We often think of orthodontic treatment as something for children and teens. And while they are the largest segment of our patient population at Jones & DeShon orthodontics, we also work with a large number of adults.
Our adult patients come to us for a variety of reasons, but all their reasons fall under one primary motivation: to have a healthy, more beautiful smile.
So if you’re an adult who didn’t have access to orthodontic treatment as a child or did have braces but didn’t wear a retainer, we’re here to tell you that NO, you’re NEVER too old to see an orthodontist.
Braces or Invisalign?
Many of our adult patients say they have put off orthodontic treatment because they didn’t want to live with a mouthful of metal. If that’s how you feel, we have good news for you! Today’s orthodontic treatment options aren’t as clunky as older appliances may have felt, and we can even straighten your smile without braces.
Our adult patients choose among three options:
Invisalign
These clear aligners straighten your teeth without any metal. We will customize a scan for you right in our office to produce a custom set of aligners that will gradually move your teeth into place. Adults love Invisalign aligners because they are virtually invisible and don’t come with the food restrictions of braces. [Get your Invisalign questions answered in our FAQ.]
Ceramic braces
Our ceramic braces function exactly like traditional metal braces, but they are translucent and many patients find them more comfortable than metal braces.
Low-profile traditional metal braces
Yes, they’re metal braces, but we use braces that are very low profile and made of high-grade stainless steel. Patients tolerate them well and find them to be less intrusive than braces of the past.
How long will my treatment last?
Your total treatment time will depend on your specific orthodontic challenges. On average, patients spend 18-24 months in orthodontic treatment. Our appliances are designed to straighten your teeth safely and as efficiently as possible.
If you’ve been looking for information on orthodontics for adults, you’ve likely come across clear aligner products that claim to straighten your teeth in as little as six months without a single orthodontic visit. So why spend more than a year in braces or Invisalign?
These mail-order products promise more than they can deliver.
The primary advantage of seeing an orthodontist in person is the orthodontist! While many mail-order products claim to have orthodontists on staff who evaluate your case, you have no direct contact with that person. As a result, your appliances are created with an incomplete picture of your dental health.
Part of the initial consultation at an orthodontist’s office is to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to withstand orthodontic treatment. Patients with significant gum loss or tooth decay may not be candidates for certain kinds of treatment or they may need to seek dental treatment first. Couple this with the fact that the aligners are created based on impressions rather than digital scans, and these products post a risk to your overall dental health. [Why should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?]
Can I really achieve overall health benefits from orthodontic treatment?
YES! With proper dental hygiene, your improved bite will help reduce your risk of gum disease or periodontal disease and help prevent further tooth decay. These conditions have been linked to heart disease, liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. [Read more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment.]
What’s the next step?
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. After a thorough examination, we will discuss treatment options and review our flexible payment plans. Remember, we offer discounts for public employees, including law enforcement, EMS workers, and employees of state and federal government.