Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. In fact, according to the AAO, 1 in every 4 patients in orthodontic treatment is an adult in the United States today. No one is too old for orthodontic treatment.
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many of the same reasons as children. Some adults had orthodontic problems as children but were unable to correct them until now. Others, who had treatment as children, may need further treatment as adults due to relapse or limitations in the initial treatment.
Benefits of Treatment
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways.
These include:
- Align the teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile
- Correct relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long-term retainer wear
- Improve the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth
- Create a better or more comfortable bite and ability to chew.
- Address missing teeth
- Close spaces between the teeth
- Reduce excessive wear on the teeth due to grinding or poor bite
- Jaw surgery to correct discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws
Appearance of Braces
Many adults are concerned with the appearance of braces. Often, Invisalign (the invisible alternative to braces) can be used to treat adults. This technology involves clear removable aligners, fabricated through advanced 3D imaging to align the teeth. For more severe problems, we offer Suresmile with the option of clear self-ligating ceramic brackets instead of metal.
Suresmile allows us to offer outstanding orthodontic results 25 to 40% faster and with less discomfort than traditional orthodontic brackets.
Soreness/Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment is no more uncomfortable for adults than children. Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment report the same level of soreness as children (although adults are more willing to tell us about the soreness).
Typically, the teeth are most uncomfortable 12-24 hours after an orthodontic adjustment and soreness will disappear within 3 to 5 days. Modern appliances are smaller and more comfortable to wear. Suresmile reduces discomfort, while moving the teeth more accurately and efficiently. It also decreases the time required between adjustments to every 6 — 10 weeks. Treatment time, on average, is completed in 12-15 months.
Cost
The fee for adult orthodontic treatment is determined the same way as child or adolescent treatment. It is based on the severity of the discrepancy, the complexity of the correction, the appliances used and the length of time to correct.
Out orthodontists have undergone additional training to better serve the special needs of adults. They have focused their training on jaw surgery, occlusion, and implants and will coordinate treatment with your family dentist to address missing teeth and gum disease.
Our office has treated individuals in their 50’s, 60’s, and even 70’s. It is never too late to get the smile you have always wanted.