Adults
Orthodontic Center LA for Adults
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What is better, braces or clear teeth aligners?
The efficacy of orthodontic treatment is dependent upon the diagnostic and treatment skill, training and experience of the orthodontist, more so than the type of appliances used.
Orthodontic Center Los Angeles has highly trained board certified specialists with many many years of experience and state of the art technology and is equipped with options that allow us to get exceptional results with braces, clear aligners and combinations of other treatment modalities.
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Are clear orthodontic braces attached to the teeth an option for orthodontic treatment?
Yes.
Are lingual braces (invisible or inside braces) an option if I don’t want to wear visible braces?
Yes.
Dr. Jacobson was trained by the inventor of modern lingual braces and does offer the most current, state of the art, lingual braces option to patients that want inside braces.
What are Lingual braces?
Lingual braces, also known as inside braces, are a type of orthodontic treatment that is used to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which are attached to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible when worn.
Lingual braces are made up of the same components as traditional braces, including brackets, archwires, and elastic bands. However, they are custom-made to fit the individual’s teeth, using advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. This allows the braces to be fitted closely to the teeth, providing maximum control and precision during treatment.
One of the main benefits of lingual braces is their cosmetic appeal. Because they are attached to the back of the teeth, they are not visible when the person smiles or talks, making them a popular choice for adults who are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces. In addition, lingual braces can also be more comfortable to wear than traditional braces, as they do not rub against the cheeks or lips.
What are the disadvantages of Lingual braces.
Lingual braces do have disadvantages. Because they are attached to the back of the teeth, they can be more difficult to clean, and may require special brushing techniques to remove food and plaque.
Some patients also complain that they are uncomfortable and adversely affect their speech and eating.
In addition, lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces, and require longer treatment times.
What other options can I consider instead of wearing inside or outside clear or metal braces?
Orthodontic Center Los Angeles does have onsite, 3 highly experienced full time laboratory technicians and a state of the art orthodontic laboratory with digital scanners, 3D imaging and 3D printing.
This allows us to design and provide patients with same day orthodontic appliances that are much more comfortable than lingual or conventional orthodontic braces, including removable orthodontic appliances that can be easily removed and replaced for any reason by patients at any time, at will.
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Why do adults need or want orthodontic treatment?
Reasons include wanting to improve:
1. Smile and facial esthetics.
2. Tension in the face, headache or facial pain.
3. Clicking or popping in the TMJ
4. An uncomfortable bite
6. Loose teeth and bone loss
7. Narrowing of the teeth and bite with bite collapse
8. Open bites, cross bites, underbites, overbites, deep bites or assymmetry
9. Spacing or crowding of teeth
10. Recession of the gums
11. Jaw surgery
12. Sleep apnea
13. Improving the jaw line and effects of aging
What age can adults do orthodontic treatment?
Adults can receive orthodontic treatment at any age. There is no age limit and the teeth move equally at all ages. It is important to use state of the art imaging in order to evaluate the condition of the teeth, the quality of the bone and gum, the TMJ’s (temporo-mandibular joints) and sinuses if congested and airway, in the even of snoring at night or sleep apnea.
Dr. Jacobson has extensive experience in treating adults with jaw and bite disorders and has personally treated more than 7000 adults with ages ranging from 20 years – 91 years of age.
Many of the adults receiving orthodontic treatment are referred in by dentists and periodontists recommending that the teeth be placed into a better position and for the bite to be corrected for the health and longevity of the teeth and periodontium. (gum and bone).
Is adult orthodontics a subspecialty?
Orthodontics for adults should only be initiated by a board certified orthodontist with extensive experience in treating adults at all ages. In that respect adult orthodontics can be considered a sub specialty but it is not considered as a separate specialty by the American Dental Association or the American Association of Orthodontics.
What types of braces are there for adults?
1. Metal braces
2. Ceramic tooth colored braces
3. Lingual braces ( placed on the inside surfaces of the teeth so they are not visible
4. Removable braces
5. Clear teeth aligners
Which are the most effective braces for adults?
The effectiveness of the braces or appliances are mostly related to the experience of the orthodontist and his or her preference, rather than the effectiveness of the different appliances.
Is there any difference in the cost of the different type of braces or appliances for adults?
Most orthodontists will recommend you use the appliances or braces that they prefer or are used to using and assign a different cost to each type.
At Orthodontic Center Los Angeles, the cost of any of the braces or aligners is the same. The cost is only related to the complexity of the malocclusion and the length of time needed to correct your condition. The reason we are able to keep the costs the same, is due to our onsite proprietary 3-D software, 3D imaging, 3-D printing, onsite laboratory and extensive experience treating adults with a combination of modalities over many years.
Does adult orthodontics take longer than children orthodontics?
Adult orthodontics can range from a few months to one year depending upon the complexity of the malocclusion or condition. Extremely complex problems can take 1-2 years or longer, especially adults with genetic, developmental or cranio-facial disorders. Exceptional patient compliance can significantly reduce treatment times. Poor compliance can unnecessarily prolong treatment.
Is adult orthodontic treatment painful?
Orthodontic Center Los Angeles includes a BioProgressive philosophy and proprietary system of orthodontics that significantly reduces the sensitivity that patients typically associate with orthodontic treatment. This includes state of the art diagnostic and treatment modalities and very gentle pressures. This system has also been documented to significantly reduce treatment appointments and overall treatment time.