Fast Adult Orthodontic Options

By Rafael Mercado, DDS on June 17, 2022

Malocclusion problems can compromise oral functions, interfere with oral hygiene habits, and detract from the beauty of the smile. While many people have these types of issues corrected during their adolescent or teen years, it is common for adults to live with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.

Orthodontic treatment realigns the teeth and bite to give people a straighter, healthier smile. Adults who undergo orthodontic treatment often prefer techniques that are fast and discreet. Here, Dr. Rafael Mercado discusses the fast adult orthodontic options that are offered at his Castle Hills, TX, dental practice.

Clear Braces

Traditional braces are one of the most effective orthodontic treatments for advanced malocclusion problems. It is understandable that many adults are looking for a fast solution for their crooked smile. However, braces treatment is not as lengthy as many people may expect. On average, braces treatment lasts between 12 and 18 months, but depending on the severity of malocclusion issues treatment can be done even faster. Since the appearance of braces is often a patient’s primary concern, we are happy to offer clear braces, which blend in nicely with the teeth so that they are far less noticeable than metal braces.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option among our Castle Hills adult patients. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to apply subtle pressure that encourages the teeth and jaw to move into proper alignment. The treatment timeline for Invisalign is similar to that of braces, and again, can be much shorter if alignment issues are minor. Invisalign offers the added benefits of being more comfortable and discreet than traditional braces.

ClearCorrect®

ClearCorrect treatment is very similar to Invisalign. It uses a customized aligner system to correct malocclusion problems and place the teeth and jaw in their proper position. The main difference between Invisalign and ClearCorrect is that Invisalign sometimes requires small attachments on the teeth, and ClearCorrect works without any such attachments. As with other orthodontic techniques, ClearCorrect can correct malocclusion problems in as little as several months, but more advanced malocclusion problems will require a longer treatment.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics,” because they offer our Castle Hills patients a straighter and more attractive looking smile in as little as two dental appointments that are scheduled just a couple of weeks apart. 

The thing to understand about porcelain veneers is that they do not actually correct malocclusion problems. Instead, these restorations bond to the front surface of the teeth to conceal minor alignment problems, including gapped teeth and crooked teeth. Because porcelain veneers are only a cosmetic solution for orthodontic issues, they are not suitable for more advanced misalignment problems. An added benefit of porcelain veneers is that they hide other cosmetic flaws, such as discoloration, dental stains, chips, cracks, and fractures.

Get in Touch

If you are an adult with crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite, the orthodontic treatments offered at Castle Hills Family Dental can help you get the straight smile you have always desired. To learn more about these orthodontic options, and which may be right for you, send us a message online, or call (210) 405-1257.