A guide to adult orthodontic treatment

Thanks in part to an ever-increasing range of affordable treatment options, more adults than ever have been using orthodontics to improve their oral health. Although teens still make up the largest percentage of orthodontic patients, we’re seeing children and adults close that gap every day! Here at Oread Orthodontics, we’re proud to create beautiful smiles for patients of all ages in Lawrence, Topeka, and the surrounding communities. If you’ve spent years of your life feeling unhappy with how your teeth look, feel, or function, we’ve got good news—you’re never too old to achieve a healthier, more confident smile! To learn more about the customized orthodontic care available to adults, keep reading below.

Why is orthodontics becoming more popular with adults? 

Most of our adolescent patients undergo orthodontic treatment because their parents have chosen it for them after consulting with Dr. Wood. Younger patients are certainly able to understand the importance of treatment and are thrilled with the final results! However, the truth is that adults will often have a better understanding of how a healthier smile can positively impact their lives. 

Adults also tend to be more aware of the ways our oral health can impact our total body health. This leads many of them to seek out dental or orthodontic treatment that will keep their teeth and gums in the best possible shape! As an adult patient, you’ll be able to truly grasp what orthodontic treatment is: an investment of your time and finances that will pay off with a beautiful smile, improved health, and increased self-confidence.

Improving your oral health with orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is incredibly effective at straightening teeth, but the benefits don’t stop there! Crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause excess wear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to chronic headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck. 

Orthodontic treatment will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Not only that but braces and aligners can protect you from the onset of serious oral health problems in the future! This can mean serious financial savings, which is something that tends to be appreciated by adult patients who are on a budget.

Treatment that fits your budget

There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! Achieving a confident smile is more affordable than ever, thanks to a variety of innovative treatment options. Oread Orthodontics offers flexible payment options to suit every budget, including interest-free installment plans. Multiple family discounts may also apply. 

For your convenience, we accept most credit and debit cards. We can even set up monthly auto payments from your bank! If you have a Flexible or Health Savings Account or insurance coverage, we’ll be sure to take this into account as well. We’ll even help you file any claims if you intend to use insurance to cover your treatment. And don’t worry— we’ll ensure you fully understand every fee included in your treatment plan before we move forward with fitting you for braces or aligners. 

Treatment options for every lifestyle

Not so long ago, there weren’t many choices for anyone looking to improve their smile. Today we have multiple ways to align the teeth and jaws! Our practice is proud to offer the following treatment options for a complete smile transformation.

Invisalign®

No brackets and wires are required to move the teeth with this innovative system! Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to help patients achieve a healthier smile. These customized aligners are completely removable, offering patients an extra measure of freedom, flexibility, and comfort. 

Patient compliance is an essential part of treatment with Invisalign—the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the orthodontic process. They’re also designed to be switched out with the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues. 

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance for a reason—they are a highly effective and fairly inexpensive method of successfully correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. Though they’ve been around for a long time now, braces have undergone a major makeover in recent years. They’re far more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing than previous designs were! Metal braces are one of our most cost-efficient options and can be particularly useful in cases that are complex or severe. 

Clear braces

Sometimes called ceramic braces, clear braces function in the same way metal braces do but come with the added benefit of clear brackets. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored bands, they’re an incredibly subtle way to straighten the teeth! Because they’re far less visible than their metal counterparts, clear braces are popular with image-conscious teens and adults. The ceramic brackets are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than the metal ones, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth. 

Get the smile you deserve with Oread Orthodontics

Every treatment option will have its own list of pros and cons, and not every treatment will be suitable for every patient. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Wood guarantees you’ll receive only the best treatment for your unique smile!  

If you’ve been waiting to take the first step towards a healthier smile, the last thing you want is cookie-cutter treatment. Our team creates individualized treatment plans for each patient, building a plan that’s based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. 

Our goal is to give you a rewarding and stress-free experience, from your first visit to your last. We want you to feel right at home from the moment you walk through our door, and we work hard to provide patients with a warm and welcoming environment. 

Are you ready to get started on the confident smile you deserve? Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation at our offices in Lawrence or Topeka!