Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. In fact, 1 in every 5 patients in orthodontic treatment is an adult. No one is too old for orthodontic treatment.
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many of the same reasons as children. Some adults had orthodontic problems as children but were unable to correct them until now. Others, who had treatment as children, may need further treatment as adults due to relapse or limitations in initial treatment.
BENEFITS OF ADULT ORTHODONTICS
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways. These include:
- Aligning teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile
- Correcting relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long term retainer wear
- Improving the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth
- Creating a better or more comfortable bite and ability to chew
- Addressing missing teeth
- Closing spaces between the teeth
- Reducing excessive wear on the teeth due to grinding or poor bite
- Correcting skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws by combining orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery.
Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. The doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides the patient is not ready for treatment, they are placed on our orthodontic supervisory program.
Appearance of Braces
Many adults are concerned with the appearance of braces. Often, Invisalign® or Spark aligners can be used to treat adults. This technology involves clear removable aligners, fabricated through advanced 3D imaging to align the teeth. For more severe problems, we have the option of clear ceramic brackets instead of metal.
Soreness | Discomfort
Orthodontic treatment is no more uncomfortable for adults than children. Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment report the same level of soreness as children (although adults are more willing to tell us about their soreness).
Typically the teeth are most uncomfortable 12-24 hours after an orthodontic adjustment, and pain will disappear within 3 to 5 days. Modern appliances are smaller and more comfortable to wear. Modern techniques, with new titanium technology put less pressure on the teeth reducing discomfort, while moving the teeth more rapidly and efficiently. This also decreases the time required between adjustments to every 8 – 10 weeks. Treatment time, on average, is completed in 18 months.
Cost
The fee for adult orthodontic treatment is determined in the same way as for children or adolescents. It is based on the severity of the problem, the complexity of the correction, the appliances used, and the length of time to correct.
Dr. Zipper has treated individuals in their 50’s, 60’s and even their 70’s. It is never too late to achieve the smile you have always wanted.
