Braces for Adults & Other Orthodontic Treatments
It’s never too late to get the smile you deserve.
Braces for adults + other options
Don’t let age hold you back from a confident smile. Teeth can shift throughout life, impacting both oral health and self-esteem. At Great Smiles, we offer braces for adults and a variety of other orthodontic treatments including invisible aligners like Invisalign, wired and clear braces, and retainers. First, we meet with potential patients to understand their needs and wants and then develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address these concerns, whether cosmetic or functional.
At Great Smiles you will find a caring, welcoming, and efficient staff ready to help make achieving a straighter smile easier than ever. Choose from braces for adults or any orthodontic treatment that fits into your lifestyle.
Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatments can offer a beautiful smile for cosmetic benefits as well as functional improvements, including:
- Improved Bite Function: making chewing easier and reducing stress on the jaw joint.
- Enhanced Speech Clarity: can help improve your speech clarity and pronunciation.
- Easier Oral Hygiene: straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Boosted Confidence: a straighter smile can significantly improve your confidence and self-esteem.
If you experience any of these concerns, scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist can help determine if braces for adults or other orthodontic treatment options are right.
Are adults getting braces?
Orthodontic treatments are not just for kids! According to the most recent AAO Economics of Orthodontics and Patient Census survey 33% of orthodontic patients are now adults. Whether wired or clear braces for adults, invisible aligners, or retainers, more and more adults are looking to achieve a more confident smile.
Unlike the metal braces of childhood, adult braces and orthodontic treatments offer a range of discreet and comfortable options designed for your busy lifestyle. These address the common concerns adults have about orthodontic treatment.
What are options for adult braces?
They are many types of braces. Dental braces are devices used to gradually apply gentle pressure on teeth, slowly shifting them into a more optimal position. This improves not only the aesthetics of the smile but also the function of teeth, making it easier to bite, chew, and speak. Braces can be wired, ceramic (tooth-colored), or lingual (behind the teeth).
What are other ortho options?
Some adults choose to get clear aligners (most common is the brand Invisalign) as they are nearly invisible trays that gradually shift teeth into place. While this option is often viewed as more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, it’s important to note that this option is not appropriate for every need and can take longer.
Lastly, only an orthodontist expert, who has additional training, can offer the comprehensive treatment options including invisible aligners or braces for adults.
Our experts answers your questions on adult braces
Who Should Get Braces?
Wondering if adult braces are right for you? Here’s a quick guide:
Good candidates for braces might have:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Speech difficulties due to misaligned teeth
Hold off on braces for now if you have:
- Untreated cavities
- Gum disease
- Planned dental implants (talk to your dentist first)
The best way to know for sure? Schedule a consultation with a Great Smiles orthodontist! They’ll examine your smile and discuss your options for achieving a straighter, healthier smile.
Should you choose clear aligners or invisalign?
While both clear aligners and Invisalign are great options for straightening teeth, there is a key distinction:
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Clear Aligners: This is a general term for any removable aligner system used for orthodontic treatment. There are many brands besides Invisalign that offer clear aligner treatment.
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Invisalign: This is a specific brand of clear aligners manufactured by Align Technology. It’s a very popular brand known for its effectiveness and innovation.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Invisalign
- Pros: Widely recognized brand with a proven track record, may offer more customization for complex cases.
- Cons: Might be more expensive than some generic clear aligner options.
Clear Aligners (other brands)
- Pros: Can potentially be more affordable than Invisalign.
- Cons: May not have the same level of brand recognition or customization options as Invisalign.
Here’s what Great Smiles recommends:
We offer consultations with our experienced orthodontists to assess your individual needs and recommend the best clear aligner option for you, considering factors like budget and complexity of your case. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your smile goals!
How Long Do Braces Take to Work?
Adult braces typically take 1.5 to 2 years to achieve a straighter smile. However, complex cases can take up to 3 years.
For a more precise estimate, schedule a consultation with a Great Smiles orthodontist! They’ll assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan with a specific timeline.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Options
When you’re an adult, every day is a busy day. We want your time in the patient’s chair and your time during treatment to be as stress-free as possible. Our focus is to bring you options that will fit your lifestyle, match your unique needs, and keep you feeling confident from start to finish.
Invisalign™
Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable that are virtually invisible and comfortable! Don’t shake up your routine or throw out your favorite snacks – Invisalign makes treatment feel like a breeze.
Braces
Considered “traditional braces“, adults can choose wired or clear braces. Customize your look or keep it low-profile with tooth-colored wires and elastics. These braces for adults are best for more significant tooth or jaw alignment issues.
Retainers
To keep your smile looking its best, your retainer will be your lifelong friend. We have a variety of retainers available to fit your needs and keep teeth straight after your orthodontic treatment is complete, including clear and lingual-bonded retainers.
Affording the Best Care
Our Great Smiles team works to find the best way to fit great dental care into your budget, with awesome payment options, maximized insurance benefits, and affordable solutions. Our FAQ pages have some answers to common questions about Invisalign or braces costs as well as dentist costs. Or, feel free to contact us for help. Plus, research shows that early dental visits can lower long-term costs, so we encourage families to come visit us at one of our five Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics locations.
