What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word orthodontics? If it was something along the lines of a teenager wearing bulky metal braces, you’re not alone! This stereotype has had some serious staying power over the years, leading many to wonder “Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?” Because of this, many people don’t realize that orthodontic treatment can have a multitude of benefits for patients of all ages – including adults! We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of adult patients looking to straighten their smile and correct orthodontic issues they’ve dealt with for years.
With about 1 in every 5 orthodontic patients currently over the age of 18, there’s never been a better time to explore how Oread Orthodontics can transform your smile! If you’ve spent a lifetime feeling unhappy or self-conscious about how your teeth look or function, we offer a variety of treatment options to correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Let’s take a look at what orthodontics is and how it can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry. Therefore, an orthodontist is a dentist who has also received years of additional education and training in:
- identifying and correcting bite abnormalities
- successfully straightening teeth
- correcting misaligned jaws
- and improving the overall function of the mouth.
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Brent Wood work to diagnose, treat, and prevent dental and facial abnormalities. When these types of issues go untreated, they can worsen over time, leading to premature wear and tear on the teeth, gum tissue, and bone. This may lead to pain in your face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. Orthodontists can diagnose and treat these types of issues, which can improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
Why are more adults choosing orthodontic treatment?
There are several reasons for more adults exploring orthodontic treatment in recent years. Oftentimes, as we begin getting older, we gain a better understanding of how our oral health is directly related to our total body health. For some people, this knowledge spurs them to take action by seeking out dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to better care for their teeth and gums.
Many adult patients have also started orthodontic treatment earlier in life that was never completed, and they now want to finish the process. Touch-up treatment is extremely common, as well. Teeth that were straightened in a patient’s younger years can shift over time due to age, genetics, or improper retainer use. In these cases, we have multiple ways to treat the patient, including monitoring the teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
Then there are the adults who have never had treatment before but are simply looking to improve the cosmetic appearance of their smile. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem, and may even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. Whatever your reason for seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult, you have our support!
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
When you decide to pursue orthodontic treatment, you’ll have more options available than ever before! Oread Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a total smile transformation.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Clear braces
Here at Oread Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer Clarity Advance Clear braces! These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and for an almost invisible treatment option, can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Or you can use neon bands to show off some personality with your treatment!
Invisalign® clear aligner therapy
Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign® system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth.
Any of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! Dr. Wood will always take your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals into account before recommending the treatment method he feels would work best for your smile.
Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of with Oread Orthodontics
You won’t find any cookie-cutter treatments here at Oread Orthodontics! We know that every smile is unique and what works best for one patient may not be the best fit for another. This is one reason it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Wood. He will create a customized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, giving you a rewarding orthodontic experience and superior results that last.
Our talented team is committed to providing patients of all ages with the latest in orthodontic techniques and technology. Dr. Wood has been creating award-winning smiles in Topeka, and Lawrence, and the surrounding communities for years and would love to do the same for you! If you’re ready to take the first step towards achieving the smile you’ve always wanted, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Wood.