Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for children and teens. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, one out of every three current orthodontics patients is an adult. Adults considering orthodontic services want treatment options which will not interfere with their adult habits and will complement their lifestyles.

Columbia Town Center Orthodontics is proud to offer several orthodontic services that are suitable for adults who want discrete, effective treatment options. To learn more about the orthodontic services we provide for our adult patients, contact Columbia Town Center Orthodontics today!

How is Adult Orthodontic Treatment Different?/

Addressing alignment and appearance issues in a mature mouth with adult teeth is different than working with orthodontic issues found in the mouth of a growing child. Adult teeth are fully developed in established positions in the mouth, and the jaw’s growth and development are complete. Adults also have more dense bone mass. These, and other significant developmental differences, create additional complexity in the adult patient’s treatment plan and may lengthen the time of treatment needed for adult patients to maximize the opportunity for the desired result.

Adults frequently need more complex treatment and often require other dental specialists’ services. Some other specialists may include:

  • Endodontists 
  • Periodontists 
  • Oral surgeons

Regardless of the age of the patient, all orthodontic treatment, whether orthodontics for adults or orthodontics for kids, focuses on creating light forces on the teeth. These forces cause the teeth to shift and move into the desired position in the mouth. Involving other specialists in the treatment plan for an adult patient can maximize the opportunity for function and aesthetics that may not be able to be achieved with orthodontic services alone.

Furthermore, there are additional factors for adults that may also inhibit the progress of treatment, including:

  • Medications
  • Smoking
  • Clenching or grinding teeth
  • Tongue thrust, meaning that your tongue presses against your teeth when you swallow

Any of these factors may affect the outcome of adult orthodontic treatment. We will develop an appropriate orthodontic treatment plan and work with your family dentist to coordinate with other specialists (if necessary) to achieve the outcome you desire and the smile of your dreams.

Do I Need Adult Orthodontics?

For adults considering seeing an orthodontist in Howard County, MD, consulting a specialist will help you determine your orthodontic treatment options. At Columbia Town Center Orthodontics we identify existing orthodontic issues and create an individualized treatment plan specifically tailored for you. We have the technical expertise and treatment options for adults who want a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Poorly aligned teeth can result in unnatural wear and tear on the surfaces of the teeth and cause permanent damage to healthy teeth. Crooked or crowded teeth may also create difficulty with brushing and flossing, leading to plaque buildup, additional cavities, and even gum disease.  Along with improving the function of the bite, correcting crowded and crooked teeth, and improving oral health, your personalized adult orthodontic treatment can produce a more attractive smile, vastly changing your appearance and boosting your self-esteem, confidence, and poise. 

Orthodontic Treatments for Adults

At Columbia Town Center Orthodontics we partner with you to find adult orthodontic services that fit your lifestyle and specific orthodontic needs. If you are like most adults, the thought of having the same dental braces you or your friends had when you were teenagers discourages you from seeking adult orthodontic services. However, with the advancement in orthodontic techniques and treatments, Columbia Town Center Orthodontics offers a variety of treatment options that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized just for the adult you. These options include:

Contact Columbia Town Center Orthodontics

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics in Columbia, MD, or to make an appointment or schedule a consultation, contact Columbia Town Center Orthodontics today at 410.873.9242.