Empowered by the knowledge that one is never too old to have orthodontic care, more and more adults are coming to our office to correct for misaligned teeth, malocclusions (bad bites), jaw problems and other issues affecting the appearance and health of their smiles.
At our office, we tailor care to address individual orthodontic needs, our patients’ lifestyles, and budgets.
With the wide variety of orthodontic treatment options available to adults today, wearing braces is often not necessary anymore. Most adults can be treated with Invisalign or 3M clear aligners. Bulky metal braces are indeed a thing of the past.
Every smile is different. While most adults are candidates for clear aligner treatment, some patients still require fixed braces. In these situations, we often use a hybrid type of treatment where we use clear aligners for most of the movements and only use fixed appliances for a short period of time to accomplish the most challenging movements.
Remember, there's more to a straight smile than the sheer beauty of it. Well-aligned teeth support good oral health, optimal jaw function, and overall well-being.
For adults seeking orthodontic care, it’s essential to keep in mind that achieving a successful outcome relies on healthy teeth and supporting bone. While it’s critical to address outstanding dental issues before the start of orthodontic care, it’s also important to continue maintaining the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues both during and following treatment.
Although adult orthodontics requires an investment of time and resources, the payoff is well worth it. Thanks to modern orthodontics, having teeth that look good and function well is something that can be enjoyed at any age!
There’s a misconception that adult teeth have become fixed in place and cannot benefit from orthodontic treatment. While it’s true that adult jawbones have become firmer and more resistant to change, it’s still possible to adjust the position of teeth and produce a beautiful smile. Over 1.5 million adults receive orthodontic care every year based on data from 2016, and that number is only rising.
When your jaw and teeth are properly aligned there are fewer spaces for bacteria and plaque to hide when you’re cleaning your teeth. This helps to prevent decay and gum disease. Improperly aligned teeth result in additional wear and tear that can cause serious problems over time. Fixing the alignment of your teeth helps them work properly and eliminates this abnormal wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your natural teeth and saving expensive replacement of worn teeth with crowns.
While missing teeth can change the exact nature of your orthodontic treatment, most patients can benefit from orthodontic treatment even with missing teeth. Depending on the details of your oral health it might be possible to adjust your teeth by moving them closer together rather than leaving a gap for an implant or bridge. The specifics of your treatment will be discussed during a consultation with Dr. Broess.
When you see advertisements saying you can get perfect teeth in just a visit or two, they’re talking about cosmetic treatments. These cosmetic treatments don’t actually address the problems with your teeth, instead, they put a good face on them while leaving the actual problem intact. Porcelain veneers, lumineers, and other treatments don’t correct your dental alignment, they just give your teeth the appearance of being straight. While this is a valid option for some patients, it doesn’t implicitly improve the lifespan of your natural teeth.
Reach out today to schedule an appointment to decide what the best treatment option is for you.