Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. In fact, 1 in every 5 patients in orthodontic treatment is an adult. No one is too old to wear braces.

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 braces as children, may need further treatment as adults due to relapse or limitations in orthodontic treatment at the time. Whatever the reason, we create beautiful smiles at any age.

Benefits of Treatment
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways. These include:

• Align the teeth to create a more esthetic and beautiful smile
• Correct relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long term retainer wear to prevent movement which occurs during the normal aging process
• Improve the ability to brush and easily floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth, to prevent gum disease
• Create a better or more comfortable bite and the ability to chew food properly
• Recreate space lost as a result of 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 3-D imaging to align the teeth. For more severe problems, we have the option of clear ceramic brackets instead of metal and the new Damon Brace System reduces treatment time in full braces considerably.

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 will disappear within 3 to 5 days. Braces today are smaller and more comfortable to wear. Modern techniques, with the new titanium technology and the Damon Brace System, put less pressure on the teeth to cause discomfort, while moving the teeth more rapidly and efficiently. It also decreases the time required between adjustments to every 10-12 weeks. Treatment time, on average, is completed in 15-18 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 problem, the complexity of the correction, the appliances used and the length of time to correct.

Insurance
Many adults are surprised to find some insurance companies offer orthodontic benefits for adults as well as children. We can help determine if your insurance has a benefit for adult treatment. Our orthodontists at Get-It-Straight continually receive additional training to better serve the special needs of adults. They focus their training on the most advanced treatment options available today. Individuals in their 50’s, 60’s and even their 70’s often wear braces or Invisalign in our office. It is never too late to attain the smile you have always wanted.