Silver Spring dentist and orthodontist Dr. David Rever works with adult patients to determine the best treatment for their health. As an experienced general dentist, Dr. Rever can meet your orthodontic needs, including treating crooked and overcrowded teeth. Adult orthodontics in Silver Spring, MD, can straighten your teeth to improve the look and health of your smile.
Adult treatment options can range from traditional metal braces to several invisible braces. We aim to restore your teeth for a natural, balanced, and functional bite.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
We can straighten crooked teeth, address bite concerns, and realign teeth that shift after previous treatment. A straighter smile is also a healthier smile. Straightening teeth can prevent common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
It can be difficult to clean between crooked teeth. Harmful bacteria that cause tooth and gum infections can build between teeth. Braces and aligners can support your long-term dental health. After you straighten your teeth, it will be simpler to brush and floss. Once you reach your cosmetic goals, you will be more motivated to care for your teeth and gums.
Adult Orthodontics in Silver Spring, MD
Many adults could benefit from orthodontic treatment, even if they had braces as a child. The many advances in technique, materials, and the growth of invisible braces enable adult patients to address various dental health concerns. Depending on your needs, treatment options can include the following:
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments. Braces can straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. They consist of traditional metal brackets, wires, and elastic on the front of the teeth.
During braces treatment, our orthodontist bonds metal brackets to the teeth. They feed a metal archwire through them. Our orthodontist will adjust the archwire at regular visits to move the teeth into straighter positions. Metal braces continue to be an effective method for correcting dental issues. We use metal braces to correct more complex tooth misalignment and bite problems.
Clear Braces
This increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option helps straighten teeth without less noticeable braces. Clear braces are a light or clear plastic version of traditional brackets and wires. They are less noticeable than conventional metal braces and offer a discreet way to achieve a straighter smile.
There are several types of invisible braces available that can reposition the teeth for mild to moderate concerns or cosmetic goals. Clear braces can treat many orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Our orthodontist places clear braces on the front of the teeth, the same way as metal braces.
Clear Aligners
This modern treatment is more discreet than metal braces. Clear aligners offer effective treatment for mild to moderate concerns. Our clear aligners consist of flexible plastic aligners. We customize these aligners for each patient.
Patients’ teeth will straighten as they switch out each pair of aligners every two weeks. The aligners move the teeth into position over time. This results in a beautiful and natural smile. Clear aligners provide an efficient and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. They allow patients to enjoy their results without worrying about metal brackets or wires.
Dr. Rever offers ClearCorrect and is a Silver Spring Invisalign® provider. These clear aligner systems offer relatively fast treatment times with great cosmetic results.
Lingual Braces
These braces are similar to traditional metal braces. However, we attach them to the back of the teeth. This makes your treatment “invisible.” These braces are effective for adults and children.
Like other braces, they can correct crowding, spacing problems, cross bites, over bites, and under bites. However, because of their placement, they may be difficult to clean.
Functional Orthodontics
These fixed or removable appliances are best for children, as they change the structure of the jaw or palate. They allow for a more comfortable and healthy bite. We often use orthodontic devices with braces for comprehensive treatment that will provide lasting results.
Many children may need early treatment to help their jaw and palate develop properly. Early care can prevent future orthodontic and TMJ problems.
Healthy smiles and great results: the benefits of high-quality care under one roof.
I had my braces done at Advanced Total Dental Care with Dr. Rever; he and his staff are always very welcoming and professional. Dr. Rever is a perfectionist and will leave your teeth as straight as can be. I’m extremely satisfied with the work that he did through the course of my treatment. He runs a very up to date and friendly office, never disappoints! Patricia R.
Do Adults Need to Wear a Retainer After Braces?
Yes, wearing a retainer keeps teeth straight. Everyone who completes orthodontic treatment should wear a retainer. You can maintain your new smile by wearing a retainer daily. This device helps maintain your tooth position. It prevents them from moving back to their original position.
