More than 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Teeth are still movable in the adult population because the biological process allowing tooth movement is the same as in children. There are a few differences in adult and children's orthodontic treatment, mainly the lack of growth in adults inhibiting some of the corrections possible in children. If the adult patient's problems are largely due to a discrepancy in the jaws, a combined approach including orthodontics and orthognathic "jaw" surgery is possible. This treatment option can achieve very dramatic improvements in the appearance of the face and function of the jaws and teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for adults is often indicated to aid in treatment planned by one's general dentist. This combined approach is often best when teeth are missing or mal-shaped and are planned to be replaced or restored with crowns, bridges or implants. The orthodontic treatment is designed to properly reposition the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth site so that an ideal sized and shaped replacement tooth can be fabricated. Also, teeth that are overlapped and crowded can be straightened so that better access for cleaning can be achieved.

Another important factor in the adult patient is the continual maintenance of the health of the gums and bone that support the teeth. It is sometimes necessary that the adult patient see their dentist or a periodontist more frequently if the health of the gums or supporting bone is less than ideal.

Introducing Invisalign® — The Straightest Way to a Great Smile

Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.

Clearly Different
The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners -- as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually -- week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!

If you want to learn more about Invisalign and how it works, please visit the Invisalign Homepage.

To ensure the best possible results, only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, call us at (205) 752-4343 to make an appointment.