Orthodontic care is not only for children and teens; adults can also benefit significantly from treatment. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult, highlighting the value and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment at any age.
Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment
Adults may seek orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons, often similar to those of younger patients.
- Late Correction: Some adults had orthodontic issues during childhood that were never treated, and they now seek to address them.
- Relapse: Others may have had treatment in the past but require further intervention due to relapse or inadequate initial treatment.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can provide many advantages for adults, such as:
- Enhanced Smile Aesthetics: Aligning teeth to create a more attractive and confident smile.
- Post-Treatment Relapse Correction: Correcting misalignments that have returned due to inadequate retainer use.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Facilitating better brushing and flossing, especially for crowded or overlapping teeth.
- Functional Bite Improvement: Enhancing comfort and efficiency in chewing.
- Addressing Missing Teeth: Helping in the alignment and preparation for tooth replacement options.
- Space Closure: Closing gaps between teeth for a more cohesive dental appearance.
- Reduction of Wear: Minimizing excessive wear on teeth caused by grinding or a poor bite.
- Jaw Alignment Surgery: Offering solutions for discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Options for a Discreet Treatment Experience
Many adults are concerned about the appearance of braces. Fortunately, there are modern, less conspicuous options available:
- Clear Aligners: A popular choice involving clear, removable aligners that use advanced 3D imaging technology to gradually align teeth. This option is particularly appealing to those seeking a less visible treatment.
- Clear Ceramic Brackets: For more complex cases, clear ceramic brackets can be an alternative to traditional metal braces, providing a subtler look.
Managing Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment for adults is usually not more uncomfortable than it is for children. Typically, patients may feel soreness for 12-24 hours after an adjustment, which generally subsides within 3 to 5 days.
Advancements in orthodontic technology, such as smaller appliances and new titanium techniques, have lessened discomfort and shortened the time needed between adjustments to every 8-10 weeks. Most treatments are completed in approximately 15-18 months.
Treatment Costs
The cost of orthodontic treatment for adults is determined in a similar way to that for children or adolescents. It depends on factors such as the severity of the orthodontic issue, the complexity of the treatment, the type of appliances used, and the duration of the treatment.
Dr. Lew B. Sample and Dr. Lauren Sharp Newton have successfully treated patients in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s, proving that it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to start your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.