A retainer uses plastic, wire, or acrylic. The method of wearing a retainer depends on movement between the teeth before and after treatment. At first, we recommend wearing your retainer constantly. After some time, we may recommend wearing them at night.
Dr. Rever will discuss the correct type of retainer for you. He will also provide at-home instructions on keeping your smile looking its best. Like mouthguards, you can soak your retainer in a mouthguard cleaner. You can also clean your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild liquid soap. Toothpaste can be too harsh for the retainer.
We will also provide a case. If you lose your retainer or do not wear it for days at a time, you will need a replacement. Let us know, and we will create one for you.
Adult Orthodontics FAQs
Read answers to commonly asked questions about adult orthodontics in Silver Spring, MD:
What problems can orthodontics for adults treat?
Orthodontics for adults can treat a variety of dental problems. Braces or clear aligners can straighten teeth that are crowded, overlapping, or out of place.
Orthodontics can close gaps between teeth to give you a more even smile. It can also fix issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites.
Are orthodontics as effective in adults?
Yes! The main difference is that adults might need to wear braces or aligners a little longer than younger patients. Adult bones are denser and teeth move more slowly. However, the results are still great!
Adults have fully developed jaws, so orthodontics might not change the shape of the jaw as much as it can in younger patients. However, it can still straighten teeth and fix bite problems. Adults also have more choices, like clear aligners or lingual braces, which are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
What are the benefits of adult orthodontics?
Adult orthodontics, like braces or Invisalign, offers several benefits beyond just straightening your teeth.
For adults, these treatments can improve your health. When your teeth are crooked or crowded, it can be harder to clean them properly, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Straightening your teeth makes it easier to brush, floss, and keep your mouth healthy.
Another advantage is fixing bite problems. If your teeth don’t line up correctly, it can cause issues like jaw pain, headaches, or uneven wear on your teeth. Orthodontics can correct these problems, making it more comfortable to eat and speak. It can also prevent future dental issues, such as chipped or cracked teeth, by ensuring your teeth fit together properly.
Adult orthodontics can also boost your confidence. A straighter smile can make you feel better about your appearance, which can improve your social and professional life. Modern options like clear aligners are less noticeable so you can straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious.
What are the least noticeable orthodontic options for adults?
If you’re an adult looking for orthodontic treatment but want to keep it low-key, several options are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Lingual braces, Invisalign, and ClearCorrect are the least noticeable options to straighten crooked teeth. We will examine your bite to see if you are a good candidate for these options.
Is there an age cap for orthodontic treatment?
Whether you’re a teenager, adult, or even a senior, you can still get braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, orthodontics can work for you. Our office will ensure you are healthy before treatment.
Can I get orthodontics if I have dental implants?
Yes, you can still get orthodontic treatment even if you have dental implants. However, the implants will not move.
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are fixed in place because they’re fused to your jawbone. This means they won’t move during orthodontic treatment. We will plan your treatment around the implant.
What is the fastest orthodontic treatment for adults?
If you’re looking for the fastest orthodontic treatment as an adult, the speed depends on your specific needs and how much your teeth need to move. But one of the fastest options is Invisalign. Many patients can complete treatment under one year. However, we must ensure you are a good candidate for Invisalign before treatment. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate concerns.
Does insurance cover orthodontics for adults?
Orthodontics for adult patients may not be covered by insurance. In many cases, insurance sees treatment for adults as cosmetic. However, our office accepts financing through CareCredit to make treatment manageable for patients.
Make A Free Consultation
Do you hide your smile? Are you looking for treatment for an uncomfortable bite or jaw pain? Dr. Rever welcomes new adult patients seeking dental care. He provides comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment. Fixing crooked teeth can create an even, comfortable bite.
See what adult orthodontics in Silver Spring, MD, can do for your smile. Call us at (301) 637-0960. You can also schedule an appointment online. Our Silver Spring office serves many local areas, including Fairland, Laurel, Burtonsville, Colesville, and Columbia, MD. If you have any questions about straightening your teeth, please let us know at your next visit.