If you typically associate orthodontic treatment to teenagers with braces, you’re not alone! While it’s true that many patients choose to start their treatment as adolescents, more adults than ever before are beginning to seek out orthodontics to achieve straighter, healthier smiles. This is great news for anyone who’s been wondering “am I too old for braces?” In fact, people over the age of 18 make up about 20% of all new orthodontic patients!
If you’ve spent your life self-conscious of how your teeth look or function, now is the perfect time to explore how Designer Smiles by Benton can help you. We’re proud to offer a variety of treatment options that can efficiently correct any number of oral health issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more.
In order to help you make the best decision for your smile, we’re taking a closer look at what orthodontics really is, what treatment options are available to our adult patients, and how our expert team can work with you to help achieve the smile you deserve. To learn more, keep reading below!
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty field under the umbrella of dentistry. Therefore, an orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone years of additional education and training in:
- correcting misaligned jaws
- identifying and correcting bite abnormalities
- improving the overall function of the mouth
- and successfully straightening teeth.
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Benton and Dr. Barry are dedicated to working together to diagnose and treat any dental or facial abnormalities a patient may have. If orthodontic issues are left untreated long-term they can eventually lead to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gums, and bone. This can result in pain in the face and neck, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing and speaking. The doctors at Designer Smiles will thoroughly examine your mouth in order to successfully diagnose and treat these types of issues, which will improve the look and function of your smile.
Why are more adults now considering orthodontic treatment?
Everyone has their own personal reasons for seeking out orthodontic treatment as an adult. One major factor is that as we get older we often learn more about the correlation between our oral and overall health. This knowledge leads many people to pursue dental or orthodontic treatment that will help them to better care for their teeth and gums.
At Designer Smiles, we also see many adult patients who started orthodontic treatment earlier in life, and now want to complete the process. Touch up treatment is also common, since teeth that were straightened in a patient’s youth may shift over time due to aging, genetics, or improper use of retainers. In these cases, there are multiples options available, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or Invisalign clear aligners.
There are also adults who have never pursued orthodontic treatment and are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smiles. This can lead to increased self-confidence and can even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. Our team fully supports you, whatever your reason for pursuing orthodontic treatment!
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
Regardless of your reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, there are more options available to you than ever before! Designer Smiles offers the following treatments for your total smile transformation.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and for good reason! This is one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complex cases. Modern braces are made from high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design make them much more comfortable than older versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Clear braces
These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. These brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an almost invisible treatment option, they can be paired with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for patients who want a more discreet straightening option. However, because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth, and gently shift them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to accommodate the shifting teeth.
Each one of these options can be an excellent fit for adults with a busy lifestyle. Dr. Benton and Dr. Barry will always take your unique needs into account before recommending the best treatment method for your smile.
Get the healthy smile you’ve always wanted with Designer Smiles Orthodontics
Here at Designer Smiles, we go above and beyond for each and every patient we see. We know that every smile is unique and what works for one smile may not be the best fit for another. This is why it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Benton and Dr. Barry! They’ll create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs, and you can always count on us for a positive orthodontic experience and beautiful results that last a lifetime!
Our offices in Oxford and Pell City are committed to providing patients of all ages with the most up-to-date orthodontic treatments and technology. We’ve been crafting amazing smiles in our community for 35 years, and we’re excited to do the same for you! Contact our office today to schedule your FREE consultation!