Adult Orthodontics
When teeth are slightly uneven, usually it will worsen gradually over time. Many adults are anxious to correct a tooth that has recently shifted or teeth that have been crowded for years. In order to move a tooth with an orthodontic appliance, a relatively constant force must be applied to the tooth. This means that while wearing an appliance only in the home might be desirable, it will usually not be effective in aligning shifted teeth.

Traditional braces, including less noticeable tooth-colored braces, provide a constant force, and quickly become tolerated by the patient since they cannot be removed. Braces are also the most effective tooth moving appliances, particularly with more complex cases.

Invisalign is a series of transparent aligners, each worn for two weeks, which gradually aligns your teeth. Most cases can be treated with Invisalign, and all cases with a combination of Invisalign and a short course of braces. The advantage of Invisalign is that speech is not affected at all, and they are essentially invisible. Also, teeth further back than the front four incisors can often be aligned.

For very slight corrections, both the spring aligner and Invisalign are equally effective, with the cost significantly less for the spring aligner. For corrections of more moderate crowding, the spring aligner becomes less of an option, leaving only Invisalign and braces as options.

Correction of severe crowding usually involves removal of teeth prior to treatment to create the space needed to align the crooked teeth. These cases are not well suited to Invisalign, though in some instances braces can be removed earlier, with Invisalign providing the finishing touches.

Dr. Goodman is a Certified Invisalign® Provider