Adult braces and Invisalign treatment is extremely common in the orthodontic world today – especially at Fry Orthodontics! In this blog, we hope to answer all of your questions about adult braces options and whether or not it’s right for you.
Am I too old for braces?
This is a common question we hear when a patient schedules a free consultation at our office. The bottom line is this: healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Adults who are seeking orthodontic treatment can achieve a healthier smile and increase self-confidence. Many adults get treatment prior to getting married or beginning a new career, while others seek to correct issues they’ve experienced since childhood. About 30% of our current patients are adults at Fry Orthodontics.
Adult Braces Options
All options are on the table! We would love to sit down and discuss with you what your goals are for your smile. If a patient is wanting to disguise their orthodontic treatment, they might choose clear adult braces. These are clear, ceramic brackets that are placed on the teeth and less noticeable than our traditional metal braces. However, many patient’s do opt for adult metal braces – especially when going through treatment with their own child! The most common orthodontic option many people choose is Invisalign, the “invisible” way to straighten your teeth through a series of clear aligners.
The Process
The orthodontic process is similar for teens and adults. We always carefully evaluate the gum tissue and the bones that support the teeth regardless of the patient’s age. Over time, the mechanisms of teeth, gums, and bone may change. This means adult bones may be more firm and no longer growing. This may result in a slightly slower process of moving teeth into their new position, but not necessarily. Our average treatment time at Fry Orthodontics is just 16 months! This means most people can have a new smile in as little as a year and a half.
The Treatment
Are you concerned about how you will look, or what the treatment steps will be? Advancements in orthodontics have paved the way for new appliances and technology. Once you meet with our doctor to discuss your treatment options, you will have a clear understanding of what it will be like wearing braces or Invisalign as and adult. For example, the iTero scanner allows us to show you a comprehensive view of what your teeth will look like at the end of Invisalign treatment (if that’s the route you choose to go). This is a simple, digital scan of your teeth that takes minutes to complete.
What to Expect At Your First Appointment
At Fry Orthodontics, we want you to be happy with your smile! At your free consultation with our office, we will evaluate your dental history, bite alignment, and overall health of your teeth. We offer complimentary panoramic x-rays so our doctor can get a broad view of your entire mouth before recommending treatment. Our team of specialists will work with you individually to customize a course of action that best fits your personal goals and financial needs. We offer a variety of payment plans, no-interest financing options, and even the opportunity to get started that same day if you’re interested. Your first appointment to learn about adult braces will provide you with all the information you need to make a confident decision on pursuing orthodontic treatment.
How Orthodontics will improve your dental health at any age
Did you know that by straightening teeth and bite issues, you are also improving your overall dental hygiene? Orthodontics reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making it easier for you to brush and floss without any teeth overlapping. Having proper alignment eliminates the chances of food getting trapped in hard to reach places that eventually leads to plaque buildup and cavities.
Headaches
Are you someone who has dealt with headaches all your life? What about jaw issues? The two go hand-in-hand. Many times when adults choose to fix their smile through braces or Invisalign, they notice their jaw pain and headaches disappear. This is because as Orthodontists, we not only straighten teeth but jaw alignment as well. If your bite is off, this could be a big reason you are experiencing jaw pain or headaches so frequently.
If you’re considering adult braces, NOW is the time!
Fry Orthodontics has convenient locations surrounding the Kansas City area. Our caring staff will provide you with timely, quality care that will achieve the results you’ve always wanted. We truly believe it’s never too late to improve your smile! Whether you’re wanting that added boost of confidence, or looking to improve the overall health of your teeth long-term, adult braces or Invisalign is the way to go!
Ready to schedule your free consultation with our office? Give us a call at 913-469-6491 or visit our website, www.fryorthodontics.com.