When most people hear the term “orthodontics” they immediately picture a teenager wearing braces. Because of this association, some people may not realize that orthodontic treatment can have benefits for patients of all ages – including adults! In fact, we’ve seen more and more adults seeking to transform their smile and correct issues they’ve been dealing with for years. If you’ve been wondering “am I too old for braces?” now is the perfect time to learn how Bowen Family Orthodontics can help!
Dr. Jessica Bowen and the rest of our talented team are proud to offer our patients a variety of treatment options to correct problems including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Let’s take a look at what orthodontics really is, the treatment options available to adult patients, and how Bowen Family Orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Keep reading to learn more!
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty in the dental field, which means an orthodontist is a dentist who has received years of additional education and training in:
- identifying and correcting bite abnormalities
- successfully straightening teeth
- correcting misaligned jaws
- and improving the overall function of the mouth.
An experienced orthodontist will work alongside their patients to diagnose, treat, and prevent dental and facial abnormalities. If issues such as these are left untreated, they can eventually lead to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This can cause pain in the face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. A good orthodontist will be able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, which will improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
Why are more adults now looking into orthodontic treatment?
Everyone has their own reasons for seeking out orthodontic treatment for their smiles. As we get older, we often gain a better understanding of how our oral health is related to our total body health. This knowledge can lead some people to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to take better care of their teeth and gums.
There are also many adult patients who have received orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, and now they wish to finish the process. Touch-up treatment is extremely common, as well. Teeth that were straightened in a patient’s younger years can shift over time due to age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, there are multiple treatment options available, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
There are also adults who have never had treatment before and are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem, and may even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. We fully support any reason you may have for looking into orthodontic treatment for yourself!
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
Whatever your reasons for reaching out to an orthodontist, there are more treatment options available to you than ever before! Bowen Family Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a total smile transformation.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than ever before. 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. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an almost invisible treatment option, can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for image-conscious patients, but 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 your teeth and gently move 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 keep up with the shifting teeth.
All of these options can be a fantastic fit for busy adults! Our team will always take your unique needs and lifestyle into account before recommending the treatment method that would be the best for your smile.
Get the smile you deserve with Bowen Family Orthodontics
We don’t do “one size fits all” treatment here at Bowen Family Orthodontics! Every smile is unique and we know that what works for one patient may not work for another. This is one reason it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist you trust. Dr. Bowen and our talented team will create a customized treatment plan just for you based on your unique needs. You can count on us for a stress-free orthodontic experience from your first appointment to your last!
Our Mullica Hill office is committed to providing patients of all ages with the latest in orthodontic techniques and technology. Dr. Bowen has been creating beautiful smiles in our community for years and she would love the chance to do the same for you! If you’re ready to take the first step towards achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation.