Braces for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one of every five orthodontic patients is over the age of twenty-one. For adults who may be concerned about the visual appearance of braces, there are choices of cosmetic braces offered at Houston Area Orthodontics. These include tooth colored appliances as well as Invisalign. Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik will discuss the various types of appliances available and advise as to which will be appropriate for your orthodontic treatment need.
Types of Braces
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are less visible on teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on children, teens, and adults who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene and may require an extra minute or two or brushing to keep them clean.
Stainless Steel Braces
High Tech Self-Ligating Braces
Sophisticated, high tech self-ligating braces are more comfortable when compared to standard orthodontic braces, and patients have the option of adding colored elastics for a more unique and colorful smile.
There are two types of self ligating brackets, Interactive, and passive. In many orthodontic patients, self ligating systems can accomplish the orthodontic treatment result with fewer appointments when compared to a non-self ligating system. The self ligating bracket systems are designed to move the teeth with less friction between the arch wire and the bracket. The Empower self-ligating bracket system by American Orthodontics is the system used by Dr. Larry Rose and Dr. Mohni Malik.
How do Self-Ligating Braces Work?
Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip made as part of the orthodontic bracket to help the arch wire guide teeth into place. The self-ligating bracket system that Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik use, applies less force to the teeth than a non-self ligating bracket. In some instances this means greater patient comfort, and possibly faster tooth movement!
There are two types of self-ligating brackets
- Passive - Passive self ligating brackets have a clip system similar to a door that keeps the arch wire in the bracket; however the clip does not contact the arch wire. Since there is no contact between the door clip and the arch wire, the arch wire does not have complete control over tooth movement.
- Interactive - Interactive self ligating brackets use a door mechanism that contacts the arch wire and actively holds it in position. The friction between the bracket and arch wire is less than that of a bracket system that uses elastic ties to secure the arch wire to the bracket. Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik recommend the Interactive self-ligating bracket system.
Invisible (Clear) Orthodontic Appliances
Invisalign®
Invisalign® orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so a patient can eat what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less challenging. Please visit our Invisalign® page to learn more about this unique tooth moving appliance.
