The Ultimate Adult Orthodontics Guide in Atlanta: Treatment Options, Timelines, and What to Expect
From crooked teeth to teeth crowding and underbites, many adults look past their orthodontic concerns, believing that treatment options are only available to children. But this isn’t true; in fact, adult orthodontics can help with everything from aesthetics to pain relief.
At Atlanta Orthodontics, we’ve worked with patients across the Atlanta Metro for over four decades. No matter your condition or concern, our team has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve meaningful results.
Why Adult Orthodontics Is More Popular Than Ever
When most people think of orthodontics, they imagine children and teenagers with conspicuous (and sometimes painful) metal appliances. Today, the reality is quite different.
Over the past few decades, treatments like Invisalign for adults have transformed orthodontics, allowing patients to improve their smiles with minimal disruption to their lives. Adults who may have previously felt self-conscious or hesitant about orthodontics can now enjoy modern treatments that fit seamlessly into their lives.
These advances, combined with increased awareness around the importance of oral health, have made adult orthodontics more popular than ever.
Can Adults Get Braces or Invisalign?
Contrary to what many people believe, adult braces options are available to patients in all stages of life. Treatments like Invisalign and traditional adult metal braces can straighten teeth, resolve bite issues, and improve overall oral health no matter your age.
Common Reasons Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment
If you’re considering orthodontics, booking a consultation with a team of knowledgeable experts is the best way to determine whether treatment is right for you. That said, some of the more common concerns adult patients have include:
Crooked Teeth
While often an aesthetic concern, crooked or misaligned teeth can also impact your overall oral health. Common side effects include:
- Jaw strain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Difficult-to-clean teeth, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay
- Excess wear on your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles
- A harder time chewing and speaking
- Self-esteem issues and social anxiety
Teeth Crowding
A common type of malocclusion, crowding occurs when a lack of space in your jaw causes your teeth to overlap, twist, or misalign. Like crooked teeth, most patients view teeth crowding as a cosmetic concern, but it can also have a range of health implications.
Teeth Spacing
Gaps between teeth are harmless for some patients, and less so for others. Besides possibly leading to self-esteem issues, teeth spacing can also impact speech, with some people experiencing lisps and similar pronunciation difficulties.
Likewise, gaps also make it easier for food particles to become lodged between your teeth. Over time, this can put you at risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions.
Underbite
An underbite is a type of misalignment where a patient’s lower teeth overlap their upper teeth. Often caused by genetics, underbites can cause chronic jaw pain, difficulty eating, self-esteem issues, and several other symptoms.
Crossbite
A crossbite is another form of malocclusion, where your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth when you close your mouth, instead of resting slightly on the outside. It can impact a single tooth or groups of teeth throughout your mouth.
Braces and Invisalign for adults are common crossbite treatments.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
Adult orthodontics come in a variety of forms. Depending on your specific needs, your plan may include one or more of the following treatment options:
- Metal braces: Stainless steel brackets on the front of your teeth; effective at treating bite and alignment issues
- Ceramic braces: Function similarly to metal braces, but use clear brackets for a more discreet treatment
- Invisalign: Clear, removable aligners that are effective yet nearly invisible
- Lingual braces: Custom-made brackets that an orthodontist attaches to the back of your teeth, hiding them from view
- Advanced digital systems: A range of software that can help with everything from digital mapping to 3D-printed appliances
- Bite correction appliances: Fixtures like Herbst appliances that can modify jaw position in adults without invasive surgery
How Long Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Take?
While orthodontic treatment timelines depend on a patient’s specific condition, most last between 12 and 36 months. Treatment can resolve minor cosmetic conditions in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases often require longer timelines.
During your initial visit, your orthodontist will map your bite and jaw structure and provide you with a specific treatment timeline. Following the installation of your appliances, you can expect to visit every few weeks for wire adjustments or switching aligner trays.
Can Orthodontics Improve Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Bite Function?
As mentioned, there’s no braces age limit, and brackets, Invisalign, and other types of orthodontic treatment can do more than just improve the appearance of your smile: they can also alleviate any chronic discomfort you may be experiencing.
Jaw pain and headaches often stem from bite misalignment, which orthodontics can resolve. Following treatment, this can translate to less chronic strain and more relaxed muscles.
Risks of Not Correcting Orthodontic Problems in Adulthood
Besides impacting self-esteem, not correcting orthodontic problems in adulthood can lead to various health complications, including:
- Plaque buildup caused by difficulty cleaning
- Gum recession
- Tooth damage
- Jaw strain
- Permanent shifting
As orthodontic treatments like Invisalign for adults are more discreet than ever, there’s no reason not to take a step towards improving your long-term oral health.
How to Choose the Right Orthodontist in Atlanta
Choosing an orthodontist can feel daunting, especially since you may be working together for years.
To make the process easier, start by examining their track record. How long have they been in the industry? Are most local patient reviews positive? Ideally, you’ll see years of experience and a multitude of positive feedback.
Once you narrow in on a particular provider, look into the services they offer. Traditional tools like metal brackets and Invisalign should exist alongside 3D scans, digital systems, and other modern technologies.
Finally, in the context of Atlanta, make sure there’s an office close to you. Multiple locations are often a plus, as they imply success and keep you from having to drive from one side of the city to another.
Start Your Adult Orthodontic Journey
While children and teenagers still make up the majority of orthodontic patients, adult orthodontics is becoming increasingly popular. From braces and Invisalign for adults to bite correction appliances and more, there is a range of affordable and discreet orthodontic treatment options that can deliver meaningful results.
With decades of knowledge and experience, advanced treatment technologies, and five locations throughout the Atlanta Metro, our team at Atlanta Orthodontics can help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile.
Book a consultation at one of our Atlanta offices today!