Adult Treatment
Adults are very special part of our practice and comprise a significant and growing percentage of our patients. It's not unusual for moms or dads of our young patients to become patients themselves.
Our adult patients represent a genuine cross section of our society. They include school teachers, bankers, pilots, flight attendants, engineers, nurses, doctors, secretaries, business executives as well as many others.
One is never too old to consider orthodontic treatment. Despite the myth to the contrary, adults can have their teeth aligned much the same as do children. Dr. Wintner has treated many patients in their fifties and sixties with much success. There is always a solution to achieve a healthier, happier smile.
In some cases, "limited" treatments might be okay! Sometimes, treatment confined to just the upper teeth is an option. When possible, just a few months of treatment can dramatically improve the dental alignment and one's overall smile and self-confidence.
We also have clear braces that hardly show on the teeth so there is less need to be self-conscious.
Having braces is more than achieving a beautiful smile. When teeth overlap, plaque builds up despite efforts to clean them. This can lead to gum and bone disease (periodontal disease).
Therefore, it is especially necessary for adult patients to have healthy, well-maintained supporting structures (gums and bone) around the teeth throughout orthodontic treatment. For those who may have compromised conditions to the gums or boney areas, it is necessary that the general dentist and a periodontist (a specialist in this area) closely follow the adult patient during orthodontic treatment. In certain situations, it is common that the adult orthodontic patient visit the general dentist and periodontist alternately every three months. This is to assure that the teeth are being kept as clean as possible with no signs of inflammation around the teeth.
Some periodontal conditions can be improved as a result of moving teeth. The process can actually recontour certain boney configurations, ultimately providing for better dental health. Once the teeth are aligned, the teeth can be better "naturally" cleaned by the tongue, lips and cheeks. Also, better alignment of the teeth makes it easier for the patient to remove the damaging plaque while brushing and flossing.
