Have you spent a lifetime feeling self-conscious about the way your smile looks and feels? If you’re used to hiding your smile away from the world, you may have resigned yourself to simply doing that forever. After all, you’ve spent this many years with orthodontic issues—is there any point in correcting them now? Has the opportunity for a straighter smile and improved oral health passed you by?
In short: yes! And no! Orthodontic treatment is about more than improving the cosmetic appearance of your smile, as there are multiple health benefits to it as well. This is something that patients of all ages can benefit from, and more adults than ever before are realizing this. We can see that in the increasing number of orthodontic patients seeking treatment later in life, with about 1 in every 5 current patients over the age of 18.
Whatever your age, expert orthodontic care is something you can still take advantage of. Keep reading below to learn more about adult orthodontic treatment with Wilson Orthodontics and how we can help you achieve a beautiful smile you’ll be proud of!
The American Association of Orthodontists actually surveyed a number of adult patients to get some insight into what was driving their desire for orthodontic treatment. As it turns out, there were several factors, which we’ve outlined here.
Understanding the importance of a healthy smile
Even though children and teens may understand the importance of orthodontic treatment and love how the final results look, adult patients will usually have a much better understanding of how treatment can positively impact their lives.
Part of this has to do with how we better understand the ways our oral health and overall health are linked as we get older. This often leads to adult patients seeking out dental or orthodontic treatment to help keep their teeth and gums healthy and their mouths fully functional. As an adult patient, you’ll be able to really embrace orthodontic treatment as a long-term investment that pays big dividends in self-confidence and personal health.
Speaking of personal health…
It’s easy to appreciate the way orthodontics can improve the appearance of your smile, but the health benefits are pretty impressive, too! Crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health problems.
Similarly, misalignment can cause excess wear and tear on the teeth and enamel, which may lead to headaches, jaw aches, and pain in the face and neck. Orthodontic treatment can reduce or eliminate these symptoms, giving you a healthy smile that feels good, too.
Taking care of orthodontic issues now can decrease the likelihood of serious oral health problems in the future. That can translate into big financial savings, something that is very much appreciated among adult patients who have a budget to balance! Besides improving your oral health, treatment can help you overcome or avoid frustrating issues like teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorder.
An exciting variety of treatment options
Modern orthodontic treatments are more affordable and convenient than ever before thanks to innovative technology and financing options to fit every family’s budget. At Wilson Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans and low- to zero-interest financing options, with a paid-in-full discount as well. There are also additional payment options through third-party financing companies. If your dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment, our office will be happy to help you file your insurance claims and paperwork.
With treatment options evolving considerably over the years, adult patients can now choose the appliance that makes the most sense for their unique smile and goals. Wilson Orthodontics is proud to offer the following treatments to our adult patients!
Metal Braces
Today’s metal braces are nothing like they used to be! The brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth. Thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even add a pop of personality into your treatment journey by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces are usually the most economical treatment option and are ideal for patients who have more serious or complex cases.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend in better with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide a very subtle way to straighten your teeth! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they are more prone to breakage than metal brackets. They also tend to be a bit more costly than metal braces. For this reason, we usually only recommend them for our teen and adult patients. Clear braces can be an excellent option for adults who want the benefits of traditional metal braces with a more subtle appearance.
Invisalign clear aligner system
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces, and allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases of the most common orthodontic issues and can be just as effective as braces when worn as directed.
With so many affordable treatment options to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the best fit for your unique smile, lifestyle, and goals here at Wilson Orthodontics! Our expert team can give you a beautiful smile that will boost your self-confidence and nurture good oral health.
If you’re in Frisco or the surrounding communities and want to learn more about our adult orthodontic options, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Wilson. You deserve a smile you can be proud of, and we can help you achieve just that!