Orthodontics Dana Point, CA

Am I too old to get braces?

An Orthodontist for Adults

In the last decade or so orthodontic care has come a long way. Up until very recently, most people believed that teeth could only be corrected during childhood. If they were not, an adult would have to live with their natural set of teeth forever. This is not true. At  John Redmond Orthodontics, we create beautiful smiles for people of all ages.

 

Our patients are not limited to children. Rather, we treat adults of all ages with misaligned or crooked teeth, as well as other alignment issues. Our adult patients have benefited from a significant improvement in their self esteem, and more. If you would like to know more about our services for orthodontics in Dana Point, CA, call our clinic today.

 Issues Our Dana Point, CA Orthodontics Clinic Treats

As a leading clinic for orthodontics in Dana Point, CA, we have treated patients who have suffered from:

Jaw misalignment

• A reduction of tooth enamel
• Chronic jaw pain
• Gum loss
• Bone loss
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Headaches
• + More

Our Dana Point, California orthodontics clinic can address and treat all of these issues, and more. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call John Redmond Orthodontics.

Braces for Adults

As an adult who may be interested in orthodontics in Dana Point, CA, you might wonder whether or not you need braces. If this is a question you are unsure about, you can speak with your dentist at your next annual check up. Most dentists can examine your teeth and give you an idea of what may work for you. If you don’t have a dentist or have recently had a checkup, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Dana Point, California.

 Types of Braces for Adults

If you are a candidate for adult braces, your orthodontist may talk to you about a few options. They include:

Metal Braces – These are the most common type of braces. Not only are they very effective at fixing a number of alignment problems. Metal braces are also cost efficient and do not have a lot of upkeep.

Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces are not as visible as metal braces. They are usually only placed on the top set of teeth and are more costly. Ceramic braces are also easier to break which is why they are typically only recommended to adults.

Lingual Braces – Braces placed on the back of the teeth are called lingual braces. They are costly and require extensive upkeep. Our orthodontics in Dana Point, CA can help you to understand whether or not you are a candidate for lingual braces.

Invisible Braces – Invisible braces are a type of clear aligner. They are removable and only suited to people who have mild to moderate alignment issues. Invisible braces are also more expensive than other types of braces and require frequent visits to the orthodontist.

 Would You Like to Know More About Adult Orthodontic Care?

If you are an adult and interested in orthodontics in Dana Point, CA, please call John Redmond Orthodontics.

 Orthodontics Dana Point, CA Trusts Answers: Am I too old to get braces?

A patient who is considering receiving braces or some other type of orthodontic treatment, can get their questions answered by speaking with our team at John Redmond Orthodontics about Orthodontics Dana Point, CA residents trust. Children and adults can both benefit from braces if they have misalignments, an overbite, an underbite, or a structural jaw issue. The first step towards correcting an issue of this sort is to meet with a trusted professional who practices Orthodontics Dana Point, CA patients depend on for care.

 Q: What happens before braces are put on my teeth?

A: Before confirming a patient needs braces, an orthodontist will gather information regarding past dental history, plans for treatment, placement of brackets, and predicting what the outcome will look like once complete. An orthodontist may recommend getting x-rays or running other diagnostics before suggesting this is the right treatment path for you.

 Q: What can I eat with braces?

A: Having braces does not mean you must completely change your dietary habits to only bland, pureed foods. It’s more about if you do eat foods that are sugary or sticky, that you pay extra close attention when cleaning (or brushing your teeth more often throughout the day). By speaking with us regarding Orthodontics Dana Point, CA families trust, we can tell you about how certain foods may impact your braces, helping empower you to make the right choices regarding your diet:

• Fruits: soft fruits cut into pieces are probably going to be less difficult to chew and swallow, compared to biting into hard fruits directly with your teeth.
• Bread: sugars may be added to certain bread types, which can contribute to plaque buildup on and between teeth. Try to stick to products with less sugar, like whole wheat bread.
• Vegetables: avoid raw vegetables that are hard, such as cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli. Softer options like leafy greens or steamed vegetables are best.
• Dairy: milk and dairy products are not likely to cause an issue, except for cheese may get wedged between braces and teeth.
• Nuts and seeds: Small nuts and seeds can get easily trapped between brackets and wires, which can damage braces. A better option may be to consume nut butters and seeds that are ground instead.
• Meat: certain meats that are stringy may get caught in braces, especially if you are pulling it off the bone yourself with your teeth. A more effective approach can be to remove the meat, chop it into smaller pieces, and opt for tender cuts.

Q: If I’m an adult, is it too late to get braces?

A: While braces are commonly applied during childhood years, braces are not just for children. Braces can be a great resource for anyone who desires improvements in their teeth. Adult dental treatments have become increasingly popular, since many patients desire to preserve their enamel so they don’t have to get veneer or crown implants in the future.

Many of our mature patients are surprised when a dentist recommends that they consider orthodontics Dana Point, CA residents trusts, particularly when it comes to getting braces. After all, aren’t braces just for kids? In actuality, they are not. For many of the same reasons that braces are beneficial to children, braces can also improve the quality of life for our adult patients. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients are over the age of eighteen, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

 Q: How should I floss and brush with braces?

A: Flossing and brushing for someone with braces can pose a challenge, as braces can get in the way of removing food material between teeth. Brush each wire, tooth and then rinse. To floss, thread carefully between the wire brackets so you can get between your gums and teeth. You will have to rethread between each wire for every set of teeth.

 Q: What should mature patients know about wearing braces?

A: As a human ages, natural changes in the body occur. For instance, after a certain age, the bones stop growing. When a child is fitted with braces, it is understood that their bones will change as they grow and this is taken into account.

