It’s never too late for the perfect smile

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. All over the country, adults are a growing segment of the orthodontic patient population. Whether these adults had braces as children and subsequently stopped wearing retainers or were never afforded the opportunity, many adults are now taking control of their oral health and experiencing first hand that a great smile isn’t far away.

Adult orthodontics

While pre-teens and teens are still the majority of the patient population, many adults are beginning to inquire about treatment for themselves, especially once their childrens’ treatments are complete. Now that adults are living longer, there is a greater emphasis on preserving teeth through tooth alignment, bite correction, and smile enhancement. Gone are the days when crowded teeth would be removed in order to eliminate a problem. In many cases, those teeth can be maintained and moved orthodontically to reshape the arch and relieve crowding.

Modified treatment goals

The main distinctions between child and adult orthodontics are mainly two-fold: the goals of treatment and the multi-disciplinary nature of the case. First, an ideal treatment plan is one that addresses most, if not all, of the issues in an orthodontic problem list. This plan is typically available to the child patient because they are growing, have healthy teeth that will move rapidly, and their treatment can be accomplished in a timely manner. With a non-growing, or adult patient, an ideal treatment plan is not always realistic or recommended. In patients who are missing teeth or have periodontal concerns, worn teeth or a heavily restored dentition (i.e. many crowns, fillings, or permanent structures like implants), sometimes less is more. Therefore, we may choose to scale back our goals to address one or two or three main concerns. Our ideal plan becomes a new modified ideal, always keeping in mind the patient’s chief concerns and existing dental health.

Multi-disciplinary treatment

Second, orthodontic treatment with adults is often multi-disciplinary. Many adults are under the care of a periodontist (gum specialist) or prosthodontist (tooth replacement specialist) or may have had a lot of dental work done in the past. Therefore, it is essential that the orthodontist work as part of a team of dental experts to coordinate treatment for the mature patient. The orthodontic treatment may be just one small component of a larger treatment plan that requires tooth movement prior to a final dental procedure, like a crown or implant, for example. It is important that dentists consider orthodontic tooth movement when planning treatment so that patients can be aware of all their options and select the best one for them.

Above all else, the role that orthodontics can play in the life of an adult as well as a child is its ability to improve self-esteem and self-confidence. When someone has lived years with crowded teeth and then over the course of six months, they see that crowding resolve, it’s magical. We hear time and again the phrase “I only wish I’d done it sooner”. Now, with extended treatment options such as clear braces, Invisalign and limited treatments finished in a short amount of time, orthodontics has become a reality for many adults.

Complimentary new patient visits

So, what are you waiting for? If you want to learn what’s possible, new patient visits are always complimentary. You will learn all your treatment options, ranging from limited to comprehensive, as well as the costs involved. Just call our office today to realize your dream of a beautiful smile. It’s what keeps me coming back day after day.