will remove any remaining adhesive and thoroughly polish your teeth. Your teeth may feel a bit sensitive initially due to the absence of the brackets.

Contact an Aliso Viejo Dentist Near Me

If you are an adult considering tooth alignment in Aliso Viejo, you can schedule a consultation with us at South Coast Dentistry. We will evaluate your needs and guide you toward the best orthodontic treatment solution for achieving the smile of your dreams. We offer several tooth-straightening options and personalized care to help you achieve a confident and beautiful smile. Contact us at 949-274-9086.