• As an adult, your orthodontist may recommend one or more surgical procedures to accommodate the braces as your bones are less forgiving than that of a growing child’s.
• As an adult, you may need to wear braces for a longer period of time as compared to a child’s. Your professional of orthodontics Dana Point, CA residents depend on, can provide you with an estimated treatment length and when you can expect that wearing braces will no longer be necessary.

Q: How do braces work?

A: Your orthodontist can explain how treatment will affect your particular teeth structure. However, as a general explanation, braces place pressure on the patient’s teeth with the goal of moving them into alignment. Some patients will need to have one or more teeth removed in order to make room in their mouth for the proper movement.

• Braces rely on brackets mounted to the teeth. Archwires thread through the brackets and are attached to the molars. The wires apply pressure to the teeth which causes them to move over time.
• The wires can be almost invisible, or colored to suit the patient’s preferences and style.

About Our Team at John Redmond Orthodontics

At John Redmond Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages; from the very young to individuals in their advanced years. If you believe you may benefit from orthodontics Dana Point, CA families trust, particularly regarding wearing braces, contact us today to schedule an exam with our orthodontist to learn more.

How To Get the Most Out of Your Orthodontic Treatment

Listen to Your Orthodontist and Ask Questions

At John Redmond Orthodontics, part of your treatment involves giving you instructions about what to do and what not to do when you have braces or retainers. The success of your course of orthodontics in Dana Point, CA, depends on you following these instructions. If there is anything about the instructions that you do not understand, ask questions. Being an active participant in your care can result in better success. 

Keep All Appointments for Orthodontics in Dana Point, CA

During the course of your treatment, you generally need to have adjustments to your braces every four to eight weeks or so. These adjustments are what move your teeth into better position, and without them, the treatment does not work. Therefore, it is important for you to schedule these appointments at the time that your orthodontist recommends and show up to John Redmond Orthodontics when you are supposed to for your adjustments. Missed appointments could prolong your treatment time. 

Watch What You Eat

Eating certain types of foods can damage your braces. During your treatment, you need to avoid certain foods completely. These include popcorn and corn on the cob that can get stuck in your braces, hard foods such as nuts that can knock brackets off your teeth, and sticky or chewy foods that can bend wires. Take the instructions seriously and do not run the risk of damaging your braces.

If you follow the instructions and avoid foods that could damage your braces, your treatment can progress according to schedule. Damage to your braces requiring repairs could extend the length of your treatment, increasing the time that you need to avoid your favorite foods. 

Take Care of Your Teeth

Good oral hygiene is even more important when you have braces. It can be more of a challenge to keep your teeth clean when you have to brush and floss around the brackets and wires. However, failing to keep your teeth clean could lead to dental decay that causes problems once you get your braces off. 

You have invested a lot in your orthodontic care. Protect your investment by keeping up excellent dental hygiene. Floss your teeth at least once a day, using floss threaders as needed to get up under the wires. Brush your teeth after every meal. 

If you follow this guide, you can complete your orthodontic treatment on schedule and show off a healthy, beautiful smile when it is complete. 

What Do You Need To Know About Braces?

If you have been told that you need braces, you might be wondering what this entails. A lot of people believe that braces are a rite of passage for teenagers. Even though this is true, people of all ages could benefit from braces in the right situation. If you are looking for orthodontics in Dana Point, CA, learn more about what you should expect, and consider working with an orthodontist from John Redmond Orthodontics.

Who Needs Braces?

So, who needs braces? People with overlapping teeth, gaps in their smiles, or issues with jaw alignment could benefit from braces. This is something that is handled on a case-by-case basis. Usually, your general dentist will notice an alignment issue with your teeth. Then, he or she will refer you to an orthodontist for help. Once you get to the orthodontist, he or she will work with you individually, figuring out what has to happen to improve your smile.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Some people have braces on for a few months. Other people have braces on for more than a year. The exact amount of time it takes is dependent on how far your teeth need to move. The farther your teeth need to move, the longer the process. If you want to move your teeth as quickly as possible, you should make your wishes known to the orthodontist. This could be an important part of orthodontics in Dana Point, CA.

How Do I Take Care of My Teeth?

You need to make sure you take care of your teeth when you have braces on. Even though brushing and flossing regularly are still important, you may need to use specialized flossers to get underneath the wires. You might also want to avoid sticky food, hard food, and other items that could get stuck underneath your brackets or break one of your wires. You should talk to your orthodontist to learn more about how to take care of your teeth when you have braces. This can prevent cavities from forming underneath the braces.

Consider Getting Braces

Everyone is different, and each person needs to manage his or her individual situation. For this reason, you should work with an experienced orthodontist if you need orthodontics in Dana Point, CA. John Redmond Orthodontics might be able to help you. Rely on an orthodontist who has experience with braces and can help you attain the smile you deserve.

The Need for Wearing Braces

Not everyone who needed braces as a child was able to get them. Their family may not have had the financial resources to pay for them, or maybe they lived in an area where orthodontic treatment was not available. As adults, the need for braces may not have waned and now that they have the ability to properly take care of their teeth, they may seek orthodontic care from John Redmond Orthodontics.

We welcome new patients who would like to explore the many advantages of having teeth that are correctly aligned. Here are some of the most popular reasons for why patients choose to get braces as adults:

• Enjoy an improved smile.
• Feel proud of your beautiful teeth.
• Be more comfortable when chewing and swallowing because your jaw is properly aligned.
• Clean your teeth more easily when brushing and flossing.
• In some cases, a realignment of one’s teeth can improve one’s speech patterns.

To learn more about how braces may be a solution for you, contact us at John Redmond Orthodontics, as we will be pleased to schedule an exam for orthodontics Dana Point, CA patients depend on.