Braces for adults

Although orthodontic treatment was once seen solely as a rite of passage for teens, there is been a shift in the way patients think, and orthodontists are treating more adults than ever before. In fact, about 1 in every 4 current orthodontic patients is over the age of 18, a record number!

With the number of adult patients in braces or seeking orthodontic treatment on the rise, there is never been a better time to explore how Unger Orthodontics can give you the beautifully aligned and fully functional smile you have always wanted!

Have you spent years being unhappy with the way your smile looks or feels, but always thought you were past the age you could do anything about it? Would you love to possess a straighter smile but are not sure that you can pull off braces as an adult? Has it become difficult to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they should be over the years? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then adult braces could be just what you are looking for! Here at Unger Orthodontics, we believe a beautiful, healthy smile should be available to patients of all ages. It is never too late for you to take advantage of the innovative orthodontic treatment we offer to correct a variety of orthodontic issues, like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more.

To learn more about what orthodontics is, and what our team has to offer adult patients like you, keep reading!

What exactly is orthodontics?

If you picture dentistry as an umbrella, orthodontics is a specialty underneath it. An orthodontist is essentially a dentist who has completed years of highly specialized training in identifying and correcting bite abnormalities in addition to dental school. This extra training and experience gives orthodontists the skills they need to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

Orthodontics as a whole focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. When left untreated over time, these issues can worsen, causing abnormal wear and tear to the surface of your teeth and excess stress on the gum tissue and bone. This can result in headaches, pain in the face and neck, or even difficulties with chewing or speech. By choosing an experienced orthodontist to diagnose and treat your oral issues, you will be putting your smile in the very best hands.

What you can expect from an orthodontic appointment?

We view your first visit to Unger Orthodontics as one of the most important ones! We know that first impressions stick, and we value this opportunity to get to know you and assess your orthodontic needs. We want to wow you from the moment you walk in our door, and that starts by offering you a complimentary initial consultation. After our doctor performs an oral examination and we do digital photographs and/or x-rays of your teeth, he will discuss your diagnosis and orthodontic treatment options with you in detail. This visit will also include creating a customized treatment plan for you. We will let you know your estimated treatment time and set up an appointment for you to come back and have your braces put on.

Why are more adults seeking orthodontic treatment?

As we age, we will often come to a better understanding of how our oral health is connected to our overall health, giving us a renewed desire to take better care of our teeth and gums. There are also many adults who received some orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, or if treatment was finished, they did not wear their retainer as directed afterward. Teeth that were straightened can shift over the years. As an adult, you may want to complete the process you started, or redo your orthodontic treatment completely, to achieve the straight and healthy smile you have always wanted. Whatever the reason for seeking treatment, there do tend to be some common issues that cause dental problems in the first place, including:

  • a bad bite, known as a malocclusion, that causes the teeth to fit together incorrectly
  • crowded teeth
  • gaps in teeth
  • abnormal jaw pain, or pressure, that is caused by crooked teeth

Of course, you may simply want to improve your smile cosmetically, something we fully support. Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment to create a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile often find it increases their confidence and gives them a boost of self-esteem!

Orthodontic options for adult patients

There are more choices available than ever before for adult patients who seek a smile makeover. We are proud to offer the following treatments.

Traditional metal braces –

 

These easily recognizable appliances are classic for a reason! When it comes to effective metal braces for adults, these deliver excellent results, particularly in more severe or complicated cases. Made of high-quality stainless steel, modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and the treatment time itself is often shorter than it used to be. There are common cases where you will see this option of metal braces on adults.

Ceramic braces

Functioning in much the same way traditional braces do, these braces use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. These brackets come in white or are tooth-colored, allowing them to blend into your smile. Ceramic braces are an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a more discreet treatment option. They are more delicate than metal braces, however, so we will generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.

Invisalign® clear aligners –

The Invisalign system consists of removable plastic trays, or aligners, that are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gently move them into the desired positions over time.

Are you ready to take the first steps to improve your smile?

Here at Unger Orthodontics, our team will customize a treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and goals. We are dedicated to providing a top-quality orthodontic experience for you, from your complimentary consultation to the day you get your braces off – and beyond!