Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment? 

Braces are not just for teenagers!  Adults also want to look their best and keep their own teeth for a lifetime. A beautiful smile is not just youthful -- it enables a person to enjoy a variety of foods which is crucial for health. It is estimated that almost one third of all current orthodontic patients are adults.

Straight teeth have many dental benefits including:

• Reduction in tooth decay 
  
• Decreased likelihood of developing periodontal disease 
  
• Decreased likelihood of fracturing or wearing down teeth
• Less likely to develop TMJ dysfunction
  
• Reduction in digestive disorders
• Enhanced esthetics of teeth and face

What are the options for adult orthodontics?

• Clear braces – Individual brackets made of ceramic that are bonded to the front surface of each tooth. They blend in with the color of the tooth so that they are barely visible.  Many patients report that people don't even notice they have them on!  
• Clear aligners (Invisalign^®) – Aligners are removable clear trays that are almost invisible.  They must be worn for a total of 22 hours/day but can be removed for eating and hygiene. Since they cannot move teeth as well as braces, they are not the best choice for everyone.  During your consult, Dr. Maull can to determine if this is an option for you.
• Lingual braces – These braces are bonded on the inside (tongue side) of the teeth so they are not obvious to others.  However, they interfere with speech and can irritate the tongue.  Dr. Maull can talk to you about her personal experience wearing lingual braces!