Adult Orthodontics at Stellar Smiles Ortho
Adult braces, or orthodontics, have become increasingly popular as more people seek to improve their smile and overall dental health later in life. While many associate braces with teenagers, adults can also benefit from straightening their teeth. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons, such as enhancing appearance, or for functional purposes like correcting bite issues, adult braces is a great solution.
Why Should I Get Braces as An Adult?
These treatments not only boost self-confidence but also help prevent long-term dental issues, such as gum disease or tooth wear, by ensuring proper alignment. With advancements in orthodontic technology, adult braces are now more discreet and comfortable than ever, making them a viable option for people of all ages.
Why You May Definitely Need Orthodontic Treatment
No matter how old you are, there may be more than one reason to choose braces as an adult. Unlike the widespread perception that your teeth’s appearance is the only factor in determining the need for orthodontic treatment, we look for several issues during an evaluation. These factors may qualify you for orthodontic treatment.
Signs that may indicate you need orthodontic care include:
- Crowded or spaced teeth
- Difficulty chewing food
- Underbite or overbite
- Mouth breathing
- Severe grading and clinching
- Jaws that make sounds, shift, protrude with pain
- Disproportionate jaws compared to the rest of the face
Experience Greater Comfort Through the Latest Orthodontic Appliances
Our team uses the latest appliance and innovative technology to provide you with the most comfortable teeth straightening options on the market. We offer a full suite of treatments and help you find the options that fit your specific case. During your consultation, Dr. J will take you through the procedures that will best work for you. Our treatments available for adults include:
Traditional Braces: Metal braces are a very effective treatment that has been around for a very long time (think Ancient Egyptians). Our Doctor will attach brackets to the surface of each tooth and link them with a wire. The wire is tightened to generate light tension, which helps to shift the teeth into the proper position.
Technology Braces: Technology braces, sometimes called self-ligating or iBraces, use unique and advanced technology to get results more quickly than traditional braces. This system uses lighter wires and shape-memory, which don’t need tightening. It reduces friction by using a sliding mechanism without the need for elastics, ties.
Overbite and Underbite Appliances: Our practice offers advanced treatments to fix your overbite or underbite issues by combining braces and appliances.
“Clear” also called ceramic braces work very similarly to metal braces but a ceramic material is used for the brackets instead of the metal that you would find on traditional brackets. The ceramic material makes the braces blend in with the natural color of your teeth so the braces aren’t as noticeable as their metal counterparts. Since “clear” braces are noticeably less visible, they are a popular option for many adults who started getting orthodontic treatment at a more mature age or for children and teens who don’t want to draw attention to the fact that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Retainers: This is the final and most critical step in your treatment. Once your teeth are correctly aligned, we use a customized retainer to ensure that teeth do not move back to their old position. You will then enjoy your hard-earned smile for life!
What Type of Retainers Do You Offer?
Stellar Smiles Ortho provides the most effective and reliable teeth retention plan available. Our practice offers two styles of retainers:
- The ‘invisible” clear, transparent plastic material retainers are digitally produced using a 3D scanner to create an initial 3D model, which is then created using a 3D printer. The 3D printed model is very durable, and accurate recording even the details.
- The fixed or “permanent” retainer is a thin wire bonded (glued) to the backside of the teeth and so is not visible. They are permanent and provide you with excellent results and confident smiles.
How Long Does It Take to Get Straight Teeth?
Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from a few months up to several years, depending on the severity of your case and other factors like your age and the treatment method used. Before initiating treatment, Dr. J will set your expectations by giving you an estimate for your treatment length that will fit your mouth, teeth and goals.
How Often Do I Have to Visit the Orthodontist?
Since we use the latest technology you are able to come see us every 8+ weeks for routine checkups and maintenance to ensure your treatment progress is progressing on pace with your treatment time.
Top 5 Things to Know Before Getting Braces
It is worth knowing more about the process before committing to wearing braces. Even though the factors below are important, it is essential to realize that the braces you choose might make some of these factors less of a challenge:
- Commitment: It is not about wearing braces only. Your treatment will work best if you put time and effort into caring for your teeth and gums, avoiding foods that would break off your braces, keeping our appointments and following the Doctor’s instruction closely.
- Cost: Our pricing is very competitive. We give comparable prices to the “treat yourself at home” options available on the market while providing full supervision, better results, and higher safety. We are honest and will make sure to provide you with effective, long-lasting, and affordable options to get the best value for your money.
- Lifestyle Change: The type of braces you use can impact your lifestyle. When using traditional braces, you may need to avoid certain foods or wear a mouthguard when exercising. But it’s so worth it!
Braces Improve Your Confidence
Orthodontic braces can significantly boost an adult’s confidence by enhancing the appearance of their smile. Many adults feel self-conscious about crooked or misaligned teeth, which can affect their social interactions and self-esteem. Braces help straighten teeth, resulting in a more attractive, harmonious smile that leads to a positive change in how individuals perceive themselves. As the treatment progresses, adults often notice increased self-assurance, allowing them to smile more freely and feel more comfortable in both personal and professional settings. This improvement in self-confidence can have a lasting, positive impact on their overall well-being and quality of life.
Care Instructions When Wearing Traditional Braces
We cannot stress enough how crucial it is to brush and floss efficiently with braces. If your dental hygiene is inadequate, it could lead to food getting trapped in your dental brackets, raising your chances of developing cavities or gum disease.
When you first start using braces, it can be a bit tricky to brush your teeth. However, as you get used to them, you will quickly learn how to clean all surfaces of your teeth. We have excellent recommendations that can help make your brushing routine easier:
- Any toothbrush will work for braces-wearers (manual or electric all good!)
- Use a floss threader. This is a flexible plastic needle that allows you to thread the floss between your teeth easily
- You can also use a water flosser for easier flossing
You Are Never Too Old to Get an Appealing Smile!
No matter how old you are, orthodontics is suitable for every age. With the latest types of braces becoming more comfortable and less obtrusive, more adults are opting for teeth straightening.
The FREE Consultation
Our practice provides a free initial in-depth consultation. This consultation includes digital photographs, panoramic x-rays, and a 3D scan for smile simulation if required, all for free. At Stellar Smiles Ortho, we offer you a variety of options to suit your individual needs, preferences, and budget.