What do you think about when you think of orthodontic treatment? If you think of teenagers in metal braces, you may not realize that patients of all ages can benefit from a straighter smile. In fact, we’ve seen more and more adults in recent years who are looking to transform their smile and correct issues they’ve been struggling with for years. If you’ve been unhappy or self-conscious about how your teeth look or function, and wondering, “am I too old for braces?”, this is the perfect time to explore how Damon Smiles Orthodontics can help!
Dr. Szymanowski and the rest of our talented team are proud to offer various treatment options to correct problems like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what orthodontics actually is, what treatment options are available for adult patients, and how Damon Smiles Orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Keep reading to learn more!
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty. 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.
An experienced orthodontist can diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. These issues can cause more severe problems later on, such as premature wear and tear on your teeth, gum tissue, and bone if left untreated. This may result in pain to the face and neck area, headaches, and even difficulties with chewing or speaking. A good orthodontist will be able to diagnose and treat these types of issues, which will improve the function and appearance of your smile.
Why are more adults now looking into orthodontic treatment?
We understand that you have your own, unique reasons for seeking out orthodontic treatment. Everyone does! For many adults, a better understanding of how oral health connects to total body health. Understanding this can inspire many adults to seek our dental or orthodontic treatment that will allow them to take better care of their teeth and gums.
Or, you may be like many other patients who had incomplete treatment earlier in life and would like to finish the process now. 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, there are multiple treatment options available, including monitoring your teeth, providing new retainers, or re-treating with braces or aligners.
We also see a lot of adults who haven’t had treatment before but are finally able to improve their appearance with the smile they always wanted. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem, and may even have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. We fully support any reason you may have to look into orthodontic treatment for yourself because you’re never too old for braces!
What treatment options are available for adult patients?
Whatever your reasons for reaching out to an orthodontist, there are more treatment options available than you may realize! Damon Smiles Orthodontics offers the following treatments for a total smile transformation.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the orthodontic stable we’re all familiar with. As one of the most efficient treatments for severe and complicated cases, modern braces can offer shorter treatment times at a lower price than some other options. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions.
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. For an almost invisible treatment option, they can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for image-conscious patients. Still, because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Lingual Braces
Incognito braces use state of the art technology to provide genuinely invisible treatment that’s also comfortable. It is the only 100% customized and 100% invisible fixed appliance system available. No one will know that you are wearing braces unless you tell them!
Invisalign clear aligners
Instead of brackets and bands, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. These are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth, and gently move them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft and comfortable clear plastic material. They are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth.
No matter which of these great options you choose, you can get a beautiful, healthy new smile even as a busy adult. Dr. Szymanowski will always consider your unique needs before recommending any treatment.
Get the smile you deserve with Damon Smiles Orthodontics
We’ll never treat you like a number at Damon Smiles Orthodontics. Every smile we great is unique and tells a special story. We know that what works for one patient may not work for another. This is one reason it’s so important to choose an experienced orthodontist you trust. Our talented team will create a customized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs. You can count on us for a stress-free orthodontic experience and superior results that last!
Our Sacramento, CA offices are committed to providing patients of all ages with the latest in orthodontic technique and technology. We’ve been creating beautiful smiles in our community 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 dreamed of, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
Posted by
Dr. Szymanowski