In the last several years, the team here at Serrano Orthodontics has seen an increasing number of adults looking to improve with orthodontic treatment. Many of them come to us after years of feeling uncomfortable with the way their teeth look and feel, and most worry that it may be too late to do anything about that. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! You’re never too old to benefit from the customized orthodontic care we offer. Keep reading below to learn more about how adult treatment can transform your smile!
What are the benefits of adult orthodontic treatment?
Most of our adolescent patients are in braces or clear aligners because their parents have chosen these treatments for them. While they’re often able to understand why this process is important for their smile, adults tend to have a much better understanding of how beneficial a healthy mouth can be.
This is due in part to adults being more aware of the many ways oral health is intertwined with total body health. They know that regular dental care and orthodontic treatment can have a positive impact on the teeth, gums, and whole body, too! Most adult patients are able to see orthodontic treatment for what it truly is: an emotional and financial investment that can pay off in a big way with a smile that’s healthier, happier, and much more confident!
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults?
It’s no secret that orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a straighter smile, but the benefits go beneath the surface, too. When your teeth are crooked or crowded, they can be difficult to clean properly. This increases the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. If the teeth and jaws are misaligned, it can also cause excess wear on the enamel. Over time, this may lead to chronic headaches or pain in the face, neck, or jaw.
Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners will help to reduce or eliminate these symptoms. They can also protect adult patients from more serious oral issues in the future. This will often translate into a healthier smile and long-term financial savings! What adult on a budget wouldn’t appreciate that?
What treatment options are available to adult orthodontic patients?
There’s never been a better time to be an adult orthodontic patient, thanks to a wide range of affordable treatment options. Up until recent times, there were very few options for anyone looking to improve the look and feel of their teeth. Now we have multiple ways to give patients a smile that’s beautiful and functional! Serrano Orthodontics is proud to offer the following treatment options for a total smile transformation.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance, and come with a proven track record of success. They efficiently treat a variety of orthodontic issues and can be particularly useful in cases that are more severe or complex. While braces have been around for a long time, they have undergone some impressive changes in recent years. Today’s metal braces are far more comfortable, effective, and affordable than previous designs were.
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way metal braces do, but they come with the added benefit of clear brackets. This offers an incredibly subtle way to straighten teeth, especially when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics. The ceramic brackets we use with clear braces are slightly larger and a bit more brittle than metal brackets, so we are more likely to use them on the upper front teeth than the lower teeth. Because they are much less visible than metal brackets, clear braces tend to be a popular choice with our teen and adult patients.
Invisalign
Instead of brackets, wires, and bands, the innovative Invisalign system uses a series of customized clear aligners to shift the teeth over time. The aligners are designed to be removed when a patient is eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing their teeth. This gives them an extra measure of freedom and flexibility that our patients love!
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 to successfully straighten smiles. Patients are also responsible for switching each aligner out with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This allows them to keep up with the movements their teeth are making. When worn as directed, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Find the best fit for your smile with Serrano Orthodontics
Like anything else in life, every treatment option will come with its own list of pros and cons. That means that not every treatment we offer will be suitable for all patients. This is the biggest reason why we encourage adults interested in improving their oral health to work with an orthodontist who is highly skilled and experienced. That’s where Dr. Serrano comes in!
You’ll never receive cookie-cutter treatment here at Serrano Orthodontics. Instead, Dr. Serrano will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. This personalized treatment plan guarantees a rewarding orthodontic journey and results you’ll love.
Our expert team works hard to provide patients of all ages with a stress-free experience, from the first visit to the last—and beyond! Orthodontic treatment with our practice is not only a smart investment in a better smile, but will enhance your physical, emotional, and oral health as well. Are you ready to take the first step towards a more confident smile? Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Serrano!