Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. In fact, 20% of all orthodontic patients are adults! 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 initial treatment.
Dr. Howard Jue has treated individuals in their 50’s, 60’s and even their 70’s. It is never too late to have the smile you always wanted.
Benefits of Treatment
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways. These include:
- Aligning the teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile
- Correcting relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long term retainer wear
- Improving the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth
- Creating a more comfortable bite and improved ability to chew
- Improving the family dentist’s ability to optimally restore missing teeth
- Closing spaces between the teeth
- Reducing excessive wear on the teeth due to a grinding habit or poor bite
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 sequentially align the teeth. For more severe orthodontic problems, we have the option of using clear ceramic brackets – they are almost invisible!
Soreness/Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment is no more uncomfortable for adults than it is for children. Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment report the same level of soreness as children.
Typically, the teeth are most uncomfortable 12-24 hours after an orthodontic adjustment and the discomfort will disappear within 3 to 5 days. Modern appliances are smaller and more comfortable to wear. We use modern orthodontic technologies which put less pressure on the teeth and moves the teeth more rapidly and efficiently. This increases the time required between adjustments to every 8 – 10 weeks while decreasing the length of treatment. 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 required to achieve an excellent result.
Call our office for an initial complimentary examination, and we will be able to determine the best time and type of orthodontic treatment needed. We will review with you the treatment plan, the length of treatment, and the approximate cost