These days, many young people have their teeth successfully straightened with orthodontic treatments, and growing numbers of adults recognise the advantages of orthodontic treatment and even shout about it on social media. If you have ever looked in the mirror and wanted a straighter and healthier smile, then orthodontic treatment could be for you. Although childhood is an excellent time to realign developing teeth, orthodontics can also be very successful during adulthood. Not only that, but transparent aligners or clear aligners such as Invisalign have also made the whole process more discreet and convenient. We answer your questions about having braces fitted as an adult.

1. Is orthodontic treatment just for children?
   Having fixed ceramic braces or clear aligners fitted when you are younger is a great idea because your mouth and jaw are still growing. However orthodontic treatment can be just as successful when you are an adult and sometimes even more necessary. Adult orthodontic cases can sometimes be more complicated than childhood ones because adult teeth have often undergone the strains and stresses of previous damage or dental intervention. Because of this, it is vital that only qualified and experienced practitioners carry out adult orthodontic treatment. For optimum and healthy results, our professional team at Landmark Dental are also able to perform any necessary dental hygiene and other procedures prior to the fitting of orthodontic devices.
2. Do I really need adult orthodontic treatment?
   Being happy with your smile is really important and restoring this can have a huge positive impact on your self-confidence in both business and social contexts. However, as an adult, orthodontic treatment is also important for the health and function of your teeth. Teeth that are misaligned can cause problems such as cracks and fissures, issues with speech, tooth decay and gum disease. As we age it becomes even more important to take care of our teeth and orthodontic treatment can often be the best way to preserve a healthy and happy smile into later adulthood.
3. How long will my orthodontic treatment take?
   Adult teeth require gentle and controlled straightening. This is not a job that can be hurried but more simple cases may only require a few months of treatment. More complex treatments or a combination of treatments may take longer than this but the results and a healthy smile are always worth the time. Your orthodontic specialist is the best person to advise you on expected timescales for your treatment. Although teeth straightening cannot be hurried the good news is that some orthodontic devices, such as Invisalign braces, are virtually undetectable and can be removed for important occasions. Orthodontic treatment is far more convenient and comfortable than it once was.
4. Will I need to wear metal braces to straighten my teeth?
   Each mouth is individual and it takes years of training to understand how different orthodontic devices gently move and adjust teeth. Our team are experts in selecting exactly the right combination of orthodontic tools to suit each of our patients. Some devices, such as Invisalign, offer discreet, almost invisible alignment and are particularly suitable for those who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth during treatment. Even our fixed ceramic braces are either white or transparent and connected with only the thinnest of metal wires. At Landmark Dental we understand the importance to our patients of appearance during treatment and do our very best to assure a satisfactory experience.
5. How much will my adult orthodontic treatment cost?
   Many adults put off essential orthodontic treatment because of worries about costs but this can be false economy because correctly aligned teeth are more likely to be healthy than those that are crooked. At Landmark Dental we work with our patients to make orthodontics more affordable, and we offer low cost consultations and flexible payment plans. Before cost concerns put you off orthodontic treatment, get in touch with our team today to find out exactly what we recommend for your smile and how we can help you pay for improvements.
6. Who is qualified to undertake my orthodontic treatment?
   Qualified orthodontic practitioners are required to have extensive knowledge of facial, teeth and jaw development in order to achieve optimum and safe results during and after orthodontic treatment. Anyone wanting to practice as an orthodontist must train first as a dentist and then undertake a further three years of study at Masters or PhD level. Although general dentists can provide elements of orthodontic treatment, only trained orthodontic specialists have the expertise to ensure optimum results. By choosing our orthodontic experts at Landmark Dental, you will be putting your smile in safe hands.

Orthodontic treatment can be as effective and satisfactory for adults as it is for children. Here at Landmark Dental we create orthodontic treatment plans for patients of all ages. If you are feeling unhappy with your smile or concerned about your teeth, and think that adult orthodontic treatment might be the answer you are looking for, all it takes to find out is a visit to your dentist. Get in touch with the team at Landmark Dental today to hear more about how orthodontics could help you find your way to a happier and healthier smile.